American Journal of Environmental Protection, 2023, Vol. 11, No. 1, 25-33 Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/env/11/1/4 Published by Science and Education Publishing DOI:10.12691/env-11-1-4 Characterization of Cornstarch-Based Bioplastic Reinforced with Three Different Species of Bamboo Shoots Valerie Joyce A. Casiño, Nathanael Q. Delos Reyes Jr. * , Rolando Y. Casas, Ian Jay P. Saldo, Mary Jade Peñafiel-Dandoy Integrated Basic Education Department, San Isidro College, Impalambong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, 8700 Philippines *Corresponding author: Received May 15, 2023; Revised June 17, 2023; Accepted June 26, 2023 Abstract The increasing demand for eco-friendly products has led to the development of bioplastics as a substitute for conventional petroleum-based plastics. This study aimed to assess the properties of cornstarch-based bioplastics reinforced with three species of bamboo shoots: Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa vulgaris var. striata, and Bambusa blumeana. The properties investigated included tensile strength, water solubility, biodegradability, water absorption, and moisture content. A comparison was also made between the reinforced bioplastics and pure cornstarch bioplastic. The results revealed that the inclusion of shredded bamboo shoots significantly influenced the characteristics of the cornstarch-based bioplastic. Among the tested bioplastics, the one reinforced with B. vulgaris exhibited the highest tensile strength (ranging from 2703.37 Pa to 3341.2 Pa), while the unreinforced bioplastic had the lowest strength. Water solubility was lowest in the bioplastic reinforced with B. vulgaris (45.52%), and highest in the one reinforced with B. vulgaris var. striata (59.58%). The unreinforced bioplastic had the highest biodegradability (63.89%), while the reinforced bioplastic with B. vulgaris had the lowest (36.62%). Furthermore, the bioplastic reinforced with B. blumeana exhibited the highest water absorption (157.36%), and the moisture content was 15.56% for B. blumeana and 9.39% for B. vulgaris var. striata. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in water solubility, tensile strength, and moisture content between the various bioplastics. However, significant differences were observed in biodegradability and water absorption. Overall, the cornstarch- based bioplastic reinforced with B. vulgaris var. striata demonstrated the most desirable properties, including good tensile strength, high water solubility, good biodegradability, average water absorption, and low moisture content. This study highlights the potential of bioplastics as an environmentally friendly solution, while emphasizing the need for further investigation and improvement in their utilization and ecological qualities. Keywords: absorption of water, bamboo shoots, biodegradability, glycerol, moisture content, starch-based bioplastic, tensile strength, water solubility Cite This Article: Valerie Joyce A. Casiño, Nathanael Q. Delos Reyes Jr., Rolando Y. Casas, Ian Jay P. Saldo, and Mary Jade Peñafiel -Dandoy, “Characterization of Cornstarch-Based Bioplastic Reinforced with Three Different Species of Bamboo Shoots.” American Journal of Environmental Protection, vol. 11, no. 1 (2023): 25- 33. doi: 10.12691/env-11-1-4. 1. Introduction Plastics are essential to both homes and commercial products in today's generation. Plastic is widely employed in many applications, including handbags, drink containers, toys, food packaging, components and containers, furniture, dress materials, and many more. The most extensive environmental pollution is produced by plastic waste as it is a synthetic material that is made using petroleum-based materials that are difficult to decompose in soil [1]. Due to the advantages such as durability, high tensile strength, and relatively low price of synthetic plastic, plastics are in high demand and remain widely used in food packaging. It is challenging to envision modern life without plastics due to the rapid increase in their creation and use and their increasing utility and significance [2]. Consumption of plastic has quadrupled during the past three decades due to the expansion of emerging markets. From 2000 to 2019, global plastics output increased to 460 million tons. 3.4% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions are caused by plastics [3]. Numerous issues arise as a result of the use of plastic, most notably pollution. Therefore, this research was done to develop an alternative to plastic to minimize the load on our existing waste systems and the environment. This research was conducted to develop environmentally biodegradable plastics and use bamboo shoots that are typically discarded. Plastics are causing an increasing number of environmental problems, so people are now more interested in making and spreading bioplastics. Plastics are