INTRODUCTION

Varnish is a transparent liquid used to add luster and smoothness on the surface of the
wood. It is commonly used in furnishing of wood or lumber-made furniture.

This study aimed to produce varnish from trash materials - used plastic bottles. Instead of
throwing these things, it can be recycled and utilized to produce useful materials. Since plastic
bottles are made of plastic, it has properties that help protect and add luster to wooden

surfaces.

This research study can contribute to the solution of garbage problems since plastic is the
common garbage and does not decompose. If these plastics are burned for disposal, it can cause
damage to the ozone layer and to our health. The varnish produced can be used to protect
unvarnished wooden surfaces and restore old furniture.

Statement of the Problem

This study would contribute to the solution of the problem of proper waste disposal. It
could also be of great help to the control of air and water pollution. The plastic bottles dissolved
in thinner would come out as a varnish that can be used to protect and add luster to old varnished
surface and furniture whose varnish has been tarnished. This study ended up answering these
questions:

1. What is the possibility of recycling plastic bottles?

2. How much varnish can be produced from used plastic bottles?

3. Which treatment can produce the best quality of varnish using plastic bottles in terms of

sensory properties such as odor, clarity, luster, texture and general acceptability of
varnish?

4. What is the best proportion of plastic bottles and acrylic thinner that will produce

varnish?

5. What are the effects of the produced varnish in wood and bamboo?
 ABSTRACT

The research study entitled “Production of Varnish out of Used Plastic Bottles” was
conducted at the Sampaguita Village, Brgy. Inocencio at Trece Martires City, Cavite from October
2011 to December 2011.

The objective of the study was to produce varnish out of used plastic bottles. In addition,
it aimed to determine the possibility of recycling plastic bottles to produce varnish and the quality
of the varnish produced.

The varnish was prepared in four different proportions of amounts of plastic bottles and
thinner such as T1-40 g of plastic bottles and 700 mL thinner; T2, T3; and T4 sensory properties
such as odor, clarity, texture, luster and general acceptability of the varnish were evaluated by 20
respondents.

The percentage yields of the varnish produced of the four treatments is greatest in treatment
IV which yielded 25.71% or 180 mL of varnish.

Treatment IV had obtained the best result in terms of all the sensory properties: odor,
clarity, luster, texture and general acceptability. In terms of odor, it smelled pleasant; in terms of
clarity, it is very clear; in terms of luster, it is very glossy and in terms of texture it is very smooth.
Considering the results of the sensory properties, it could be concluded that Treatment 4 is highly
acceptable by the respondents.

The researchers recommend using softer kind of plastic such as plastic cups since it is more
pliable that makes it melt faster for more time-saving and convenience. The researchers also
propose the continuous recycling of plastic materials to be done to produce useful products such
as varnish to help the industry and also the environment. Moreover, the researcher would like to
advocate that the varnish produced from plastic materials be further explored for its
commercialization.
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Varnish

Varnish is a transparent, hard, protective finish or film primarily used in wood finishing
but also, for other materials. Varnish is traditionally a combination of a drying oil, any a
combination of a drying oil, a resin, and a thinner or solvent. Varnish finishes are usually glossy
but may be designed to produce same semi-gloss sheens by the addition of "flatting" agents.
Varnish has little or no color, is transparent, and has no added pigment, as opposed to paints or
wood stains, which contain pigment and generally range from opaque to translucent. Varnishes are
also applied over wood stains as a final step to achieve a film for gloss and protection. Some
products are marketed as a combined stain and varnish.

After being applied, the film-forming substances in varnishes either harden directly, as
soon as the solvent has fully evaporated, or harden after evaporation of the solvent through certain
curing processes, primarily chemical reaction between oils and oxygen from the air (autoxidation)
and chemical reactions between components of the varnish, Resin varnishes "dry" by evaporation
of the solvent and harden almost immediately upon drying. Acrylic and waterborne varnishes "dry"
upon evaporation of the water but experience an extended curing period. Oil, polyurethane, and
epoxy varnishes remain liquid even after evaporation of the solvent but quickly begin to cure,
undergoing successive stages from liquid or syrupy, to tacky or sticky, to dry gummy, to "dry to
the touch", too hard. Environmental factors such as heat and humidity play a very large role in the
drying and curing times of varnishes. In classic varnish the cure rate depends on the type of oil
used and, to some extent, on the ratio of oil to resin. The driving and curing time of all varnishes
may be sped up by exposure to an energy source such as sunlight, ultraviolet light, or heat. Many
varnishes rely on organic solvents, or on organic oils or resins for their binder; these are highly
flammable in their liquid state. All drying oils, certain alkyds, and many single-component
polyurethanes produce heat during the curing process. Therefore, oil-soaked rags and paper can
smolder or ignite hours after application if they are bunched or piled together, or, for example,
placed in a container where the heat cannot dissipate.
Polyurethane varnish

This varnish has been around for a long time and is used by many pysanka artists. It is
clear, relatively inexpensive (a small jar goes a very long way), and dries to a nice, clear satin or
gloss finish overnight. Brand names include Verathon and Minmax.

A disadvantage of polyurethane varnishes is that they yellow slightly with age, and do not
have UV protection. Since these varnishes were meant for wood products (furniture), slight
yellowing is considered a good thing by the makers. Different polyurethane varnishes have
different degrees of yellowing; it is best to ask at your hardware store for a recommendation, these
varnishes are very easy to apply: put a few drops of varnish in the palm of your hand (using a vinyl
glove makes clean-up much easier) and roll the egg around until it is evenly coated. It is best to
apply it lightly, to avoid drips and thick spots.

Spar Varnish

Spar varnish (also called marine varnish) is high quality, waterproof, and sunlight resistant
varnish named for its use on ship or boat spars and other woodwork where a glossy finish is
desired. Modified tung oil and phenolic resins are often used. Better grades of spar varnish have
substantially higher amounts of UV-absorbers added.

Production of Varnish

According to the study of Allan Coggins and Adele Beardsmore (1987) the colors of the
furniture’s were unstable over time. This is why she created a formula which produces a
transparent golden varnish that is very easy to prepare and has all the properties that we were
looking for. It does require further coloring with pigments, however – just prior to varnishing, the
materials used were four parts of linseed oil, two parts pine resin, one-part horse aloe. The said
study required these materials to be added on temperature to produce a varnish with golden color.
Plastic Bottles Construction

Plastic bottles are formed using a variety of technique using a variety of techniques. The
choice of material varies depending upon application.

High Density Polyethylene: HDPE is the most widely used resin for plastic bottles. This
material is economical, impact resistant, and provides a good moisture barrier. HDPE is
compatible with a wide range of products including acids and caustics but is not compatible with
solvents. It is supplied in FDA approved food grade. HDPE is naturally translucent and flexible.
The addition of color will make HDPE opaque although not glossy. HDPE lends itself readily to
silk screen decoration. While HDPE provides good protection at below freezing temperatures, it
cannot be used with products filled at over 160 °F (71 °C) or products requiring a hermetic
(vacuum) seal.

Low Density Polyethylene: LDPE is similar to HDPE in composition. It is less rigid and
generally less chemically resistant than HDPE but is more translucent. LDPE is used primarily for
squeeze applications. LDPE is significantly more expensive than HDPE.

Polyethylene Terephthalate: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE or polyester) is

commonly used for carbonated beverage and water bottles. PET provides very good alcohol and
essential oil barrier properties, generally good chemical resistance (although acetones and ketones
will attack PET) and a high degree of impact resistance and tensile strength. The orienting process
serves to improve gas and moisture barrier properties and impact strength. This material does not
provide resistance to high temperature applications—maximum temperature of 160 °F (71 °C).

Polyvinyl Chloride: PVC is naturally clear, has extremely good resistance to oils, and has
very low oxygen transmission. It provides an excellent barrier to most gases and its drop impact
resistance is also very good. This material is chemically resistant, but it is vulnerable to solvents.
PVC is an excellent choice for salad oil, mineral oil, and vinegar. It is also commonly used for
shampoos and cosmetic products. PVC exhibits poor resistance to high temperatures and will
distort at 160 °F (71 °C), making it incompatible with hot filled products.
 Polypropylene: Polypropylene (PP) is used primarily for jars and closures and provides
a rigid package with excellent moisture barrier. One major advantage of polypropylene is stability
at high temperatures, up to 200 °F. Polypropylene is autoclavable and potential for steam
sterilization. The compatibility of PP with high filling temperatures is responsible for its use with
hot fill products such as pancake syrup. PP has excellent chemical resistance, but provides poor
impact resistance in cold temperatures

Polystyrene (PS): Styrene offers excellent clarity and stiffness at an economical cost. It is
commonly used with dry products including vitamins, petroleum jellies, and spices. Styrene does
not provide good barrier properties and exhibits poor impact resistance.

Fluorine Treated HDPE: Bottles are exposed to fluorine gas in a secondary operation,
are similar in appearance to HDPE and have exceptional barrier properties to hydrocarbons and
aromatic solvents. Fluorine treated bottles are excellent for use with insecticides, pesticides,
herbicides, photographic chemicals, agricultural chemicals, household and industrial cleaners,
electronic chemicals, medical cleaners and solvents, citrus products, d-limone, flavors, fragrances,
essential oils, surfactants, polishes, additives, graffiti cleaning products, preemergent, stone and
tile care products, waxes, paint thinner, gasoline, biodiesel, xylene, acetone, kerosene and more.

For non-bottle applications, fluorination of plastic can provide compliance with state and
federal regulations. An example would be fluorination plastic fuel tanks used for lawn and garden
equipment, automobiles, etc.

Post-Consumer Resin (PCR): PCR is a blend of reclaimed natural HDPE (primarily from
milk and water containers) and virgin resin. The recycled material is cleaned, ground and
decompounded into uniform pellets along with prime virgin material especially designed to build
up environmental stress crack resistance. PCR has no odor but exhibits a slight yellow tint in its
natural state. This tint can be hidden by the addition of color. PCR is easily processed and
inexpensive. However, it cannot come into direct contact with food or pharmaceutical products.
PCR can be produced in a variety of recycled content percentages up to 100%.
 K-Resin SBC: K-resin is ideally suited to a wide variety of packaging applications by
virtue of its sparkling clarity, high gloss, and impact resistance. K-Resin, a styrene derivative, is
easily processed on polyethylene equipment. It is suitable for packaging many products but is
specifically incompatible with fats and unsaturated oils or solvents. This material is frequently
used for display and point-of-purchase packaging.

Plastic recycling

Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastics and reprocessing the
material into useful products, sometimes completely different in form from their original state. For
instance, this could mean melting down soft drink bottles and then casting them as plastic chairs
and tables. Typically, a plastic is not recycled into the same type of plastic, and products made
from recycled plastics are often not recyclable. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_recycling)

Paint thinner

Commercially, "paint thinner" is usually a name for mineral spirits. While painting or
making the paint of proper consistency by addition of thinner liquid there is an exposure to the
vapors. ACGIH has established Threshold Limit values (TLV) for most of these compounds. TLV
is defined as the maximum concentration in air which if breathed by a normal person (excludes
sensitive persons like children, aged population, pregnant women, diseased etch) in the course of
40 hours work (in US work conditions) per week, day after day through their work life without
long term ill effects. Normally in undeveloped world, workers work with much higher exposure
to these chemicals with consequent damage to their health.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_thinner)
 METHODOLOGY

Materials and Equipment’s

280 g of plastic bottles

Scissors

2.8 L acrylic thinner

Sticks

Dried bamboo

Unvarnished wood

Brush

Weighing Scale

Beaker

Casserole

Methods

1. Collection of materials and equipment’s. The PET bottles were gathered from
different households. The thinner was purchased from the nearest hardware. The weighing
scale and beaker were borrowed from the available sources.

2. Cleaning of Materials. The plastic bottles and containers that were used in the study
were washed and dried.
3. Preparation of the Materials. The plastic bottles were cut into small pieces. The
weighing scale was used to measure the weight of the plastic bottles and a beaker to
measure the amount of thinner.

4. Preparation of varnish from plastic bottles. The cleaned plastic bottles were weighed
for different treatments and replications. The thinner was measured using a beaker and was
poured into the casserole.

5. Heating of plastic bottles. The plastic bottles were added and heated over one
continuous stirring until the plastic bottles dissolve in the thinner. The varnish produce was
placed in the containers and sealed.

Research Design

The research design used in this study was the Randomized Complete Block Design

(RCBD). There were four treatments used.

T1-40 grams plastic bottles and 700 mL thinner

T2-60 grams plastic bottles and 700 mL thinner

T3 - 80 grams plastic bottles and 700 mL thinner

T4 - 100 grams plastic bottles and 700 mL thinner

Evaluation of the Treatments

Twenty respondents were randomly chosen to evaluate the four treatments of

produced varnish. They examined the said products and answered the evaluation form for
the sensory properties and acceptability of the treatments.

Data Gathering

The data gathered were percentage yield, sensory properties such as odor, clarity,

luster, texture and general acceptability of varnish. Percentage Yield was computed using

this formula

Percentage Yield: = Total amount of produced varnish (mL) x 100%

Total amount of solution

Statistical Analysis

The data gathered were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine

the difference among treatments.