FEASIBILITY OF COIR FIBERS AS AN AIR FILTRATION

DEVICE
______________________________________________________________________________

Andrew Nathaniel B. Cayat

Dominic Agustin P. Sison

John Kenneth A. Solis

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Research IV

Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School

Catbalogan City

August, 2017

Mrs. Mariam Milagros B. Gomez

Research Adviser
 FEASIBILITY OF COIR FIBERSAS AS AIR FILTRATION
DEVICE

1.2 ABSTRACT
The Researchers notice the massive disposal of the coconut shell. People
who are throwing the coconut shell do not know how to recycle it. The
researchers wonder about the massive garbage

The study is testing the feasibility of coir fiber as exhaust tail filter and using
the coir fiber as fertilizer on plants. This study was conducted to determine the
efficiency of the coir fiber to catch some carbon from the combustion process.
The coir fiber will be mounted on a exhaust tail and hoping to do its job to filter
some carbon. The researcher will process the coconut husk: 5 days drying
process, separation of the fiber from the coconut shell, soaking the fiber to the
water, drying the fiber and placing it on a screen cylinder. After the filtration
process, the researcher will use it as a fertilizer and processing it. Carbon helps
the plant to grow faster.

Methodical trials showed that the Coir fibers really absorbs medium
amount of carbon from the exhaust tail

Coir fibers can be a decent filter from the exhaust tail. Coir fiber absorbs
75% of the smoke since the combustion process arisen. The researcher believes
that the coir used from the filtration process can be an organic fertilizer. The
people who are using this device will guarantee a good performing filter. This
device is perfect for the hoary engines. The researchers are trying to find some
jeeps that is available to test our device. Even though it still release some amount
of smoke, at least weve lessen the amount of smoke released.
2. INTRODUCTION

2.1 Background of the Study

Carbon emission gas become a very big challenge in our generation, it has
provided a lot of the worlds calamity problems from global warming to climate
change so the researchers found a way to not only lessen these emissions and to
also make use up the excess coconut husks that are thrown outside by the
community.

Coir fibers are surprisingly a good material for absorption so the researchers,
plan to make a air filter using this common material so lessen the carbon
emissions caused by vehicles (specifically old motorcycles) .

What happen if we already filter some of the carbons from the exhaust tail?
.since plants need carbon to grow, the researchers will process the coir fiber and
use it as a fertilizer on plants.

2.2 Statement of the problem

To lessen carbon emissions caused by motorcycles exhaust tail and to make a
fertilizer from the device.

2.3 Significance of the study

The result of this study can reduce methane emissions considering methane is
one of the main factors in greenhouse gases which is the primary cause of global
warming. Vehicles are one of the major contributors of these emissions, the
researchers plan to make a device that can filtrate the air from the exhaust tail of
the vehicles, the air filter is made of coir fibre which that can absorb particles
easier for the filter and the filter also serves as a fertilizer for plants

Since carbon emission and greenhouse gas have been a huge problem towards
our community and further move the world, since coconut husks are very
common throughout the city, its husk are thrown as garbage but using the
coconut husks the researchers can have a material known as coir fiber which is
very good absorbent of materials. if the researchers are able to create a device
utilizing this material, it can lessen the amount of carbon emissions and also since
it is completely organic the coir fiber that was used as filter can be use as a
fertilizer.

2.4 Scope and Delimitation

Is aimed towards: This study aims motorcycles, jeepney, and truck users in the
city
3. Review of Literature and conceptual Framework

3.1 Review of literature and Related Studies

The fiber extracted from the husk of a coconut fruit, commonly known as a coir
fiber, has been traditionally used in tropical regions of Asia, Africa and South
America in a variety of simple item such as rugs, couch and mattress stuffing as
well as gardening pots. According to Satyanarayana et al. [1], since these items
with relatively low aggregated value can utilize only small quantity of coir fibers,
there are many researches and developing efforts to find new uses with high
aggregated value such as a composite reinforcement. However investigations
carried out so far [2-5] have shown that coir fiber are not an effective
reinforcement for polymer matrix composites. The water adsorbed into the
lignocellulosic surface of the hydrophilic coir fiber apparently prevents an efficient
adhesion to the hydrophobic polymer matrix, which also happens in other natural
fiber composites [6-7]. As a consequence the incorporation of coir fiber tends to
decrease the mechanical strength of polyester composites for any volume
fraction of fiber [4]. In principle, there are ways to reverse this negative condition.
For instance, a strong alkali treatment of coir fiber [8] improves the adhesion to
the polyester matrix and thus increases the composites strength by approximately
50% for a volume fraction of 30% of coir fiber.

Another possibility of effective reinforcement to a polymer matrix could be

obtained through the selection of thinner coir fiber. In fact, in a recent work [9]
improved polymer matrix composites were fabricated with the thinnest fibers of
sisal, ramie and curaua. It was found that the level of flexural strengths of these
composites was more than 30% of the corresponding values obtained for identical
composites with non-selected, average diameters, fibers. The mechanism
suggested for higher strength composites reinforced with thinner fibers was a
relatively more uniform rupture of these fibers, which statistically has a greater
probability of having less structure defects
Benefits of Coconut Fiber or Cocopeat For Soil And Plant

Coconut coir or identified with the term plantation waste cocopeat is

abundant in oil-producing areas, crops still aren or Arecaceae family, all parts
have great benefits for humans. If the coconut water has important advantages as
the manufacture of liquid organic fertilizer, as well as fiber wrapped around
coconuts can be processed into solid organic fertilizer.

In the world of organic farming-based, utilizing coconut husk as solid

manure has an important role for the fertility of agricultural land. the solid
organic manure, cocopeat / coconut coir function as bio-pores to the soil, with
the cavity - the cavity in the ground can improve air circulation carries oxygen
needed by plants.

In addition to improving soil aeration on agriculture, other benefits of

coconut fiber has the ability to store water is 6 times more than its volume. In
other words, if the weight of coco 1 kg of water, the power savings can reach 60
kg of water, of course, use coconut fiber as the base material of organic fertilizer
is the right solution for the area is minimal rainfall.

Nutrient content of Coconut Fiber

Actually the coconut husk which though not yet in cocopeat, cocopeat itself
is a waste coconut coir processing in the capture of fiber or fiber. Cocopeat is fine
grains or powders of coconut fiber, whatever the term used to call it is not a
problem. which is the subject of the benefits of coconut husk is very large for
agriculture. The nutrient content owned coconut husk either macro or micro-
turns are needed by plants.

The content of macro and micro nutrients contained in coconut fiber,

among others (K) Potassium (P) phosphorus (Ca) Calcium, (Mg) Magnesium, (Na)
Sodium and some other minerals. But of the many nutrient content owned
cocopeat, it turns out the number of the most abundant is the element of K
(potassium). As we all know that the content of (P) Phosphorus and (K) Potassium
is needed by plants during the process of the formation of the fruit as well as an
increased sense for any kind of fruit. As the benefits of Coconut Fiber/cocopeat
(Organic Fertilizer) for soil and plant Coconut fiber can be processed into liquid
organic fertilizer

How Do Plants Use Carbon?

Plants use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, the process whereby the
plant converts the energy from the sun into a chemical carbohydrate molecule.
Plants use this carbon chemical to grow. Once the plants life cycle is over and it
decomposes, carbon dioxide is formed again to return to the atmosphere and
begin the cycle anew.

Carbon and Plant Growth

As mentioned, plants take in carbon dioxide and convert it to energy for

growth. When the plant dies, carbon dioxide is given off from the decomposition
of the plant. The role of carbon in plants is to foster healthier and more
productive growth of the plants.

Adding organic matter, such as manure or decomposing plant parts (rich in

carbon or the browns in compost), to the soil surrounding growing plants
basically fertilizes them, feeding and nourishing the plants and making them
vigorous and lush. Carbon and plant growth are then intrinsically linked.

What is the Source of Carbon in Plants?

Some of this source of carbon in plants is used to create healthier

specimens and some is converted into carbon dioxide and released into the
atmosphere, but some of the carbon is locked into the soil. This stored carbon
helps to combat global warming by binding to minerals or remaining in organic
forms that will slowly break down over time, aiding in the reduction of
atmospheric carbon. Global warming is the result of the carbon cycle being out of
sync due to the burning of coal, oil and natural gas in large quantities and the
resulting vast amounts of gas released from the ancient carbon stored in the
ground for millennia.

Amending soil with organic carbon not only facilitates healthier plant life, but it
also drains well, prevents water pollution, is beneficial to useful microbes and
insects and eliminates the need for using synthetic fertilizers, which are derived
from fossil fuels. Our dependency upon those very fossil fuels is what got us into
this mess in the first place and utilizing organic gardening techniques is one way
to combat the global warming debacle.

Plastics are also called synthetic resins and are broadly classified into two
categories: thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins.

The thermosetting resins include phenolic resin and melamine resin, which are
thermally hardened and never become soft again. Thermoplastic resins include
PVC, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP), which can be re-
softened by heating.

Usually, thermoplastics are supplied in the form of pelletised material

(compounds) with additives (antioxidants, etc.) already blended in it. However,
PVC resin is often supplied in powder form and long term storage is possible since
the material is resistant to oxidation and degradation. Various additives and
pigments are added to PVC during the processing stage, and the blend is then
converted into PVC products.

PVC is sometimes known as Vinyl in Europe and predominantly so in North

America. In Europe, Vinyl usually refers to certain specific flexible applications,
such as flooring, decorative sheets and artificial leather.

PVC is a thermoplastic made of 57% chlorine (derived from industrial grade salt)
and 43% carbon (derived predominantly from oil / gas via ethylene). It is less
dependent than other polymers on crude oil or natural gas, which are
nonrenewable, and hence can be regarded as a natural resource saving plastic, in
contrast to plastics such as PE, PP, PET and PS, which are totally dependent on oil
or gas. This chlorine gives to PVC excellent fire resistance.
3.2 Conceptual Framework

IMPACT/VARIABLES

Filtration from the

exhaust tail through the
filter using coir fiber
Eco friendly community

PARTICIAPANTS

Parents
Drivers
Old Engines
Age: 7years+

SKILL LEVEL

Operation
Upgrade
Maintenance
Installation Use
Initial Efficiency Test

3.3 Hypotheses
The device will filter the carbon from the air from the exhaust tail of the
vehicle and can be used as a fertilizer
 4. Methodology

Gathering of materials

PVC pipe connector Screen cylinder Coir fiber Epoxy cement

Exhaust tail filter

Using the device into the

exhause tail

Amount of time using

the device:

A=5 mins

B=10 mins Processing the coir Applying the organic

fiber with triturated fertilizer to the plants
C=15 mins
carbon into an
organic fertilizer
D=20 mins

Height of the plant compared Side effects

to the other amounts of
fertilizer applied to the plant
4.1 CONTENT
Materials needed are Spring or zip tie, PVC Y PIPE (3x3) ,epoxy cement,
cylinder screen, flat hooks, gasket or any other sealer, Aluminum screen, scissors,
tape,

4.1.1 Collection and Preparation

The researchers acquired the coconut husks from vendors for disposal. The
vendors are located at Barangay 6 San Bartolomew Street Catbalogan City. The
epoxy steel, PVC y pipe (3x3) and the screen cylinder used in this study was
provided by the group of researchers named Andrew Cayat, Dominic Sison and
Kenneth Solis from Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School Catbalogan City.
The amount of coir fiber used in this project is weighing 500 grams.

4.1.2 Assembling the device

The researchers gather first the materials. Mixing first the resin (a sticky
flammable organic substance) with hardener. Applying the solution to the hooks,
screen cylinder and PVC y pipe. The solution will serve as an adhesive. Paste the
hook on the PVC y pipe and to the cylinder screen. Apply a gasket to the opening
of the PVC y pipe; it helps to seal the junction between two surface the
cylinder screen and PVC pipe. Put the coconut husk to the cylinder screen.
Apply the screen between the cylinder and PVC pipe. Mount the device to
the exhaust tail. Apply a zip tie or spring to secure the device from impacts.
 4.1.3 Testing for Breaking Strength of the device
(Falling to a concrete floor)
Free Fall (height) Condition/ Observation
12 inches Normal
24 inches Small scratch from the PVC pipe
opening
36 inches Same on the second test. But the
scratch spread
48 inches Tiny crack

4.1.4 Testing the heat transfer from the exhaust tail to the device
[Tested on a motorcycle (Honda wave 125cc)]
Test # Time (minutes) Temperature Condition
1 2 60 C Normal

2 4 83 C Same as test #1;

but warmer
3 6 101 C The PVC pipe is
warming
4 8 116 C

5 10 126 C Pthe color of the

plastic was slowly
become lighter
6 12 137 C Tiny burn from
the mouth of the
PVC pipe
7 14 155 C Mouth of the
PVC pipe that
receives the
smoke. Is
gradually melting
 4.1.5 Filtration process
The researchers will find old vehicles that are very smoky;
Motorcycles, Jeepney, Truck, Bus, etc.
MOTORCYLE

Amount of coir Time (minutes) Observation/Color Observation/Color

fiber inserted to of the coir fibers of the coir fibers
the each Cylinder on the first on the second
screen cylinder screen cylinder screen
(45 degree
angled tube)
2 No changes nor No changes nor

350g 4
color
No changes nor
color
color
Small amount of
dusts
6 No changes nor Splendid tiny
color black spots
becomes visible
8 No changes nor The
color circumference
10 No changes nor Darkish color on
color the front of the
coir
12 Splendid tiny The dark color
black spots spreads wider
becomes visible
14 Still slight quantity Dark dusts
of dust collected appear on the
on the coirs side of the
cylinder screen

5. CONCLUSIONS
 5.1Summary of findings

Filtration of methane (CH4) or carbons using the device is under the

following conditions: freshly opened coconut husks, a vehicle within 5 to 7
of use, run time: 40minutes running at 10km/h and 350 grams of coir fibers
supposed to the exhaust tail.

5.2 Conclusions
The coir fibers successfully filter the smoke from the exhaust tail, but
in a long amount of time due to the sharing the amount of force from the
exhaust tail to the PVC y pipe. Because our device as two wholes they
share the amount of air .The test subject has lack of wholes to connect the
device to the motorcycle. The cylinder screen has too many holes, which
the air can easily get out and difficult to filter. In order to the smoke it needs
a pressure; screen decreases the amount of pressure.

5.3 Recommendation
Filtration of the Methane (CH4) yielded positive results, with this casis
the researchers recommends. The adaptation of this new technology on air
filtration.To further improve the study, the researchers also recommend the
following: Use only one exit for the air filter to secure full utilization of
filtering the methane caused by the exhaust tail, 45 degrees above angles
of the exit helps the device to fully use the direction or propagation of the
air particles and its passing through, More layers of the filter can increase
the amount of filtered carbon, Stability and compatibility of the device can
be further explored for it to be more universal in terms of use, The
researcher should not use the PVC y pipe. Because the amount of force
from the exhaust tail to the filter, shares. The direction of the smoke split,
using the researcher will make the device more presentable on the next
project. Using silver spray paint. Use approximately 8 holes measuring .3
diameter when you are going to filter. If we use 8 holes the pressure from
the exhaust tail will be compress on the end and slowly pass to the coir and
clean.
6. Bibliography
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1517-70762010000200017

(Tensile Behavior of lignocellulosic reinforced polyester composites)

https://www.knfilters.com/efficiency_testing_procedure.htm

(protocol)

http://www.pvc.org/en/p/what-is-pvc

(pvc)

http://agriculture90.blogspot.com/2015/09/benefits-of-coconut-fiber-or-cocopeat.html
7. Appendices