0 PRODUCTION OF GLUE STICKS FROM USED PLASTIC MATERIALS

A Research submitted to the faculty of Science High School Cavite State University Indang, Cavite

In partial Fulfillment on the Requirements for graduation

PATRICIA S. CREENCIA KYSCES CAMILLE B. BAUTISTA March 2010

1 PRODUCTION OF GLUE STICKS FROM USED PLASTIC MATERIALS

Creencia, Patricia S. Bautista, Kysces Camille B.

A research submitted to the faculty of Science High School, College of Education, Cavite State University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for graduation, under the supervision of Mrs Dulce Ramos.

INTRODUCTION

Plastics are indispensable to modern way of life. So it is produced in a very huge amount and its convenience is undeniable. The considerable growth in plastic use is due to the beneficial properties of plastics. These include: extreme versatility and ability to be tailored to meet very specific technical needs; lighter weight than competing materials, reducing fuel consumption during transportation; extreme durability; resistance to

chemicals, water and impact; good safety and hygiene properties for food packaging; excellent thermal and electrical insulation properties; and relatively inexpensive to produce (West, 2001). Because of the advantages that plastic products offer, its use has increased plastic waste. Plastic has the property of not decomposing for a long time. This means that if thrown in landfills it will take thousands of years to decay. The manufacturing of plastic also consumes water and releases greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributing to global warming. Plastic being light weight can be transported to long distance easily by water or air. It is also responsible for the deaths of many animals, fishes and birds. Thus,

2 there is a need that plastic products must be recycled and must not end in landfills (Black Dog Publishing, 2006). Recycling is the process of turning one products useful part into a new product. Recycling involves processing used materials into new products in order to prevent the waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air (from incineration) and water (from land filling) pollution by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key component of modern waste management and is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" waste hierarchy (Ackerman, 1997). Plastic recycling saves energy. When new products are manufactured from the raw material obtained from recycled products, it saves a lot of energy which is consumed for the production. Recycling plastics helps in preventing global climate change to a great extent. By minimizing the energy spent on industrial production, recycling also helps in reducing greenhouse gas emission. Since recycling involves the processing and usage of the core elements of an old product for the production of new products. Plastic recycling helps in saving natural resources to a great extent (Ghosh, 2008). There is a wide range of products made from recycled plastic. This includes polyethylene bin liners and carrier bags; PVC sewer pipes, flooring and window frames; building insulation board; video and compact disc cassette cases; fencing and garden furniture; water butts, garden sheds and composters; seed trays; anoraks and fleeces; fiber filling for sleeping bags and duvets; and a variety of office accessories (www.recycledproducts.org.uk).

3 Glue stick is one of the products that could be created by recycling plastic materials. Glue stick has become popular for many crafts and household repairs. Glue stick has found its way into hundreds of new and innovative uses around the home, shop and in industry. It is a form of thermoplastic adhesive that is commonly supplied in solid cylindrical sticks of various diameters, designed to be melted in an electric hot glue gun. The gun uses a continuous-duty heating element to melt the plastic glue, which may be pushed through the gun by a trigger mechanism, or directly by the user. The glue squeezed out of the heated nozzle is initially hot enough to burn and blister skin. The glue is tacky when hot, but hardens and stops being sticky in a few secondsa minute at most (Keenan, 2000). This experimental study aimed to recycle plastic materials by transforming them into glue sticks thereby providing a viable solution to the actual costs paid by our environmental and by our society for the fleeting convenience of unlimited free, single use plastic materials.

Statement of the Problem This study generally aimed to produce glue sticks from used plastic materials. Specifically, this research answered the following questions: 1. What are the physical/sensory properties of glue sticks from used plastic materials? 2. What is the percentage yield of glue sticks produced from used plastic materials?

4 3. Which among the produced glue sticks will be the most acceptable to consumers in terms of physical or sensory properties? 4. What is the acceptability of the produced glue sticks from used plastic materials when compared to the commercial glue sticks?

Objectives of the Study Generally, the purpose of this study was to produce glue sticks from used plastic materials. Specifically, this aimed to: 1. determine the physical/sensory properties of glue sticks from used plastic materials; 2. determine the percentage yield of glue sticks produced from used plastic materials; 3. determine the most acceptable to consumers in terms of physical or sensory properties among the produced glue sticks; and 4. determine the acceptability of the produced glue sticks from used plastic materials when compared to commercial glue sticks.

Importance of the Study Several notable benefits would be generated as a result of this study. This study could help minimize plastic garbage in the community. This study will demonstrate a successful way to strengthen the capacity to recycle plastic wastes in the community, and to reduce environmental impacts associated with pollution from new plastics production and incineration of plastic waste and pressure on limited landfill space. This study could

5 also open new employment opportunities for people interested in this line of business by using the tools, techniques and information that will be obtained in this study. The entrepreneurs who profit from making crafts may be able to use the produced glue stick as an alternative to commercial glue sticks. Finally, the results of this study may serve as reference material to students conducting related studies.

Scope and Limitations of the Study The study was limited to the production of glue sticks from used plastic materials such as plastic cups and plastic bags. Kerosene was used for melting plastic materials. The study involved six treatments; each replicated three times. The production process was done in three trials. The most acceptable glue stick was compared to the commercial glue stick. The produced glue sticks by treatment were evaluated by thirty (30) selected craftsmen from the locality of Indang, Cavite who are using glue sticks in their business. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting the respondents. The respondents were asked to use the products and answer the prepared score sheet according to their sensory or physical properties.

Time and Place of the Study The study was conducted at 134 J. Dimabiling St. Indang, Cavite from October to November 2009.

6 Definition of Terms General Acceptability refers to the degree of preference for the appearance and satisfactoriness of glue stick as an adhesive material. General acceptability will be rated using a four-point rating scale ranging from 4=Highly Acceptable, 3=Acceptable, 2=Slightly acceptable and 1=Not Unacceptable. Glue stick refers to a short, thin, colorless adhesive stick that is either placed inside an electronic gun or be heated in a candle to attach objects such as wood, rubber, metal, paper, ceramics and glass. It is the product made of used plastic materials. Kerosene is colorless flammable oil distilled from petroleum that will be used to recycle plastics cups and bags to produce glue sticks. Odor refers to the scent of the produced glue sticks which will be rated by panelists using a four-point rating scale ranging from 4= Very Pleasant, 3=Pleasant 2=Slightly Pleasant, and 1=Not Pleasant. Plastic refers to plastic cups and bags which will be recycled with the aid of kerosene to produce glue sticks. Sensory evaluation is a procedure in which panelists evaluate the samples and decides on the attributes of the product based on the use of senses such as odor, texture, transparency and stickiness. Stickiness refers to the adhesiveness of the produced glue sticks which will be rated by panelists using a four-point rating scale ranging from 4=Very Sticky, 3=Sticky 2=Slightly Sticky, and 1= Not Sticky. The stickiness of the produced glue sticks will be tested on wood, rubber, metal, paper, ceramics and glass.

7 Texture refers to the consistency of surface of the produced glue sticks which will be rated by panelists using a four-point rating scale ranging from 4=Very Smooth, 3= Smooth, 2=Rough, and 1=Very Rough. Transparency refers to the lucidity of the produced glue sticks which will be rated by panelists using a four-point rating scale ranging from 4= Very Transparent, 3=Transparent, 2= Slightly Transparent and 1= Not Transparent.

8 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

General Properties of Plastic Plastic is the general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products. They are composed of organic condensation or addition polymers and may contain other substances to improve performance or reduce costs. There are many natural polymers generally considered to be "plastics". Plastics can be formed into many different types of objects, or films, or fibers. Their name is derived from the malleability, or plasticity, of many of them. The "s" in "plastics" is there to distinguish between the polymer and the way a material deforms. For example, aluminum is a ductile material and can undergo "plastic" deformation when the material undergoes stress from a force and results in a strain of which it will not return. "Plastics" refers to the polymer material. The word derives from the Greek plastikos, "fit for molding", and from plastos "molded" (Encarta Encyclopedia, 2001). Plastics pose a wide variety of useful properties and are relatively inexpensive to produce. They are lighter than any materials of comparable strength, and unlike metals and wood, plastics do not rust or rot. Most plastics can be produced in any color. They can also be manufactured as clear glass, translucent or opaque (Encarta Encyclopedia, 2001). Plastics have a lower density than that of metals, so plastics are lighter, most plastics vary in density from 0.9 to 2.2 g/cm3 (0.45 to 1.5 oz/cu.in.) compared to steels density of 7.85 g/cm3 (5.29 oz/cu.in.). Plastic can also be reinforced with glass and other fibers to form incredibly strong materials for example, nylon reinforced with glass can

9 have tensile strength (resistance of material to being elongated or pulled apart) of op to 165 mega Pascal (24, 000psi). Plastic have some disadvantages. When burned, some plastics produce poisonous gas. Although certain plastics are specially designed to withstand temperatures as high as 288 C (550 F), in general, plastic are not used whan high heat resistance is needed. Because of their molecular stability, plastics do not easily break down simpler components. As a result, disposal of plastic creates a solid waste problem (Ackerman, 1997).

Uses of Plastic Whether you are aware of it or not, plastics play an important part in your life. Plastics' versatility allows it to be used in everything from car parts to doll parts, from soft drink bottles to the refrigerators they are stored in. From the car you drive to work in to the television you watch when you get home, plastics help make your life easier and better. So how is it that plastic has become so widely used? How did plastics become the material of choice for so many varied applications? The simple answer is that plastics are the material that can provide the things consumers want and need. Plastics have the unique capability to be manufactured to meet very specific functional needs for consumers. So maybe there's another question that's relevant: What do I want? Regardless of how you answer this question, plastics can probably satisfy your needs. If a product is made of plastic, there's a reason. And chances are the reason has everything to do with helping you, the consumer, get what you want. Plastics help make these things possible. Plastics have the unique capability to be manufactured to meet very specific functional needs. Plastics help make these things possible (Ackerman, 1997).

10 Plastic Recycling Plastic recycling is the process of recovering scrap or waste plastics and reprocessing the material into useful products, sometimes completely different from their original state. For instance, this could mean melting down soft drink bottles then casting them as plastic chairs and tables. Before recycling, plastics are sorted according to their resin identification code. PET, for instance, has a resin code of 1 (West, 2001). When compared to other materials like glass and metal materials, plastic polymers require greater processing to be recycled. Plastics have low entropy of mixing, which is due to the high molecular weight of their large polymer chains. A macromolecule interacts with its environment along its entire length, so its enthalpy of mixing is large compared to that of an organic molecule with a similar structure. Heating alone is not enough to dissolve such a large molecule; because of this, plastics must often be of nearly identical composition in order to mix efficiently (West, 2001). When different types of plastics are melted together they tend to phase-separate, like oil and water, and set in these layers. The phase boundaries cause structural weakness in the resulting material, meaning that polymer blends are only useful in limited applications (West, 2001). Another barrier to recycling is the widespread use of dyes, fillers, and other additives in plastics. The polymer is generally too viscous to economically remove fillers, and would be damaged by many of the processes that could cheaply remove the added dyes. Additives are less widely used in beverage containers and plastic bags, allowing them to be recycled more frequently (West, 2001).

11 Uses of Glue Sticks Glue sticks are only designed to glue paper, card and felt together, as glue sticks are not as strong as some liquid based variants. They can be used for craft and design, office use and at school. There are now permanent, washable, acid-free, non-toxic, solvent free, and dyed (e.g. to see where the glue is being applied easier) varieties - glue sticks can have one or more of these features incorporated into them (Keenan, 2000). The manufacturers recommend replacing the cap after use, and advise that, due to small parts (the cap), children under the age of three should not use it, though the glue is non-toxic so use with children over three is safe (Keenan, 2000).

Related Studies A study conducted by Mendoza and Papa (2002) tested the use of plastic cups in the production of adhesive sticks. The treatments were: a control (commercial adhesive stick and four solutions containing 100 g cut plastic cups and a liter of kerosene (T1), 125 g cut plastic cups and a liter of kerosene (T2), 150 g cut plastic cups and a liter of kerosene (T3), and 200 g cut plastic cups and a liter of kerosene (T4). There were significant differences in the transparency, odor, and texture of adhesive sticks among treatments. The amount of plastic cups used affected the visibility of adhesive sticks. It was found out that T1 and T2 can be substituted to commercial adhesive stick in terms of transparency while T1, T2 and T4 had similar texture with the control. The kerosene added to the solutions affected the odor of the adhesive sticks. Commercial adhesive stick was found to be the most pleasant in terms of odor. Overall, the study showed that adhesive stick produced in T2 can be a good substitute for commercial adhesive stick.

12 METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses the materials and equipment that were, the methods of producing glue sticks, gathering of data and statistical analyses.

I. Materials and Equipment Materials Used plastic materials (such as Plastic cups and plastic bags) 54 liters of kerosene Spring balance Evaluation sheet Equipment Molder Charcoal stove Kettle Double boiler Beaker Pair of scissors

II. Methods Collection and Preparation of Materials A. Collection of Materials The used plastic materials were collected from different households in Indang town proper and Carasuchi, Indang, Cavite. Kerosene was bought in a gasoline station in Indang, Cavite. Beaker and spring balance were borrowed from the CvSU-SHS laboratory room.

13 B. Preparation of materials The plastics collected were cleaned with water (H2O) then sun-dried. The dried plastic cups were wiped with a clean piece of cloth and cut into small pieces with the use of scissors. Thereafter, the cut plastics were weighed in the amount specified in the experimental treatments and were placed in separate containers.

Production of Glue Sticks A. Preparation of sample The production process involved six treatments with each treatment replicated three times. The treatments were as follows: Control treatment (T0) = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) Treatment 1 (T1) Treatment 2 (T2) Treatment 3 (T3) Treatment 4 (T4) Treatment 5 (T5) Treatment6 (T6) = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

B. Preparation of glue sticks Prior to the production of glue sticks, the labeled containers of cut plastic materials, kerosene and equipment such as double boiler, charcoal stove and molder were prepared. A liter of kerosene were combined with cut plastic materials according to the

14 specified treatment and melted using a double boiler. The mixture was placed in medium heat until it totally melts. Once melted, the liquefied mixture was transferred in a kettle so that it would be easier to place it in a in x 5 in molder. Then, the mixture was cooled down overnight until it sets in completely and takes the shape of the molder. Once cooled, it was removed from the molder and placed in separate containers for evaluation. The same procedure was employed for all treatments.

Gathering of Data 1. Yield refers to the percent yield of the glue sticks produced from each

treatment after three production trials. The formula for yield is:
Percent Yield Total Weight of Glue Sticks produced by Treatment x 100 Total Volume of Solution by Treatment

2. Sensory evaluation Thirty panelists composed of craftsmen evaluated the glue sticks by treatment with the use of the prepared score sheet (Appendix A) in terms of transparency, odor, texture, stickiness and general acceptability.

Statistical Analyses The data collected were analyzed using one way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). Significant results were further subjected to Duncans Multiple Range Test for mean comparison.

15 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This section discusses the physical/sensory properties of glue sticks from used plastic materials, the percentage yield of glue sticks produced from used plastic materials, the most acceptable glue sticks to consumers in terms of physical or sensory properties by treatment, and the acceptability of the produced glue sticks from used plastic materials when compared to the commercial glue sticks.

Physical/Sensory Properties of Produced Glue Sticks from Used Plastic Materials by Treatment Transparency. Highly significant difference existed in the transparency of produced glue sticks among treatments (Appendix Table 1). The computed F-value of 85.27 was significant at 1% level. Data on Table 1 shows the commercial glue stick was better than the produced glue sticks in terms of transparency. All of the produced glue sticks were rated not transparent by the evaluators while the control was rated as slightly transparent. Odor. Highly significant difference was found in the odor of produced glue sticks among treatments (Appendix Table 2). The computed F-value of 22.16 was significant at 1% level. Data indicated that the produced glue sticks were rated as unpleasant by the evaluators. This was due to the stingy smell of the kerosene used in producing glue sticks. On the other hand, commercial glue stick was rated with pleasant odor by the evaluators. Hence, data suggest the commercial glue stick was better than the produced glue sticks in terms of odor.

16 Table 1. Transparency of the produced glue sticks by treatment

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE* 2.07a 1.03b 1.02b 1.07b 1.01b 1.02b 1.03b

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Slightly Transparent Not Transparent Not Transparent Not Transparent Not Transparent Not Transparent Not Transparent

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05) Scale:
MEAN SCORE 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 ADJECTIVAL RATING Not Transparent Slightly Transparent Transparent Very Transparent

17 Table 2. Odor of the produced glue sticks by treatment

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE* 2.68a 1.24b 1.16b 1.14b 1.09b 1.14b 1.12b

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Pleasant Unpleasant Unpleasant Unpleasant Unpleasant Unpleasant Unpleasant

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05) Scale: MEAN SCORE ADJECTIVAL RATING 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 Unpleasant Slightly Pleasant Pleasant Very Pleasant

Texture. No significant difference existed in terms of texture of produced glue sticks among treatments. The computed F-value of 0.56 was less than the critical value of 2.85 at five percent level (Appendix Table 3). This pointed to the existence of similar textures among treatments. Table 3 shows that all of the produced glue sticks including the control were rated by the evaluators as very smooth. This suggests that the produced glue sticks were comparable to commercial glue stick in terms of texture.

18 Table 3. Texture of the produced glue sticks by treatment

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE* 3.91a 3.37a 3.34a 3.36a 3.32a 3.31a 3.36a

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Very Smooth Very Smooth Very Smooth Very Smooth Very Smooth Very Smooth Very Smooth

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05)
Scale: MEAN SCORE 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 ADJECTIVAL RATING Not Smooth Slightly Smooth Smooth Very Smooth

Stickiness on wood. Highly significant difference existed in terms stickiness on wood of produced glue sticks among treatments. The computed F-value of 21.71 was significant at 1% level. This pointed to the existence of notable difference among treatments when evaluators tested the stickiness of produced glue sticks on wood. Table 4 shows that commercial glue stick was very sticky on wood while produced glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6 ) was rated sticky on wood. Two treatments, T2 (125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of

19 kerosene) and T5 (125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene) were rated by the evaluators as slightly sticky. The remaining glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T1) and 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T4) were found not sticky on wood by the evaluators. Except for commercial glue stick (T0), glue sticks made from T6 was the best to use to glue wooden materials.

Table 4. Stickiness on wood of the produced glue sticks by treatment

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE* 3.91a 1.39c 1.99c 2.91b 1.52c 2.13c 3.18c

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Very Sticky Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05)
Scale: MEAN SCORE 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 ADJECTIVAL RATING Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky Very Sticky

20 Stickiness on rubber. Highly significant difference was found in terms stickiness on rubber of produced glue sticks among treatments. The computed F-value of 19.67 was significant at 1% level (Appendix Table 5). This suggests that there was a considerable difference in the stickiness of produced glue sticks on rubber when used by evaluators. Table 5 shows that commercial glue stick was very sticky on rubber. Ranked second in terms of stickiness on rubber were produced glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6 ) which was rated sticky by the evaluators. Two treatments, glue sticks made from 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T2) and glue sticks produced from 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T5) were rated by the evaluators as slightly sticky. The remaining glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T1) and 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T4) were rated not sticky on rubber by the evaluators. Apart from commercial glue stick (T0), glue sticks made from T6 was the best to use to stick rubber materials. Stickiness on metal. Highly significant difference existed in terms stickiness on metal of produced glue sticks among treatments. The computed F-value of 57.92 was significant at 1% level (Appendix Table 6). This implies that there was a striking difference among treatments when evaluators tested the produced glue sticks on metal objects. Data on Table 6 shows that commercial glue stick was very sticky on metal. Ranked second were glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6) and glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T3) which were rated by the evaluators as sticky on metal objects. Glue sticks produced from 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T5) were

21 rated by the evaluators as slightly sticky. The remaining glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T1); 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T2); and 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T4) were found not sticky on metal by the evaluators. Excluding commercial glue stick (T0), glue sticks made from T3 and T6 were the most suitable to stick metal objects.

Table 5. Stickiness on rubber of the produced glue sticks by treatment

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE 3.93a 1.20c 1.84c 2.81b 1.57c 2.03c 3.04b

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Very Sticky Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05)
Scale: MEAN SCORE 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 ADJECTIVAL RATING Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky Very Sticky

22 Table 6. Stickiness on metal of the produced glue sticks by treatment

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE 3.89a 1.27c 1.52c 2.88b 1.31c 1.78c 2.88b

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Very Sticky Not Sticky Not Sticky Sticky Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05)
Scale: MEAN SCORE 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 ADJECTIVAL RATING Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky Very Sticky

Stickiness on paper. Appendix Table 7 revealed a high significant difference in the stickiness on paper of produced glue sticks among treatments. The computed F-value of 38.86 was significant at 1% level. This shows that there was a remarkable difference among treatments when evaluators tested the stickiness of produced glue sticks on paper. As shown in Table 7, commercial glue stick was found very sticky on paper while glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6 ) and glue sticks produced from 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T3) were

23 rated sticky on paper by the evaluators. One treatment, T5 (glue sticks made from 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene) was rated as slightly sticky by the evaluators. The remaining glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T1); 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T2); and 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T4) were found not sticky on paper by the evaluators. Except for commercial glue stick (T0), glue sticks produced from T6 and T3 was the best to use to fasten paper materials.

Table 7. Stickiness on paper of the produced glue sticks by treatment

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE 3.87a 1.32c 1.69c 2.90b 1.43c 1.87c 3.01b

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Very Sticky Not Sticky Not Sticky Sticky Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05)
Scale: MEAN SCORE 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 ADJECTIVAL RATING Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky Very Sticky

24 Stickiness on ceramics. Highly significant difference existed in terms stickiness on ceramics of produced glue sticks among treatments. The computed F-value of 19.14 was significant at 1% level (Appendix Table 8). This implies that there was notable difference when evaluators tested the produced glue sticks on ceramic materials. Data on Table 8 shows that commercial glue stick was very sticky on ceramic materials. Ranked second were glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6) and glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T3) which were rated by the evaluators as sticky on ceramic materials. Glue sticks produced from 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T5) were rated by the evaluators as slightly sticky on ceramic materials. The remaining glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T1); 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T2); and 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T4) were rated by the evaluators as not sticky on ceramic material. Excluding commercial glue stick (T0), glue sticks made from T3 and T6 were the most suitable to stick ceramic materials. Stickiness on glass. Highly significant difference was found in terms stickiness on glass of produced glue sticks among treatments. The computed F-value of 41.09 was significant at 1% level (Appendix Table 9). This pointed to the existence of marked difference in the stickiness of produced glue sticks on glass when tested by evaluators. Table 9 shows that commercial glue stick was very sticky on glass. On the other hand, glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6 ) and glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T3) were rated as slightly sticky by the evaluators. The remaining treatments, glue sticks

25 produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T1); glue sticks made from 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T2); glue sticks 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T4); and glue sticks made from 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T5) were rated by the evaluators as not sticky on glass. Data suggest that only commercial glue stick (T0) was appropriate to use to stick glass and glass materials.

Table 8. Stickiness on ceramics of the produced glue sticks by treatment

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE 3.86a 1.29c 1.67c 2.66b 1.53c 1.90c 3.22b

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Very Sticky Not Sticky Not Sticky Sticky Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05)
Scale: MEAN SCORE 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 ADJECTIVAL RATING Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky Very Sticky

26 Table 9. Stickiness on glass of the produced glue sticks by treatment

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE 3.62a 1.17c 1.48c 1.96c 1.33c 1.49c 2.29b

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Very Sticky Not Sticky Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Not Sticky Not Sticky Slightly Sticky

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05)
Scale: MEAN SCORE 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 ADJECTIVAL RATING Not Sticky Slightly Sticky Sticky Very Sticky

Percentage Yield of Glue Sticks Produced from Used Plastic Materials Table 10 shows that except for glue sticks made from 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T2) the percentage yield of all remaining five treatments were more than 100 percent. Highest yield of 100.42 % was recorded on T1 or glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene followed by 100.23% yield accounted on glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter

27 of kerosene (T4). The lowest yield among treatments of 99.98% was noted in T2 or glue sticks produced from 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene.

Table 10. Percentage yield of glue sticks produced from used plastic materials

TREATMENT

MEAN WEIGHT OF SOLUTION (in l)

MEAN WEIGHT OF PRODUCED GLUE STICKS (in g)

PERCENTAGE YIELD

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

109.10

109.33

100.21

126.30

126.83

100.42

153.50

153.47

99.98

113.60

113.63

100.03

131.40

131.70

100.23

161.20

161.30

100.06

Acceptability of Produced Glue Sticks from Used Plastics Materials In terms of acceptability of produced glue sticks by treatment, the highest rating of 3.93 interpreted as highly acceptable was recorded on commercial glue sticks. Ranked second were glue sticks produced from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6) rated by the evaluators as acceptable. Ranked third in terms of acceptability were glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of

28 kerosene (T3). The lowest ratings in terms of acceptability were recorded on glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T1) and glue sticks made from 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene which were rated by evaluators as not acceptable. Data revealed that except for commercial glue stick (T0), the most acceptable glue sticks were those produced from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T3). Hence, glue sticks made from T3 could be substituted to commercial glue sticks.

Table 11. General acceptability of glue sticks produced from used plastic materials

TREATMENT

MEAN SCORE 3.93 1.32 1.82 2.78 1.53 2.06 3.03

INTERPRETATION

T0 = Commercial glue stick (Best Buy glue stick) T1 = 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T2 = 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T3 = 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene T4 = 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T5 = 125 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene T6 = 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene

Highly Acceptable Not Acceptable Slightly Acceptable Acceptable Not Acceptable Slightly Acceptable Acceptable

*Means in the same column containing superscripts with similar alphabet do not differ significantly (P > 0.05)
Scale: MEAN SCORE 1.00 1.74 1.75 2.49 2.50 3.24 3.25 4.00 ADJECTIVAL RATING Not Acceptable Slightly Acceptable Acceptable Highly Acceptable

29 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary An experimental study was conducted to produce glue sticks from used plastic materials. Specifically, the study determined the physical/sensory properties of glue sticks from used plastic materials; determined the percentage yield of glue sticks produced from used plastic materials; determined the most acceptable to consumers in terms of physical or sensory properties among the produced glue sticks; and determined the acceptability of the produced glue sticks from used plastic materials when compared to commercial glue sticks. The experiment was arranged in Completely Randomized Design using six treatments and control, each replicated three times. Analysis of variance was used to compare the physical/sensory properties and acceptability of produced glue sticks. DMRT was employed to compare significant results. Results showed that commercial glue stick (T0) ranked first in all sensory and physical properties as rated by the evaluators. In terms of odor and transparency, only the commercial glue stick was found acceptable. All of the treatments were acceptable in texture. Excluding commercial glue stick, glue sticks produced from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6) ranked highest in terms of smoothness, stickiness on wood, rubber, metal, paper, ceramics, and glass. The lowest rating in terms of physical/sensory properties was recorded on glue sticks made from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T1).

30 Except for glue sticks made from 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T2) the percentage yield of all remaining five treatments were more than 100 percent. Highest yield of 100.42 % was recorded on T1 or glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene while lowest yield of 99.98% was noted in T2 or glue sticks produced from 125 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene. In terms of acceptability, glue sticks made from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6) and glue sticks produced from 150 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T3) were the most acceptable as rated by evaluators. In contrast, glue sticks produced from 100 grams of cut plastic cups and 1 liter of kerosene (T1) and glue sticks made from 100 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T4) were not acceptable.

Conclusions Based on the significant findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. Commercial glue stick ranked highest in sensory properties and acceptability. 2. Odor and transparency are the most critical sensory properties that should be given consideration when producing glue sticks from plastic materials. 3. Glue sticks produced from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6) can be substituted from commercial glue sticks since it passed on almost all evaluations in terms of sensory characteristics and acceptability. 4. Overall, glue sticks from used plastic materials could be a viable alternative to glue sticks available in the market.

31 Recommendations The findings of the study revealed that the odor and transparency of produced glue sticks did not pass on the standards of evaluators. Hence, it is recommended to find ways in improving the smell and transparency of glue sticks. Individuals who wish to engage in the production of glue sticks from used plastic materials should conduct research to improve the quality of glue sticks. Since it was found out that glue sticks produced from 150 grams of cut plastic bottles and 1 liter of kerosene (T6) can be substituted from commercial glue sticks, it is therefore suggested to interested entrepreneurs to explore the possibility of engaging in the business of producing glue sticks utilizing the methods and materials used in T6 with added improvements in odor and transparency. Since the materials are made primarily from plastic garbage, this could be a good source of income for interested entrepreneurs. Finally, future research should seek to explore other alternative and enhanced method in the production of glue sticks.

32 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ackerman, F. (1997). Why do we recycle?: Markets, Values, and Public Policy. Island Press. ISBN 15596350245, 9781559635042. Ghosh, P. (2008). Why is Recycling Important? Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/why-is-recycling-important.html on September 2009.

Mendoza, T.J. and D.M. Papa. (2002). Utilization of Plastic Cups to Produce Adhesive Sticks. Research study, Laboratory School College of Education, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite. Keenan, T. (2000). Hot melt glue product overview. Retrieved from http://www.glustix.com on July 2009. Black Dog Publishing. (2006). Recycle: a source book. London, UK: Black Dog Publishing. ISBN 1904772366. West, Larry (2001). Recyclable Plastic: Why are so few food containers made of recyclable plastic? Retrieved from http://environment.about.com/od/reducing waste/a/corn_plastic.htm. on August 2009. Encarta Encyclopedia. (2001). www.recycledproducts.org.uk. The Recycled Products Guide (RPG).

33 Score Sheet Name (optional): _________________________________ Age: ________ Occupation: _____________________________________ Respondent No.: ________ Direction: Kindly evaluate the samples presented to you. Please examine the products qualities and put the number on the blank for each item in the table for your judgment. T0 Transparency Odor Texture Stickiness on Wood Stickiness on Rubber Stickiness on Metal Stickiness on Paper Stickiness on Ceramics Stickiness on Glass General Acceptability T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

Transparency 4- Very Transparent 3- Transparent 2- Slightly Transparent 1- Not Transparent

Odor 4- Very Pleasant 3- Pleasant 2- Slightly Pleasant 1- Unpleasant

Texture 4- Very Smooth 3- Smooth 2- Slightly Smooth 1- Not Smooth

Stickiness 4- Very Sticky 3- Sticky 2- Slightly Sticky 1- Not Sticky

General Acceptability 4- Highly Acceptable 3- Acceptable 2- Slightly acceptable 1- Not Unacceptable