Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region IV-A CALABARZON
Division of Batangas
Mabini District
MABINI CENTRAL SCHOOL

Soaring for greater ACHIEVEMENTS

Interfuse Dita Tree( Alstonia scholaris) and Mango Tree

( Mangifera indica) SAP as components in making
an Organic Roof Sealant

A Science Investigatory Project

(APPLIED SCIENCE)

Mabini Central School

Mabini Batangas

By:

ANGELO JOSEPH S. GONDA

Recommending Approval:

YSON O. ABARINTOS
Coach

Approved:

GILMA C. PORLEY
Principal III
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE............................................................................................................i

TABLE OF CONTENTS.........................................................................................ii

CHAPTER I ...........................................................................................................iii

 INTRODUCTION

 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

 SCOPE DELIMINATION AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

 HYPOTHESIS

CHAPTER II ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………IV

 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

CHAPTER III ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………V

 RESEARCH DESIGN

 DATA GATHERING

 PROCEDURE

 STATISTICAL TREATMENT
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the Study

Many materials use plastic parts, but require more strength and stiffness than plastic

alone offers. Metal parts are often too expensive, far exceed the necessarymechanical

properties, or are too heavy. Therefore, composite parts are becomingincreasingly popular.

Composite materials are composed of two parts: a resin/matrix and a fiber. The first

composite materials date back thousands of years to the time of the Egyptians – using large

fibers with mud (i.e. matrix) for brick building. In recent history, man‐made fibers and resins

have been created and used to make composite parts. One benefit of a composite material is

the designer can select from a wide display of resins and fibers. The mixture of different

resins and fibers lead to almost immeasurable distinct sets of properties. Therefore, the

composite designer can more precisely tailor the material for the application. Indeed, the

design of thematerial may be just as involved as the design of the product itself.

Fiberglass is the most well known and widely used man‐made fiber, and along with

polyester resin make up the largest portion of the composites market. Carbon fiber and

aramid fiber are two other man‐made fibers, and are used in higher‐end applications such as

advanced aircraft, bullet‐proof and heat resistant clothing, and sports equipment.

However, Natural fibers develop or occur in the fiber shape, and include those

produced by plants, animals, and geological processes recently natural fibers have gained

attention, and have become popular in products. Flax, coir, sisal, hemp, and jute are a few of

the most common of these natural fibers.

 Coir (/ˈkɔɪər/), or coconut fibre, is a natural fibre extracted from

the husk of coconut[1] and used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes and

mattresses. Coir is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer

coat of a coconut. Other uses of brown coir (made from ripe coconut) are in upholstery

padding, sacking and horticulture. White coir, harvested from unripe coconuts, is used for

making finer brushes, string, rope and fishing nets.This fibre consist of a chemical properties

of asbestos which is extremely durable and resistant to fire and most chemical reactions and

breakdowns.

1.1 Statement of the Problem

This study entitled “Coir (Coconut Husk) As Composite Materials for

Fiberglass” was conducted to determine the effectiveness of coconut fiber as a composite

fiberglass. Specifically, it also sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the properties of coconut fiber in terms of :

1.1. tensile strength;
1.2. moisture content;
2. How coconut fiber (coir) sustained in the following test :
2.1. fire reaction; and
2.2. heat absorption ability?
3. What chemical properties thus a coconut fiber (coir) suited for fiberglass.
4. Is there significant difference in the tensile ability of the coconut fibre(coir) and

commercial fiberglass.

1.2 Scope, Delimitation and Limitations of the Study

This investigatory project was conducted to determine coconut fiber as a composite

material for fiberglass

 Tensile strength test was determined using the Universal Testing Machine while

moisture content was examined through moisture meter.

The reaction on fire of the water hyacinth stalk was also observed in the school. The

data gathered was based on the 3 samples subjected to direct and same amount of fire from

alcohol lamp. The effect was observed on how long the coconut fiberglass can withstand the

fire in terms seconds.

The result of the heat absorption ability of the water hyacinth stalk was based on the

data gathered from . Observation was done in 12 hours that started at 5:00 in the morning and

end at 5:00 in the afternoon. The researchers used laboratory thermometer in observing the

temperature inside one close classroom.

1.3 Significance of the Study

Generally, to check the efficiency of coconut fiber as a composite for fiberglass the

main goal of the study which can decrease the use of other synthetic fiberglass. Furthermore,

it can be also additional use because of its economically and environmentally.

Specifically, this study may be considered beneficial to the following.

The Local Environmentalist

This study will maximize the planting of coconut and using all its fiber as fiberglass.

They will engage more in making plans to conserve other parts of the coconut which help in

the everyday lives of people.

Environment

This project will be beneficial to the environment because it promotes the use of

organic materials as fiberglass which making materials more durable.

Community

The community will be benefited by this study through giving the residents with livelihood

through developing the coconut fiberglass in their community and as a substitute of their

expensive fiberglass into this coconut fiberglass. It is environmentally friendly and can last

for more than a years.

Future Researchers

This research can serve as a reference in conceptualizing their own study. The

findings could also be used as the basis or support in their statements and concerns on their

study.

1.4 Hypothesis
There is no significant difference between the heat absorption ability of coconut fiber

(coir) and commercial fiberglass.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Among the high-performance materials, fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) is gradually

gaining acceptance from civil engineers. In recent years, research and development of fibres

and matrix materials and fabrication process related to construction industry have grown
rapidly. Their advantages over other construction materials are their high tensile strength to

weight ratio, ability to be moulded into various shapes and potential resistance to

environmental conditions, resulting in potentially low maintenance cost. These properties

make FRC composite a good alternative for innovative construction. Their application in

construction includes both upgrading existing structures and building new ones, which can

apply to various types of structure, for example offshore platforms, buildings and bridges

(Thou, 2015)

Coir (/ˈkɔɪər/), or coconut fibre, is a natural fibre extracted from the husk of coconut and

used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes and mattresses. Coir is the fibrous

material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. Other uses of

brown coir (made from ripe coconut) are in upholstery padding, sacking and horticulture.

White coir, harvested from unripe coconuts, is used for making finer brushes, string, rope and

fishing nets.[2]

Diya Maria Varghese, et. al., (2017) Coconut fibre is available in abundance at the

test site, which makes it quite viable as a reinforcement material in concrete. Further, it acts

as a new source of income for the coconut producer who gets the benefits of the new demand

generated by the construction industry. In addition to this, it is an effective method for the

disposal of coir mattress waste which will reduce the demand for additional waste disposal

infrastructure and decrease the load on existing landfills and incinerators. The problem of

high rate of water absorption of the fibre could be reduced by coating the fibres with oil.

Moreover the fibres being natural in origin is ecologically sustainable and can bring down the

global carbon footprint quite effectively.

(Bhatia, 2001) studied the usefulness of fibre reinforced concrete in various civil

engineering applications. Fibres include steel fibre, natural fibres and synthetic fibres-each of

which lends varying properties to the concrete. The study revealed that the fibrous material
increases the structural integrity. These studies made us adopt natural fibres which are

abundantly available and cheap.

(Chouw et al., 2012) studied the viability of using coconut-fibre ropes as vertical

reinforcement in mortar-free low cost housing in earth quake prone regions. The rope

anchorage is achieved by embedding it in the foundation and top tie-beams. The bond

between the rope and the concrete plays an important role in the stability of the structure and

the rope tensile strength is also found to be fairly high. The rope tension generated due to

earthquake loading should be less than both the pull out force and the rope tensile load to

avoid the structure collapse. The study concluded that the pull out energy increases with an

increase in embedment length, rope diameter, cement and fibre content in the matrix.

MICHAEL MAHER, ... MICHAEL RAVIV, in Soilless Culture, 2008 Coir is the name given

to the fibrous material that constitutes the thick mesocarp (middle layer) of the coconut fruit

(Cocos nucifera). The husk of the coconut contains approximately 75 per cent fibre and 25

per cent fine material, the so-called ‘coir pith’. Husks are often soaked in water to soften

them and facilitate grinding. Often the water used is brackish and this can increase the Na and

Cl levels. When the coconut husks are being processed, the coco dust is separated from the

fibre. The long fibres of coir extracted from the coconut husk are used in the manufacture of

industrial products, for example mats or ropes. Traditionally the dust and small fibres were

left behind and accumulated as a waste product.

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

3.1. Research Design

 This study utilized the experimental method of research. To determine the extent to

which different variables are related to each other in a definite samples.

Experimental Design

Figure 1 presents the experimental design of coir (coconut huh) as a composite

materials for fiberglass to prove its potentials.

1 trial Observation Comparison

Tensile strength 2 trial Observation Comparison

3trial Observation Comparison

Observation

1 trial Observation Comparison

1 trial 1 trial
Moisture Content 2 trial Observation Comparison
Comparison

Coir 3trial Observation Comparison

(Coconut Hush) on
Fiberglass Comparison
1 trial Observation

Fire Test 2 trial Observation Comparison

3trial Observation Comparison

1 trial Observation Comparison

Heat Absorption 2 trial Observation Comparison

2 trial 2 trial
3trial Observation Comparison

Figure 1. Experimental Design

3.2 Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers followed the subsequent steps in gathering data to prove that coir

(coconut husk) as a composite materials for fiberglass.

 The researchers informed the adviser about the study. Right after having the adviser’s

approval, they gathered necessary information from the experts that will help them in

conducting their study. With the adviser’s suggestions and corrections, the researchers

conducted experiment to determine the feasibility of coir (coconut husk) as fiberglass.

3.4. Procedure

A. Collecting Coconut

B. Removing the coconut husk or coir

C. Drying of the coconut husk or coir
D. Designing of fiberglass template

E. Making of Fiberglass

3.5. Statistical Treatment of Data

In determining the effectiveness of coir as a fiberglass the data will be analyzed using

SPSS 16.0 using the following statistical tools:

1. Mean – was used to determine the tensile strength, moisture content, fire reaction and

heat absorption ability of the coir fiberglass.

2. T-test – was used to determine the significant difference on the heat absorption ability

temperature .
3. 3. F-test – was used to determine the significant difference the heat absorption ability

of coir fiber glass to commercial fiberglass.

CHAPTER IV
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Based on the analysis, the following results were obtained.

1. Properties of Coir Coconut Fiberglass

 Table 1 shows the properties of Coir Coconut Fiberglass in terms of the tensile

strength.

TRIALS (in Newton)

SAMPLE AVERAGE
1 2 3

1 120.84 98.14 160.12 126.38

2 78.14 153.28 129.16 120.19

3 198.05 116.14 110.09 106.07

TOTAL AVERAGE 117.55

The data shows that coir coconut fiberglass is durable enough to resist a strong force.

It was proven by the average force of 126.38 N, 120.19N, and 106.07.N from samples 1, 2,

and 3 respectively. This shows that coir coconut fiberglass is a good material in making

fiberglass. It also shows that coir structure is fitted to sustain a strong force when it was

develop into an fiberglass as supported by the total average force of 117.55N. Table 2

presents attributes of water hyacinth stalk in terms of moisture content.

Table 2
Coir Coconut Fiberglass in terms in terms of Moisture Content

TRIALS (in Percent)

SAMPLE AVERAGE
1 2 3

1 14.10 12.18 15.06 13.78

2 21.06 13.18 19.15 17.80
 3 17.12 18.02 16.51 17.22

TOTAL AVERAGE 16.27

The standard of 13.78 percent, 17.80 percent, and 17.22 percent moisture content of

samples 1, 2, and 3 clearly shows that 5 days of sun drying process is not enough in to

withstand in to the moisture with no highly damage of fiberglass . This suggests that to be

able to totally remove the moist in the stalk, it should be exposed longer than five days.

2. Coir (coconut husk sustained in the following test

Table 3
Coir (coconut husk) sustained in terms of Fire Reaction

TRIALS (in Seconds)

SAMPLE AVERAGE
1 2 3

1 24.00 28.00 22.00 24.67

2 23.00 20.00 21.00 21.33

3 21.00 18.00 33.00 24.00

TOTAL AVERAGE 23.33

The data shows that under fire, coir coconut fiberglass burned complete at a span of

24.67s in sample 1, 21.33 s in sample 2 and 24.00 seconds in sample 3. This suggests that

coir coconut fiberglass cannot easily react on the fire however the presence of the polyester

resin layer of the fiber glass did not easily spread of fire. This might due to the entrapment

of carbon dioxide inside the dead-air spaces (aerenchyma) structure of the fiberglass cannot

easily retards the spread of fire. With this result, it can be inferred that Coir (coconut husk)
has a good reaction of fire and can be a good fiberglass since fire cannot be easily spread on

it.

Table 4
Coir (coconut husk) sustained in terms of Heat Absorption Ability

The data shows that the design and thickness of the coir (coconut husk) affects its heat

absorption ability as proven by the total average temperatures of 26.98 0C and 30.670C of

Sample 1 and sample 2 respectively. This finding suggests that good design of coir (coconut

husk) fiberglass increase its ability to absorb heat. It also indicates the thicker the layer the

high heat absorption ability of the coir (coconut husk) fiberglass.

Table 4
Coir (coconut husk) sustained in terms of Heat Absorption Ability
 Coir (coconut husk) sustained in terms of Heat Absorption Ability
TEMPERATURES (°C)
TIME Sample 1 Sample 2
AVERAGE AVERAGE
6:00 AM 28.10 28.60
7:00 AM 28.45 29.05
8:00 AM 26.14 29.21
9:00 AM 29.40 30.90
10:00 AM 30.12 31.60
11:00 AM 30.90 32.70
12:00 NN 32.19 33.16
1:00 PM 31.10 32.95
2:00 PM 31.18 32.30
3:00 PM 29.80 30.55
4:00 PM 27.90 28.44
5:00 PM 28.15 29.15
6:00 PM 28.18 30.12
AVERAGE 26.98 30.67

3. What chemical properties thus a coconut fiber (coir) suited for fiberglass

Fiberglass is a synthetic material primarily made of silica, a type of silicon oxide polymer

that does not have a melting point and has long been used for its hardness properties. One of the

chemical compound seen in the silica is asbestos, wherein Asbestos is a set of six naturally

occurring silicate minerals, which all have in common their eponymous asbestos thin fibrous crystals,

with each visible fiber composed of millions of microscopic "fibrils" that can be released

by abrasion and other processes. They are commonly known by their colors, as blue asbestos, brown

asbestos, white asbestos, and green asbestos. The coir of coconut husk has largely contain of asbestos

fiber that may add the strengthen of making a fiberglass.

4. Comparison of Tensile Ability of Coir (coconut Husk) Fiberglass and

Commercial Fiberglass
 Table 6 presents the comparison on the tensile ability of Coir (coconut husk)

Fiberglass and commercial fiberglass.

The data revealed that there is significant difference in the tensile ability of Coir

(coconut husk) Fiberglass and commercial fiberglass as shown by the computed t value of

10.456 which is higher than the critical value of the which is equal to 1.564 at 13 degrees of

freedom at 5 percent level of significance. This shows that Coir (coconut husk) fiberglass is

more effective than the commercial fiberglass in terms of tensile ability. This might due to

the difference in the thickness of these two materials.

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Findings
1. The study reveals that coir coconut fiberglass is durable enough to resist a strong

force. It was proven by the average force of 126.38 N, 120.19N, and 106.07.N from

samples 1, 2, and 3 respectively. This shows that coir coconut fiberglass is a good

material in making fiberglass. It also shows that coir structure is fitted to sustain a

strong force when it was develop into an fiberglass as supported by the total average

force of 117.55N. Table 2 presents attributes of water hyacinth stalk in terms of

moisture content.

The standard of 13.78 percent, 17.80 percent, and 17.22 percent moisture content of

samples 1, 2, and 3 clearly shows that 5 days of sun drying process is not enough in to

withstand in to the moisture with no highly damage of fiberglass . This suggests that

to be able to totally remove the moist in the stalk, it should be exposed longer than

five days

2. The study shows that under fire, coir coconut fiberglass burned complete at a span of

24.67s in sample 1, 21.33 s in sample 2 and 24.00 seconds in sample 3. This suggests

that coir coconut fiberglass cannot easily react on the fire however the presence of the

polyester resin layer of the fiber glass did not easily spread of fire. This might due to

the entrapment of carbon dioxide inside the dead-air spaces (aerenchyma) structure of

the fiberglass cannot easily retards the spread of fire. With this result, it can be

inferred that Coir (coconut husk) has a good reaction of fire and can be a good

fiberglass since fire cannot be easily spread on it.

3. Fiberglass is a synthetic material primarily made of silica, a type of silicon oxide

polymer that does not have a melting point and has long been used for its hardness

properties. One of the chemical compound seen in the silica is asbestos, wherein

Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals, which all have in
 common their eponymous asbestos thin fibrous crystals, with each visible fiber

composed of millions of microscopic "fibrils" that can be released by abrasion and

other processes. They are commonly known by their colors, as blue asbestos, brown

asbestos, white asbestos, and green asbestos. The coir of coconut husk has largely

contain of asbestos fiber that may add the strengthen of making a fiberglass.

4. The data revealed that there is significant difference in the tensile ability of Coir

(coconut husk) Fiberglass and commercial fiberglass as shown by the computed t

value of 10.456 which is higher than the critical value of the which is equal to 1.564

at 13 degrees of freedom at 5 percent level of significance. This shows that Coir

(coconut husk) fiberglass is more effective than the commercial fiberglass in terms of

tensile ability. This might due to the difference in the thickness of these two

materials.

Conclusions

Based on the findings the following conclusions were drawn:

1. The coir (coconut husk) is durable, has no moist content when properly sun dried, can

retard fire and is effective heat absorber which is an indication of a good fiberglass.
2. The layering affects the heat absorption ability of the coir (coconut husk)fiberglass,

the thicker the design the higher its absorption ability.

3. There is significant difference in the absorption ability of coir (coconut

husk)fiberglass if the design is varied.

Recommendations

In the light of the findings revealed in the study and the conclusion drawn, the

researcher offered the following recommendations:

 1. Test for other attributes of the coir (coconut husk)fiberglass to further testify the

effectiveness of this material as an fiberglass.

2. The use of authentic materials in making fiberglass makes it more durable.
3. Incorporate the use of other design on the coir (coconut husk)fiberglass to make it

more presentable and marketable.

4. Apply other chemical substances which suitable in making fiberglass more effectively

outcome.

ABSTRACT

Fiberglass is the most well known and widely used man‐made fiber, and along with

polyester resin make up the largest portion of the composites market. Carbon fiber and

aramid fiber are two other man‐made fibers, and are used in higher‐end applications such as

advanced aircraft, bullet‐proof and heat resistant clothing, and sports equipment. The use of

coir a coconut husk to double durability of a fiberglass.

 The coir (coconut husk) is durable, has no moist content when properly sun dried, can

retard fire and is effective heat absorber which is an indication of a good fiberglass. The

layering affects the heat absorption ability of the coir (coconut husk)fiberglass, the thicker the

design the higher its absorption ability.

The coconut husk or the coir contains asbestos having thin fibrous crystals that are suited

to strengthen the common fiberglass. Asbestos is from the chemical compound of silica

which is widely use in fiberglass. The ability to withstand the coir coconut hush fiberglass in

moisture, heat absorption and fire absorption is truly remarkable results. The use of coir

coconut husk in fiberglass increase the durability and substantial aspect of the common

fiberglass.

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dynamic properties of coconut fibre reinforced concrete” Construction and Building

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(PDF) Coconut Fibre Reinforced Concrete. Available from:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275407239_Coconut_Fibre_Reinforced_Concrete

[accessed Jun 17 2018].

(PDF) Coconut Fibre Reinforced Concrete. Available from:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275407239_Coconut_Fibre_Reinforced_Concrete

[accessed Jun 17 2018].

Diya Maria Varghese, et. al., (2017)

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275407239_Coconut_Fibre_Reinforced_Concrete