Abstract :
This thesis aims to develop a bioplastic derived from corn starch as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The motivation for this research stems from the limited availability of petroleum resources in Ethiopia, as petroleum is a nonrenewable material that must be imported, often at high costs. Furthermore, petroleum-based plastics are non-biodegradable and have been linked to environmental pollution and potential health hazards, including carcinogenic risks. In contrast, the proposed bioplastic offers a renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly solution by utilizing locally available agricultural resources, specifically corn. To ensure the economic viability of the project and to avoid competition with food resources, the study proposes integrating bioplastic production with existing corn oil industries in Ethiopia. Corn oil producers typically extract oil from the germ of the corn kernel, while the remaining components—often discarded as waste or used as low-value animal feed (despite concerns over SO?-induced acidification during steeping)—could be repurposed as a raw material for starch extraction. Experimental work was conducted at the Chemical Engineering Laboratory of Wolkite University. The study investigated the effects of key process parameters—including temperature, residence time, and glycerin concentration—on the properties of the bioplastic. The resulting bioplastic was characterized through tensile strength testing, water absorption measurements, and biodegradability assessments. The results demonstrated that tensile strength increased with processing temperature, while water absorption decreased under the same conditions, indicating improved material performance at higher temperatures. The biodegradability tests confirmed the environmentally friendly nature of the material. An economic analysis of the process showed that the proposed bioplastic production is financially feasible, with a calculated payback period of 1.33 years. Overall, this research presents a viable pathway for replacing petroleum-based plastics in Ethiopia with locally produced, biodegradable bioplastics, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic self-reliance.
Keyword :
Corn Starch, Plastic, Bio-plastic, Petroleum products