Project Proposal: From Peel to Product: Creating Bioplastic from Banana Peels

Project Proposal: From Peel to Product: Creating Bioplastic from Banana Peels

Submitted to: The Academic Committee

Date: July 8, 2025

Project ID: SC-2025-08B

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1. Group Member Information

• Group Leader: [Insert Name]
• Group Members: [Insert Names]
• Grade Level: 8
• Science Teacher: [Insert Teacher's Name]

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2. Project Summary: Key Points

This project outlines the process of creating a biodegradable plastic-like material from banana peels. The core of the project involves two main phases:

• Cellulose Extraction: Chemically isolating pure cellulose, a natural polymer, from waste banana peels.
• Bioplastic Formation: Transforming the extracted cellulose powder into a flexible, gel-based bioplastic that can be molded into a small bag.

Figure 1. A visual representation of the project's two-phase methodology, illustrating the key stages from raw banana peels to a finished bioplastic product.

This experiment explores a sustainable method for upcycling food waste into a useful and environmentally friendly product.

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3. Introduction & Rationale

With growing concerns about plastic pollution, finding sustainable alternatives is a critical scientific challenge. Banana peels, a common form of food waste, are rich in cellulose, a strong natural polymer that can be used to create bioplastics. This project aims to demonstrate a viable and eco-friendly process for converting this waste material into a useful bioplastic gel. By successfully creating a small bag from banana peels, we hope to showcase the potential of organic waste as a resource for creating biodegradable materials.

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4. Phase 1: Extracting Cellulose from Banana Peels

This phase details the procedure for isolating cellulose from raw banana peels.

Figure 2. A visual guide to the essential laboratory equipment and chemical reagents required for the chemical extraction and purification of cellulose from banana peels.

4.1. Materials for Extraction

• 1000 grams of fresh banana peels
• Blender
• Sieve
• 250 cm³ Beaker
• Water bath
• Incubator or Oven
• Aluminum foil
• Filter paper
• 55% ethanol solution
• 15% sodium hydroxide solution
• Hydrogen peroxide solution

4.2. Step-by-Step Extraction Procedure

1. Preparation and Drying: Weigh 1000 grams of fresh banana peels. The peels are then cleaned to remove impurities. Place the clean peels in an incubator at

50°C for 10 hours to reduce moisture.

2. Blending and Sieving: Blend the dried peels into a fine powder. Sieve the mixture to separate the finer particles, collecting approximately

20 grams of the fine powder.

3. Ethanol Treatment: Place the 20 grams of sieved powder into a beaker and add 100 cm³ of 55% ethanol solution. Cover the beaker with aluminum foil and place it in a water bath at

50°C for 24 hours. This step removes sugars and pigments. The mixture is then filtered and the solid residue is washed with water.

4. Removing Lignin and Hemicellulose: Transfer the washed residue to a clean container and add 150 cm³ of 15% sodium hydroxide solution. Place this mixture in a water bath at

50°C for another 24 hours to remove lignin and hemicellulose.

5. Bleaching the Cellulose: Filter the mixture again and wash the residue with water until the filtrate has a neutral pH. Add 100 cm³ of hydrogen peroxide to the residue and let it stand for

three hours to bleach and decolorize the cellulose.

6. Final Drying: After a final filtration and washing to remove the hydrogen peroxide , the purified cellulose is placed in an oven at

50°C for 5 hours to dry completely.

7. Final Weighing: Weigh the final dried cellulose powder to determine the yield from the initial 1000 grams of banana peels.

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5. Phase 2: Creating a Cellulose Gel and Bag

This phase outlines how to use the extracted cellulose powder to create a bioplastic gel.

5.1. Materials for Gel Formation

• Extracted cellulose powder
• Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)
• Glycerol
• Warm water (

60-70°C)

• Stirring equipment
• Mould

Figure 3. The procedural flowchart for transforming purified cellulose powder into a flexible bioplastic gel, followed by molding, drying, and final product formation

5.2. Step-by-Step Gel Formation Procedure

1. Prepare the Base: Heat water to between 60°C and 70°C. Add

1-2 teaspoons of Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a binder, to the warm water and stir. The amount can be adjusted to change the gel's viscosity.

2. Add Cellulose: Add 1-2 teaspoons of the extracted banana peel cellulose powder to the mixture. This can be adjusted to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Incorporate Plasticizer: Add 1 teaspoon of glycerol. Glycerol acts as a plasticizer, which will make the final product more flexible and prevent it from cracking.
4. Thicken and Set: Stir the mixture thoroughly until all components are dissolved and allow it to stand and thicken.
5. Molding and Drying: Pour the final mixture into a mould. Place the mould in an oven or incubator at

50°C for 24 hours to allow the gel to dry and set into a solid, flexible sheet.

6. Forming the Bag: Once the gel is fully dried, it can be carefully removed from the mould and shaped into the final product, such as a small bag.

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6. Expected Outcomes

We expect to successfully extract a measurable quantity of pure, light-colored cellulose from 1000 grams of banana peels. We anticipate that the resulting cellulose gel will be a flexible, durable bioplastic material that can be successfully molded and dried to form a small, functional bag. This project will serve as a proof-of-concept for creating sustainable bioplastics from food waste.

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7. Safety Precautions

• Safety goggles and gloves must be worn during all chemical handling and heating steps.
• Adult supervision is required, especially when handling chemical solutions like sodium hydroxide and when using heating equipment such as ovens and water baths.
• Ensure proper ventilation when working with chemicals.
• Handle hot beakers and equipment with appropriate tongs or heat-resistant gloves.