Using Herbs as an Alternative Ingredient for Ink

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements in Science 9

Submitted by:

Riordan Jesly B. Moralde

Carl M. Rosario

Karl Andre P. Sasoy

Submitted to:

Denzel G. Diamante

July 12, 2019

 CHAPTER 1

PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Background of the Study

Our main ingredients consist of fruits and vegetables that are very

accessible in our country. This study is already possible to make but with other

ingredients we decided to test it to other kinds of plants or herbs because we

want to be more unique than other studies about our topic. It can also reduce

the use of ink cartridges that are disposed 375 million in a year that causes

landslides and it takes 100 years for cartridges to decompose and could be a

cause for cancer if not taken proper action immediately. And ink has been a

fundamental part of the evolution of mankind since the 4th century and was

called as “masi” at that time.

That gave us the researchers the idea to investigate and reproduce the said

material that would benefit the progress of mankind rather than taking more

raw materials from our planet that would cause the environment to be

destroyed and since herbs are natural raw materials and wouldn’t cause

destruction if taken out from the ground or the tree then we thought that it is

an experiment to test. If this succeeds, we might be able to at least contribute

a tiny bit on lessening the damage on our ecosystem.

Statement of the Problem

This experiment wants to compare the ink that was bought and the

ink that is going be made using herbs (Acorn Hulls, Indigo, Black Walnut Halls

and etc.) as an alternative ingredient in feather ink. Specifically, this

experiment seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Is there a significance difference between ingredients using butyl urea,

cyclohexanone etc. and using herbs in the production of ink in terms of;

Consistency? Color? Darkness?

2. Are herbs effective and feasible as a raw material in the production of

ink?

Hypothesis

The ink will be made well with no significant difference on the effectiveness

and quality of cheap store-bought ink and ink made of herbs.

Significance of the Study

Our study aims to help students or workers who want to save a few cash and

have a few herbs specifically, Acorn Hulls, Indigo, Black Walnut Halls, and

more, laying around collecting dust.

Scope and Delimitation

The researchers would experiment for at least 2 days researchers used herbs

in making ink to reduce the raw materials that are being taken from the

environment and will be done at the house of the researchers. The researchers

utilized the tools and equipment that was available at their home in doing the

said experiment in a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup walnut hulls (or other ink

herb of choice) with 4 cups water. Let the temperature reach its boiling point

and change the temperature to low soon after to simmer for 1-2 hours

straight. This can alternately be done in your crockpot overnight. For best

results allow this mixture to sit overnight steeping. The longer you allow your

mixture to steep, the better your ink will be. Strain the mixture and return to

the pot to simmer until desired color and consistency is reached. Remove from

heat. Combine 1 cup of the ink infusion with vinegar and salt. Stir until

completely combined and dissolved. If adding a binder, stir in now, until

desired thickness and consistency is reached. Store in a mason jar sealed

tightly with a lid, when not in use. Be sure to store your jar of ink in a cool

dark location. Many natural inks are not lightfast, and will lose color and

brilliance if stored in a sunny location. You can also add 1/8 cup (2 Tbsp.)

alcohol to your ink, to help preserve it even longer!

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of this Investigative Project, The researchers have

presented the definitions of each term specified in this project.

Ink - a colored fluid used for writing, drawing, printing, or duplicating.

N-Butylurea - is an odorless white solid.

Cyclohexanone – a liquid ketone C6H10O used especially as a solvent and

in organic synthesis.

Indigo – a dye plant known for the clarity and fastness of its blue colour.

Hull - the outer covering of a fruit or seed, especially the pod of peas and
beans, or the husk of grain.

Simmer - a state or temperature just below boiling point.

Raw Materials - the basic material from which a product is made.