The Feasibility of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Fiber

As a Component of Bricks on its Durability and Heat Capacity

An Investigatory Project

Presented to the Faculty of San Jose

National High School

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Subject

Research

Magadia, Rafael Derrick V.

Pilapil, John Caezar C.
Yatar, John Caezar L.

October 2018
 Chapter 1
Introduction

This chapter includes the Background of the Study, Statement of the

Problem, Hypothesis, Scope and Limitations, and Definition of Terms.

A. Background of the Study

Natural fiber based composite are under intensive study due to their eco-

friendly nature and peculiar properties. The advantage of natural fiber is their

continuous supply, easy and safe handling, and biodegradable nature. Although

natural fibers exhibit admirable physical and mechanical properties varies with the

plant source, species, geography, and so fourth.1

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) fiber is extracted from leaves of a pineapple

plant. The cloth is translucent, soft and fine with high luster. Since pineapple fabric

is hand loomed by only a few weavers, it is very precious and scarce, which also

makes it expensive. Pineapple (Ananas comosus) fiber is used mainly for the

Barong Tagalog, also for wedding dresses and otger traditional Philippine formal

dress. It is also used for table lines, mats, bags and other clothing items. Because

it is lightweight but stiff, this sheer fabric can be used in any creative design.2

Many of the buildings and houses particularly in Antipolo City are

substandard or hard a low build quality and normally, Antipolo City experiences a

high temperature that may affect the temperature and structure of the Ibuilding.
 Pineapple fibers have excellent usage. It can be used in various application

like artificial fibers, as a sound absorber and heat insulator, and so forth. 3

In this study, Pineapple (Ananas comosus) fibers are used as a component

of bricks to test its effects on its durability and heat capacity

B. Statement of the Problem

The study aims to improve the quality of brick.

 Is it feasible to utilize the Pineapple fibers as component of bricks through

testing its durability and heat capacity.

C. Hypothesis

If the Pineapple (Ananas comosus) fiber is added as the component of

bricks, then the Pineapple fiber is not feasible to utilize the bricks through

testing its durability and heat capacity.

D. Scope and Limitations

This study is focused on developing usual bricks by pineapple fiber as a

component. The study was conducted around Nilo Building of San Jose

National High School School Year 2018 – 2019. And it was utilized by the

researchers for the experimentation of their product. The materials used sre

going to be bought at local stores around Antipolo City. The cost of the following

materials did nit surpass the current budget the researchers have.
E. Definition of Terms

 Pineapple (Ananas comosus) – a tropical fruit that are rich in vitamins,

enzymes and antioxidants.

 Fiber – a main component of bricks

 Durability – the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage

 Heat Capacity – the ability of the object to absorb heat.

Reference
 Chapter II
Experimental Design

A. Materials

A.1. Ingredients

 20 kg of sand

 5 kg of cement

 100 g of Pineapple Fiber

 10 L of water

 3 brick Molder

A.2. Tools

 2 Thermometer

 Weighing Scale

 1 meter Stick

 250 ml baker

B. Procedure

B.1. Production of Bricks

1. First, prepare all the materials needed for the experiment.

2. Boil the pineapple leaves

3. After boiling of pineapple leaves, place all the boiled pineapple leaves

outside and wait for it to dry from 2 – 3 days.

4. When these pineapple leaves are finally dried, scrape the top layer of the

leaves to expose its fiber and extract the fibers from the leaves.

5. These pineapple fibers were mixed with the sand, cement, and water.
 6. After mixing, the mixture of the mentioned contents was poured on 3

molder woods and these were place outside to dry for 2-3 days.

7. After the bricks had finally dried, it had undergone testing and trials.

B.2. Testing of Durability

For testing, the bricks underwent trials. 1 trial per day, for 3 days, where

the bricks were dropped 1 meter above ground. The researchers then listed the

number of drops the brick can withstand before it becomes unusable.

Durability of the brick

Trials Replicate Controlled R1 R2 R3 Average

4 drops 5 drops 7 drops 8 drops 6 drops

T1 = 1 meter

5 drops 6 drops 7 drops 8 drops 6 drops

T2 = 1 meter

4 drops 5 drops 6 drops 8 drops 6 drops

T3 = 1 meter

Replicate 4 drops 5 drops 7 drops 8 drops

B.3. Measuring Heat Capacity

For measuring the heat capacities of the bricks the researchers placed the

controlled brick and the experimental brick that has pineapple as a component

under the sun. In the same place with the same exposure. After a certain amount

of time, the researchers removed the bricks and use a thermometer to measure

its temperature. The researchers has then compare the temperature of the bricks

and is listed on the table of data.

Heat Capacity of the Brick

Controlled R2 Re
R1
Average
Trials Replicate (4:1) (4:1:2) (4:1:3)
(4:1:1)
867.7

T1 = 1 hour 377.5J/Hr 887.33J/Hr 950J/Hr 1248 J/Hr J/Hr

845.83
T2 = 1 hour 387.33J/Hr 891 J/Hr 943 J/Hr 1162 J/Hr
J/Hr

845.83
T3 = 1 hour 519.5J/Hr 715.83J/Hr 888 J/Hr 1260 J/Hr
J/Hr

Average 428.11J/Hr 831.28J/Hr 927 J/Hr 1223.4J/Hr