RESEARCH/CAPSTONE

“Utilization of Shredded Single-use Plastic Wrappers

as an Additive Component in Producing a Bathroom-
designed Tile”

Zaharra Mae V. Arucan [1] , Marlou C. Anteñero [2], Kent

Mienard Delatina [3], Kristine Kyla G. Buaga [4], Reyneo Gallano
[5]

Koronadal National Comprehensive High School

Rizal St., Brgy. Zone IV, City of Koronadal
SY 2018-2019
 ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to produce a bathroom-designed tile with the utilization of single-use
plastic material as an additive component. During preparation, research design, necessary
materials as well as relevant procedures were gathered and presented.
There are two (2) set- ups in this study, namely, Set up A and Control Set-up. Set-up A is divided
into three treatments—treatment 1, treatment 2, and treatment 3. Each treatment has nine (9)
replicates to meet the prepared three tests. The first treatment contains 300ml of polyclear & 50ml
of hardener, 150g of pebbles and 10mg of shredded single-used plastic wrappers. Treatment 2
contains 300 ml of polyclear & 50ml of hardener, 150g of pebbles and 15mg of shredded single-
used plastic wrappers. Treatment 3 contains 300ml of polyclear & 50ml miligrams of hardener,
150g of pebbles and 20mg of shredded single- used plastic wrappers. While under control set-up
is a tile produced using the mixture of 300ml polyclear and 50ml hardener.
Based on the statistical analysis done by the researchers, all of the treatments are equally water
resistant and sunlight resistant. However, amongst the three (3) treatments, the produced tile under
treatment 3 showed great ability in enduring impact after the compression test.
Overall, the quality of the produced tiles having shredded plastic wrappers almost have the same
quality as to polyclear & hardener mixture produced tile. As shown in the statistical analysis,
Treatment 3 has higher durability after being dropped with a hammer having a total force of 9.8
Newton (N) in comparison between all other treatments and control set-up.
 I. INTRODUCTION
This section contains the background of the study, the problem and its setting.
Plastic Pollution is a major problem of this century. Single-used plastics such as plastic bags,
straws, coffee stirrers and most food packaging are only used once which greatly contribute
to the increasing plastic wastes around the planet. It has been found everywhere; agricultural
lands, commercials lands, establishments, water bodies and even at the deepest part of the
ocean, the Mariana’s Trench.
As plastics continue to dominate the land and even marine territories, the wild is now
experiencing vast suffocation. An evidence of this is the situation where pieces of single-use
plastic materials including straws and bottle cups are found inside the stomach of a lifeless
bird in mid-Pacific.
Another, these materials are one of the root causes of global warming as when it is burned,
its smoke contains dioxins, which in general is a group of toxic chemicals that has a negative
influence on human health and atmosphere. As dioxins are released into the air without being
filtered, it influences the supposed to be condition of the atmosphere leading to climate
change and undisputed heavy rain patterns causing floods.
Nowadays, environmental experts have observed the swelling surge of plastics. In fact,
According to Plastic Free Challenge (2018), about 300 million tons of plastics are coarsely
produced each year having only 10-13% being recycled worldwide. This is an indication that
only a number of recycling ideas are introduced to the population.
As humans, we find the power of technology convenient in daily living, especially with the
use of single-use plastics. However, living a convenient life with technology comes a tricky
challenge as stewards of the planet.
With a solid observation of the above scenario, this study was organized by the researchers
having the objectives to assist in alleviating environmental degradation caused by single-use
plastics and promote a long-term recycled product using such materials. The conduct of this
experiment is to catch the better component in designing and producing a bathroom-designed
tile having shredded single-use plastic wrappers as an additive.
This recycling experiment, if proven, will result to less surge of plastic pollution and
stimulate the boom of innovative designing in recycling. This innovation was inspired by the
popular introduction of ecobricks in Southeast-Asian countries.
More specifically, it aims to find answers to the following questions:
1. Can the varying amounts of shredded single-used plastic material present in a produced tile
significantly affect its ability to absorb water?
2. Can the varying amount of shredded single-use plastic material present in a produced tile
significantly affect its durability?
3. Is there a major difference between a produced tile exposed to sunlight and hot temperature
over the one kept in closed door and room temperature?
4. Will the produced tile be as good compared to a pure tile hardener produced tile?
Ho1: The varying amount of shredded single-use plastic material present in a produced tile does
not significantly affect its ability in resisting water.
Ha1: The varying amount of shredded single-use plastic material present in a produced tile does
significantly affect its ability to absorb water.
Ho2: The varying amounts of shredded single used plastic material present in a produced tile does
not significantly affect its durability.
Ha2: The varying amounts of shredded single used plastic material present in a produced tile
significantly affect its durability as referred to by Newton’s Law of Acceleration stating that an
object with higher mass will have higher acceleration. Thus, when the heavier tile is dropped from
7ft tall to the ground, more damage may result.
Ho3: There will be no significant difference between a produced tile exposed to sunlight and hot
temperature over the one kept in closed door and room temperature.
Ha3: There will be a significant difference between a produced tile exposed to sunlight and hot
temperature over the one kept in closed door and room temperature as a tile under great heat will
cause the plastic materials to distort as it reach its maximum heat tolerance.
Ho4: The produced tile is never good compared to a pure tile hardener produced tile.
Ha4: The produced tile is as good compared to a pure tile hardener produced tile.
KEYWORDS
Eco-brick…
Plastic…
Poly clear…
Recycling…
Shred…
Single-use Plastic…
Tile…
 II. METHODOLOGY
This section explains the experimental part of this study which discusses in details the
research design, necessary materials and relevant procedures applied for the successful conduct
of the study.
Materials/Equipment
The following are the equipment used by the researchers during the experiment: (1) Piattos food
wrappers. This single-use plastic wrappers will be used by the researchers as an additive in
producing a bathroom-designed tile. (2) 0.1 mm transparent cellophane. This material plays an
important role for the researchers’ product processing as it will be used to cover the metal molder
in shaping the designed tile; (3) Scissors. A pair of scissors is to be used by the researchers in
shredding plastic wrappers that they will be collecting for the experiment; (4) Metal molder. A
metal molder together with a plastic cover, is to be used by the researchers in molding the tile; (5)
Measuring cups. Measuring cups will be used by the researchers in gaging the amount of liquid
hardener and tile agent for tile making; (6) Stainless rod. This will be used by the researchers in
mixing the tile agent and shredded plastic wrappers; (7) Poly clear. This liquid tile agent will be
used by the researchers together with shredded single-use plastic wrappers to make the tile; (8)
Tile hardener. A thinner will be used by the researchers to allow the tile dry up in a minute and;
(9) Weighing scale. A weighing scale will be used by the researchers to balance the amount of
shredded single-use plastic wrappers to be added to the tile mixture.
General Procedure / Treatment
This study was conducted to produce a bathroom-designed tile with the utilization of single-use
plastic material as an additive component. During preparation, research design, necessary
materials as well as relevant procedures were gathered and presented.
There are two (2) set- ups in this study, namely, Set up A and Control Set-up. Set-up A is divided
into three treatments—treatment 1, treatment 2, and treatment 3. Each treatment has nine (9)
replicates to meet the prepared three tests. The first treatment contains 350 ml of polyclear, 75 ml
of hardener, 150 g of pebbles and 0.1 g of shredded single-used plastic wrappers. Treatment 2
contains 350 ml of polyclear, 75 ml of hardener, 150g of pebbles and 1.5g of shredded single-used
plastic wrappers. Treatment 3 contains 350ml of polyclear, 75 ml hardener, 150g of pebbles and
2.0g of shredded single- used plastic wrappers.
Since the study deals with quantitative approach and seeks to compare all tile qualities under each
treatment, the researchers will use correlational method in statistics to determine if its quality is
qualified for market. The researchers will examine which among the combined shredded single-
use plastic wrappers and tile agent produce a more durable and resistant product in making
bathroom-designed tiles here in Koronadal City. The researchers will base their results in
accordance to their observation, literature and information to be collected through readings and
hands-on experimentation.
Single-use plastic wrappers are mostly gathered by the researchers from the nearest school
canteens within Koronadal City. Specifically, the researchers will gather used wrappers of Piattos
food products. Some were also collected from home kitchens, restaurant kitchens, commercial
establishments and public markets inside the vicinity.
After joining together all the plastic wrappers, the researchers filled pales with tap water and used
it to remove unwanted constituents from the collected wrappers. Later, the researchers hanged the
wet wrappers then allowed it to dry.
With the use of scissors, the researchers trimmed the collected plastic wrappers into pieces about
1 cm in width and in length. They did this until the weight of the material reached 200 mg, which
suffices the needed amount for the experiment and supplementary resource in case of experimental
flaws.
The researchers prepared a stainless basin and poured poly clear. Later, they added the shredded
pieces of plastic wrappers and mixed it with the use of a stainless rod. Far along the process, the
researchers primed a molder with a transparent cellophane. Then, they placed the mixture of plastic
wrappers and liquid mediator in molder. After 15 minutes, the researchers placed 150g of pebbles
which would serve as the base for the tile then, they poured an amount of liquid hardener to keep
the pebbles in tacked. The researchers dried the mixture for 30 minutes with room temperature.
After drying, the researchers removed the product from molder then organized it according to
treatment. They arranged the set replicates in preparation for testing. The researchers brainstormed
and arrived with three (3) tests for each tile to experience namely: (1) Compression Test; (2) Water
Absorption Test and; (3) Sunlight Resistance Test.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This section presents the result of the experiment as well as the analysis and interpretation of
results which will provide answers for questions drawn from the statement of the problem.
Test Results on Set-up A
Damage Scale: For Compression Test
5- No damage; no visible signs of breakage.
4- Slightly damaged; small cracks are Damage Scale: For Water Resistance Test
found visible. 3- No damage; no visible signs of water break

3- Noticeably damaged; some parts broke through.

apart. 2- Slightly damaged; minimal amount of water

2- Damaged; more visible cracks and more break through.

Damage Scale: For Sunlight Resistance Test
1- Completely damaged; water totally enters
detached parts. 3- No damage; no sign of distortion
1- Completely damaged; completely 2- Slightly damaged; some parts distorted
broken. 1- Completely damaged; the tile is totally
distorted
The following tables show the test results on Water Resistance, Compression and Sunlight
Resistance of treatments 1, 2 and 3 under Set-up A.
Table 1. Results of Set up A in Water Absorption Test
Water Absorption Test Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3
Replicate 1 3 3 3
Replicate 2 3 3 3
Replicate 3 3 3 3
As presented in Table 1, all treatments showed no sign of water breakthrough after experiencing
24-hour time in water. Therefore, all produced tiles are water resistant.
Table 2. Results of Set-up A under Compression Test
Compression Test Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3
Replicate 1 3 4 4
Replicate 2 3 4 5
Replicate 3 2 3 5
As presented in Table 2, produced tiles under Treatment 3 showed less damage than Treatments 1
and 2 after hitting it with a force of 9.8 Newton (N). Therefore, the produced tiles under Treatment
3 are more durable than the tile produced under treatments 1 and 2.
Table 3. Results of Set-up A in Sunlight Resistance Test
Sunlight Resistance Test Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3
Replicate 1 3 3 3
Replicate 2 3 3 3
Replicate 3 3 3 3
As presented in Table 3, all produced tiles showed no sign of distortion after an 8-hour exposure
under the sun. Therefore, all produced tiles are sunlight resistant.
Test Results on Control Set-up
The following tables show the test results on Water Resistance, Impact and Sunlight Resistance
under Control Set-up.
Table 4. Results of Control Set-up in Water Absorption Test
Water Absorption Test Control Set up
Replicate 1 3
Replicate 2 3
Replicate 3 3
As presented in Table 4, all commercial tiles showed no sign of water entry after a twenty-four
(24) hour time in water.
Table 5. Results of Control Set-up in Compression Test
Compression Test Control Set-up
Replicate 1 2
Replicate 2 2
Replicate 3 2
As presented in Table 5, all commercial tiles experience slight damages after experiencing an
impact with a force of 9.8 Newton (N).

Table 6. Results of Control Set-up in Sunlight Resistance Test

Sunlight Resistance Test Control Set-up
Replicate 1 3
 Replicate 2 3
Replicate 3 3
As presented in table 4.6, all commercial tiles showed no signs of damage and distortion after an
8-hour exposure under the heat of the sun.
Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Presented below are the statistical analysis of the produced tiles under treatments 1, 2, 3 and
Control Set-up and the interpretation of its test results.
Table 7. Statistical Analysis of Set-up A with its ability to absorb water
Anova: Single Factor

SUMMARY
Averag
Groups Count Sum e Variance
Treatment 1 3 9 3 0
Treatment 2 3 9 3 0
Treatment 3 3 9 3 0

ANOVA
Source of Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
5.14325
Between Groups 0 2 0 65535 #DIV/0! 3
Within Groups 0 6 0

Total 0 8

As presented in Table 7, there is no significant difference between the varying amounts of

shredded single-use plastic materials added on treatments 1,2 and 3 in making the output water
resistant given that the P-value equates to zero (0) and does not exceed the 5% one-tail distribution.
Hence, the amount of single-use plastic material present in a tile does not affect its ability to resist
water. Thus, null hypothesis for question 1 is accepted.
Table 8. Statistical Analysis of Set-up A on Compression test
Anova: Single Factor

SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Treatment 1 3 8 2.666667 0.333333
Treatment 2 3 11 3.666667 0.333333
 Treatment 3 3 14 4.666667 0.333333

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 6 2 3 9 0.015625 5.143253
Within Groups 2 6 0.333333

Total 8 8
As presented on Table 8, a significant difference between treatments 1, 2 and 3 is observed
given that the P-value is 0. 015625. Hence, the amount of shredded single-use plastic material
present in a produced tile significantly affect its durability. Furthermore, given that the P-value
does not exceed the 5% one-tail distribution, alternative hypothesis for question 2 is accepted.
Table 9. Statistical Analysis of Set-up A on Sunlight Resistance Test
Anova: Single Factor

SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Treatment 1 3 9 3 0
Treatment 2 3 9 3 0
Treatment 3 3 9 3 0

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 0 2 0 65535 #DIV/0! 5.143253
Within Groups 0 6 0

Total 0 8
As presented on Table 9, there is no significant difference between the varying amounts of
shredded single-use plastic materials added on treatments 1, 2 and 3 in making the output
sunlight resistant given that the P-value equates to zero (0). Furthermore, given that the P-value
equates to zero (0) variance, the amount of shredded single-use plastic material does not affect
its ability in enduring sunlight. Thus, null hypothesis for question 3 is accepted.
Table 10. Summary of Statistical Analysis of all test results on Set-up A and Control Set-up
Anova: Single Factor
 SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Column 1 3 26 8.666667 0.333333
Column 2 3 29 9.666667 1.333333
Column 3 3 32 10.66667 8.333333
Column 4 3 24 8 3

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Between Groups 12.25 3 4.083333 1.25641 0.352431 4.066181
Within Groups 26 8 3.25

Total 38.25 11
As presented in table 10, there is no significant difference between a polyclear & hardener
produced-tile and with shredded plastic wrappers produced-tile in terms of quality; all are water
resistant, sunlight resistant however may be shown to differ in its durability given that the P-value
equates to 0. 352431 and slight fluctuate is observable within the presented table. Furthermore,
since the P-value does not exceed the 5% one-tail distribution, alternative hypothesis for question
4 is accepted.
Summary
This study was conducted to produce a bathroom-designed tile with the utilization of single-use
plastic material as an additive component. During preparation, research design, necessary
materials as well as relevant procedures were gathered and presented.
The research methodology was done wherein there was one set- up, namely, Set up A. Set up A is
divided into three treatments—treatment 1, treatment 2, and treatment 3. Each treatment has nine
(9) replicates to meet the prepared three tests. The first treatment contains 300 ml of polyclear &
50ml of hardener, 150 g of pebbles and 10 mg of shredded single-used plastic wrappers. Treatment
2 contains 300 ml of polyclear & 50ml of hardener, 150g of pebbles and 15mg of shredded single-
used plastic wrappers. Treatment 3 contains 300ml of polyclear & 50ml of hardener, 150g of
pebbles and 20mg of shredded single- used plastic wrappers.
Water absorption test, compression test as well as sunlight resistance test were conducted to test
the produced tiles. In water resistance test, the researchers fixed the produced tile in pale of water
for 24 hours. The next test done is the impact test in which the researchers prepared a 1 kg hammer.
The 1 kg hammer was dropped from a height of 1 ft. that will fall straight to the produced tile. This
test was done in a manner that the produced tile be tested if it is solid enough and strong. The last
test conducted is the sunlight resistance test. In this test, the researchers were trying to test the
durability of the produced tile under the heat of the sun for 8 hours.
The analysis of results as well as the interpretation of data followed after doing the tests. A scale
was made to label the damages created by the tests to the produced tiles. The damage scale for
compression test includes scales from 1 to 5. Number 5 scale indicates no damages, and number 1
indicates completely damaged product. From the test to the scale, the treatments showed that in
treatment 3 there’s less damage than the other two treatments.
For water resistance test, number 3 scale indicates no damage in the product, number 2 scale
indicates slightly damage in the product and scale number 1 indicates completely damaged of
product from the test. From the scale given, the results showed that all treatment has no sign of
water breakthrough after being under water for 24 hours.
On the last test that involves sunlight, the scale number 3 indicates no damage, scale number 2
indicates slightly damaged, and scale number 1 indicates a complete damage of the product. From
the given scale, after the test, the products shows no sign of distortion after an 8-hour exposure
under the sun. Hence, the researchers concluded that all products were sunlight resistant.
Findings
Based on the statistical analysis done by the researchers, all of the treatments are water resistant,
sunlight resistant. Amongst the three treatments, the produced tile under treatment 3 showed great
ability in enduring impact. In addition, the quality of the produced tile has the same quality as
market product tiles.
Conclusions
As the study met its final ends, the researchers arrived to a conclusion regarding the relationship
between the shredded single-used plastic materials and liquid mediator. Based on the result and
discussion in the study, researchers concluded that the use of single-used plastic material makes a
stronger and harder tile that can be compared with the commercial one. The final product showed
great result when they all undergo the Impact Test, Water Resistance Test and Heat Resistance
Test.
The researchers concluded that the produced tiles under treatment 3 is better than the other
treatments and the amount of single-used plastic materials had greatly affected this because it had
the greatest amount out of all the other treatments.
Recommendations
In conducting a research experiment, it is always inevitable to not encounter any errors; May it be
systematic or a random error. However, it is a characteristic of a good researcher to take initiative
in having a summary of better things to be done for the improvement of the study. The researchers
had recorded their observations and arrived with the following recommendations:
a. To further improve the quality of the product in this study, the researchers recommend that
the single-use plastic wrappers must be shredded more equally. For it to mix more
efficiently with the tile agent and hardener.
b. Another problem was encountered by the researchers in weighing the single-use materials.
Thus, they recommend to use a weighing scale with smaller quantities or weight label.
c. The researchers recommend that upon mixing the tile agent, polyclear and hardener, it
should be immediately mixed with the shredded single-use plastic wrappers as it will
harden if not do so.
Finally, the researchers recommend that the aluminum molder to be used must have a smooth
inside surface and should contain no holes to produce a tile with fine, smooth texture.
 SOURCES
UNEP (2018). SINGLE-USE PLASTICS: A Roadmap for Sustainability. Retrieved from
https://www.euractiv.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/06/WED-REPORT-SINGLE-USE-
PLASTICS.pdf on September 16, 2018
WECF. Dangerous Health Effects of Home Burning of Plastics and Wastes.
http://www.wecf.eu/cms/download/2004-2005/homeburning_plastics.pdf retrieved on September
16, 2018
Plastic Free Challenge (2018). What is single-use plastic. Retrieved from
http://www.plasticfreechallenge.org/what-is-single-use-plastic/ retrieved on September 16, 2018
ThoughtCo 2018. Plastic Definition and Composition. Retrieved from
https://www.thoughtco.com/plastic-chemical-composition-608930 on September 17, 2018
Serve the World Today.org (2012, December 3). Everything you need to know about ecobricks.
Retrieved from https://servetheworldtoday.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-eco-
bricks/1071/ on September 22, 2018
Ecobricks.org (2018). Why Make Ecobrick. Retrieved from https://www.ecobricks.org/why/ on
September 22, 2018.
AFP, (2018, October 13). Greenpeace: Ph is third worst plastic polluter of oceans. Philippine
Daily Inquirer. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/932739/greenpeace-environment-
water-pollution-polluter-manila-bay on October 14, 2018
Chem dry (2018). 7 Benefits of Tile Flooring at Home. Retrieved from
http://www.drchemdry.com/7-benefits-of-tile-flooring-at-home/ on October 14, 2018

Earth’s Friend (2018, August 1). Why is Recycling So important. Retrieved from
https://www.earthsfriends.com/why-recycling-important/ on Septmebr 18, 2018.
Ecolour.com (2018). Poly clear. Retrieved from https://www.ecolour.com.au/shop/polyclear/ on
September 23, 2018
Garcia, A. (2018, March 27). Philippines, David in size, Goliath in Plastic Pollution. Retrieved
from http://savethewater.org/2018/03/27/philippines-david-in-size-goliath-in-plastic-pollution/
on October 14, 2018

Qoura (2018). What is the purpose of recycling, how effective is it. Retrieved from
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-purpose-of-recycling-How-effective-is-it on September 18,
2019.