St.

Mary’s Academy

(Formerly: Mount Carmel School)

Of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental

S.Y. 2015-2016

Plants Extract as an
Alternative Ink for Markers

Jaylord C. Alguzar

Carol Ann G. Caballero

Justine Joshua S. Cayetuna

Dominic Jem P. Cortez

Julius C. Lituanas

Richard S. Maldo II

Jovilyn C. Mucha

Danikha Shyken V. Quibedo

Jenesio S. Sabuero Jr.

Clint Norex B. Talines

RESEARCHERS

Mr. John Mark C. Sarongon

SCIENCE 9 TEACHER
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Markers play an important role in writing and in artworks in different ways.

Markers are valuable and productive to create various writings on objects with
enormous creative and practical possibilities. Aside from its use in writing, it is also
used in labeling, poster creation and calligraphy. It is also important to the students
considering the advantages of technology. It helps them to do their reports and
present it as though power service interruption occurs. With infinite use of markers,
many did not know that markers have limitations. Usually, it is a problem for students,
artists and calligraphers to supply ink for the markers they are using.

Typically, the inks used in most markers are made from synthetic materials like
the petroleum and chemical solvents. These kinds of materials are hazardous
especially to the health of the users and to the environment as well.

As been made into dyes, the Mayana (Coleus Blumei) can be an alternative
ingredient for ink instead of petroleum. The Mayana (Coleus Blumei) is a genus of
perennial plants native to tropical Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. It is
composed of about 150 species under the Mint family of plants (Lamiaceae) and
closely related to spearmint, peppermint, basil, thyme, oregano and salvia and found
all over in the Philippine archipelago. Mayana is use as medicine in Ayurveda
(Indian traditional medicine) with verifiable texts mentioned from ancient Sanskrit
writings where it is used as a health tonic, treatment for heart problems, chest pains,
lung ailments, digestive disorder and sleeplessness (insomnia). Recent scientific
studies confirmed that coleus contains a potent compound called forskolin that may
have muscle relaxant properties and can dilate blood vessels thereby has a capability
to lower blood pressure (anti-hypertensive property). With dilated blood vessels the
heart works less to pump blood throughout the body. Coleus can provide health
benefit for patients suffering from cardiomyopathy. Mayana foliage is also rich in
colored molecule which can produce ink.

The Alugbati is also known as Malabar Spinach, Ceylon Spinach or the red
vine. The stem is purplish (shade of red) and succulent with heart shape leaves. It
bears green to dark red fruits. The plant is also popular for its medicinal properties.
Alugbati fruits are rich in colored molecule as well.

In today’s modern world, almost every product has been commercialized and
people sought for products that are more natural and cheaper instead.

The creation of ink with alternative ingredient is a demand for the students’
artists, calligraphers as well as for the people. The researcher thinks that Mayana and
Alugbati have great potentials in having an alternative marker ink due to its
advantages. The researcher decided to test its effectiveness as an ingredient for
marker ink.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study attempted to determine the effectiveness of Mayana and Alugbati

extract as an ingredient for marker ink. Specifically, it aimed to answer the following
questions:
 1. Are Mayana and Alugbati ink effective (refers to quality) in terms of the
following:

a) Absorption

b) Stick Consistency

c) Color

2. Is there a significant difference between the Mayana and Alugbati ink and
the standard or commercial ink in terms of Color, Odor, and Absorption ?

3. Is making alternative ink helps you to lessen your expenses? What will be its
effect to the environment?

HYPOTHESIS

The researchers theorized that through making your own marker ink by the use
of plants you would be able to lessen your expenses because plants specifically
Mayana and Alugbati are rampant in our community. It can’t just prevent and cure
ailments but it can also be made as an ink for markers. The used plant source can
also be use as a fertilizer when dried.

Comparing to commercial marker ink, Mayana and Alugbati ink can promote
safety to the environment.

OBJECTIVES

 The researchers aim to produce an ink out from Mayana leaves extracts
and Alugbati fruits extracts.
 The researchers study the advantages and disadvantages in using
commercial and plants ink for markers.
 The researchers examine what would be the effects of using the plant as
source of marker ink to the community, environment and mankind.
 The researchers aim to know the significance of color, odor, stick
consistency and absorption between the standard ink and Mayana and
Alugbati ink.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is significant to the following:

USERS. This study would be very beneficial to the users of markers. This study
provides many advantages to them, such as they would have a more natural and
cheaper way of having an ink for their markers and lessen their expenses. This will
also help to keep their health from toxins and bad odor.
ENVIRONMENT. This study will help to replenish the atmosphere and surroundings
from getting destroyed.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The study aimed to test the effectiveness of Mayana leaves extract and Alugbati fruits
extarct as an ingredient to produce a marker ink. This study limits its coverage on the
discussion of marker ink production and the impact of the Mayana and Alugbati
marker ink in the environment and to the people. The study focused on testing its
effectiveness in terms of absorption, stick consistency, odor and color.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Stick Consistency- It is the consistency of the ink to stick in the paper as rated by the
respondents.

Odor- It is how strong the scent of the ink as rated by the respondents.

Froskolin- is a perennial herb in a large genus of mints. The plant is native to

subtropical and tropical regions of India and east Africa.

Foliage- a representation of leaves, flowers, and branches for architectural

ornamentation

Absorption- the process of absorbing or of being absorbed

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The following are the literatures that are related to the conduct of the study.

Long before, ink is usually made from natural products such as berries, barks
and leaves extract. They have been used for centuries to create numerous colors and
when mixed to other substances can be an ink, dye or paint. Tea leaves have been
also used for centuries to make ink because of its various shades that create yellow,
green, brown or black ink. (Lopierre, Lopi. .)

Plants that contain tanning color can be reliable for making ink. For centuries,
galls nestled from oak trees as primary ingredient to make a black ink. The rich
tanning color of dogwood and alder tee also results to natural inks. Galls and barks
achieve more intense, lasting inks than most of the flower-based inks. Also,
Egyptians achieved quality red ink with poppies. (.) According to Helmenstine, any
acidic fruit juice can be used to make an invisible ink when combined with vinegar to
make the ink last longer. (.)

Robbins (2010) described marker pens as pens which have their own ink
source and usually has a tip made of absorbent and pressed fiber and was first
created by Sidney Rosenthal in 1952. This marker pen had been one of the commonly
used writing instruments for about fifty years.
 Ink, according to Encyclopedia.com (2011), is a combination of a coloring
agent, pigment and a liquid containing oils, resins and chemical solvents. In the past,
ink was fashioned from different colored juices, plant and animal extracts. But today,
synthetic materials are used in addition to these natural ingredients to improve the
quality of ink making; however, ink must have two basic components: the pigment
coloring and the vehicle, a liquid which allow the ink to be dispersed. In addition,
according to the article found in the Student’s Encyclopedia, “The ink should make a
clear permanent mark that when dry does not fade from exposure to light or run from
exposure to moisture. It should flow freely and dry quickly when written in a surface
and it must contain nothing that might damage either the pen or the paper.”
Neumann’s and Schluttig’s definition of ink as cited in Lindquist, clearly stated the
properties of ink that would be helpful in having a good quality ink. The ink must be
clear, filterable solution but not a suspension, should flow easily from the pen and
should not spread on paper. Since the ink is natural, no mold must be seen on the
solution and has no pronounced unpleasant odor. Likewise, it must have an intense
color which does not become paler nor bleach out entirely as it is used in writing.
Furthermore, Lindquist added that every good ink, whether writing, or combined
writing and copying, should have qualities that give writing that, after drying for eight
days, is not removed by water or alcohol -- even by treatment for days -- to such an
extent that it becomes illegible. (Lindquist, Evan. Old Ink.n.d..)

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

The study used the experimental method of research. The method is a highly
controlled procedure in which manipulated treatment or actions from a factor or
condition, called the experimental variable (the Mayana and Alugbati ink) were applied
upon another factor or condition.This study also focused on how the Mayana and
Alugbati extract is capable of being utilized as ingredient for the marker ink.
Additionally, the Mayana and Alugbati extract was tested to determine its
effectiveness and through experiments, observations were gathered and utilized as a
collective in making conclusions. The experimental set-up consists of three (3) sub
set-ups and the controlled set-up. Each set-up had undergone the same process,
same environment and same tests in order to avoid alteration and confusion of
observation. The set-up with three (3) replications was tested with the use of a
standardized test, the Waterproof Test. This study also used another method in data
gathering.

LIST OF MATERIALS AND INGREDIENTS

 A colorful spice, tea, plant, fruit, or vegetable (good sources should be rich in
color and include, but are not limited to: blueberries, cranberries, beets, yellow
onion, red onion, turmeric, black tea, coffee). Note: Be sure you have enough
to cover the bottom of a saucepan.
 Cutting board (if you need to chop your plant source into small pieces)
 Knife (if you need to chop your plant source into small pieces)
 Saucepan
 Stove
 Water
 Bowl
 Strainer (if using a plant source that does not dissolve in the water)
 Large glass jar (1), such as a canning jar that is about 6 ½–7 inches tall
 Empty markers
 Newspapers to protect your working area

PROCEDURE

1. Pick out a plant source to extract your ink from. Make sure you have enough
of the plant source to cover the bottom of a saucepan.
2. If your plant source is large, you will need to finely chop it into little pieces
using your knife and cutting board.
3. Add the plant material to your saucepan and add just enough water to cover
the plant source. If you selected tea or a spice, add enough water so that it is
floating or mixed into the liquid and not just absorbing the water or turning into
a paste.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer covered on the stove for approximately
15-20 minutes. The pigment from the plant material will slowly begin to color
the water in your saucepan.
a. Safety Notes: Do not leave the plant-water mixture unattended on the
stove. Remain nearby to make sure it does not burn. It is also a good
idea to do this in a well-ventilated area, or with the stove top fan
running, in case the cooking plants release bad-smelling fumes.
5. If the color of your water is too faint, you may want to concentrate the color by
removing the lid of the saucepan and continue boiling until enough liquid has
evaporated, leaving behind a darker liquid.
6. When the color of the water is rich in color, remove the saucepan from the heat
and allow the dye to cool. If there are pieces of material in your saucepan,
separate the dye into another bowl using a strainer and set the bowl of dye
aside. If your plant source dissolved, just pour the liquid into a bowl and set it
aside.
7. Now that you have your homemade ink you are ready to put it in the marker.
 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION OF DATA

This chapter contains the presentation of data in order to answer the objectives of the
study.

FIRST TRY LAST TRY

The odor of the boiled The odor of the boiled

mayana extracts came
natural as to how the herbal
smells like. The color of
Mayana Ink water was too pale though.
The absorption of the ink
took about 3 seconds on
paper or fabric. The stains
are just easy to wash up. The
consistency of the ink lasted
like the standard ink.
The odor of the boiled
alugbati extracts came
natural as to how the herbal
smells like. The color of
water was too pale though.
The absorption of the ink
Alugbati Ink took about 3 seconds on
paper or fabric. The stains
are just easy to wash up. The
consistency of the ink lasted
like the standard ink.
mayana extracts came
natural as to how the herbal
smells like. The color of
water turned dark violet. The
absorption of the ink took
about 2 seconds on paper or
fabric. The stains are still
easy to wash up. The
consistency of the ink is still
the same on the first trial.
The odor of the boiled
alugbati extracts came
natural as to how the herbal
smells like. The color of
water turned brownish-
yellow. The absorption of the
ink took about 2 seconds on
paper or fabric. The stains
are still easy to wash up. The
consistency of the ink is still
the same on the first trial.

The color of the ink was too pale because it has too much water and least
amount of mayana leaves and alugbati fruits. The odor depends on the number of the
leaves and fruits being boiled and simmered. The absorption of the ink depends on
the amount of the water mixed with the leaves and fruits. The consistency of the ink
differs to what thing it has been applied.
 PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

Mayana
Alugbati
 CONCLUSION

We conclude that in order to create your own marker ink out from plants
extract you need to balance the amount of water and plant source for it to produce a
natural odor and color; to avoid the spreading of ink on the fabric or paper and to
maintain the good quality of the marker ink.

The Mayana and Alugbati extract may not produce a strong tanning of color of
ink like the commercial one but Mayana and Alugbati ink don’t produce strong odor
and its stain whether on paper or fabric is just easy to wash.

Furthermore, people will be able to save money for its ingredients and
materials are just easy to find so as the procedure is just easy to follow.
 RECOMMENDATION

1. It is advisable to improve the color of the Mayana and Alugbati ink and know
what ingredient can improve the absorption of the ink, rate of the stick consistency
and odor.

2. The researcher advocates re-associating the difference between the two inks
using other tests in order to justify the result of this study. Furthermore, having a
good quality ink must be focused on before undergoing a series of test.

3. The researcher advises to conduct other parallel tests based on the

components of the standard ink and the Mayana and Alugbati ink.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Make Your Own Markers

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-
projects/project_ideas/Chem_p014.shtml#procedure

Alternative Ink

http://www.academia.edu/4118489/Alternative_Ink

Coleus Health Benefits

http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/herb/coleus.htm

Alugbati Benefits http://foodrecap.net/health/alugbati-benefits/

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our parents for supporting us
financially, physically and emotionally. To our friends who are always there to cheer
us and help us to this journey. To our Science teacher, Mr. Sarongon for molding our
capabilities to stand on our own feet. Lastly to our Almighty God who guides us and
enlightens our minds and hearts to understand and make this project a successful
one.