Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A Research Paper
Research Capstone
Authors:
Prudente, Madeleine J.
Villanueva, Rafael C.
Sampaloc, Manila
June 2022
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We thank the almighty whose blessings are bestowed the will power and
enlightenment and guidance are extended to the following persons who, in one way
or another, have proffered and tendered to make this study feasible and attainable.
The researchers are in debt in all the lessons, practices, and consultations that are
To Mr. Kevin Apoloan, Research capstone adviser, for his impartial and broad-
helping hand to us rookie researchers to do the given task efficiently with compact or
no flaws.
To our Parents, for appreciating our effort and love in bringing us up to be a better
individual. For being patient and understanding while we are busy or engaged doing
this study, for giving us full support, love, and inspiration. All of the support and
ABSTRACT
The research study was conducted because the researchers were curious if the red
onion (Allium cepa) and avocado (Persea americana) are applicable to use as a
natural dye. Additionally, we found out that the red onion and avocado peels enhance
the productivity of the resources and can reduce waste. Hereby, the researchers
came up with a proposition to ascertain if the level of light reflectivity is similar on four
fabrics; cotton, linen, silk, and wool whereas the red onion, avocado, and synthetic
dye are applied. For the procedures, which are the; gathering of materials, extraction
of the red onion and avocado, boiling their peels and soaking the fabrics, drying the
dyed fabrics, and finally measuring the visible light reflectivity. Moreover, researchers
acquired three trials to get accurate results. The researchers assess the level of light
reflectivity by using the phypox application and color sensor to determine its
illuminance and RGB values. The researchers will use a pretest posttest experimental
research design to evaluate and compare the synthetic dye and natural dye extracted
from red onion and avocado applied on the four fabrics. After obtaining the illuminance
and RGB value, researchers found that there is a sizable difference regarding the
level of light reflectivity before and after the red onion, avocado, and synthetic dye is
applied. While there is also a considerable difference as to the level of light reflectivity
using the light sensor and color sensor applied with natural dyes and synthetic dye.
Based on the results, in terms of illuminance, the white fabric or the lighter the fabric
is, the greater its illuminance while the darker the fabric is, the less its illuminance.
Keywords: Red onion, Avocado, Natural dye, Synthetic dye, Light reflectivity
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgement .................................................................................................. 2
Abstract .................................................................................................................... 3
D. Synthesis ...................................................................................................... 23
Chapter V .............................................................................................................. 47
Summary ..................................................................................................... 47
Conclusion .................................................................................................... 49
Recommendation ......................................................................................... 50
References ............................................................................................................ 52
Appendices ............................................................................................................ 55
List of Figures
Figure 17: RGB values of red onion, avocado, synthetic dye ................................. 46
Figure 16: Illuminance (lx) of red onion, avocado, synthetic dye ............................ 47
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT vii
List of Tables
Chapter I
Introduction
safe. Natural dyes are composed of fruit and vegetables which produce the color
pigment that may get well into fabrics. One of the essential vegetables that can be
found in the kitchen is the red onion (Allium cepa) and one of the seasoned fruits that
Red onion peels (Allium cepa) are somehow known to be extracted and used
as a natural dye that has been tested in the coloration of textiles as shown by one of
the research papers by Vankar et al. (2009). Avocado peels (Persea americana) have
not yet been discovered and studied by the previous researchers in which this study
will give light to the body of knowledge. Additionally, the peels are waste from (Allium
cepa) and (Persea americana) that can be extracted and can turn into a natural dye.
Furthermore, the visible light reflectivity of dyed fabric is still questionable. With this,
the problem can be left unanswered because, the level of visible light reflectivity,
somehow affects in determining the effectiveness of using (Allium cepa) and (Persea
americana) as a natural dye. The problem needs research to measure the reflectivity
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 2
of visible light in a natural dye extracted from red onion (Allium cepa) peels and
According to (Natural Dyes - Red Onion Skins, 2012). Red onion (Allium cepa)
doesn’t need to be dormant since these peels of red onion have high tannin which is
good in absorbing the extracted color that gets well into fabrics. This gives light to the
The study will take 2 weeks to measure the level of reflectivity because
researchers will also perform extractions of the waste materials coming from Allium
cepa and Persea americana peels which will be converted into a natural dye. The
researchers focused on the topic of measuring the reflectivity of a dyed fabric from a
natural dye since researchers are curious and wanted to know because this problem
As stated by Mata (2017), the researchers used the extract of the avocado
(Persea americana) and guava (Psidium guajava) leaves extract as their alternative
mordant for dyeing the fabrics. We also found some research about avocado (Persea
americana) peels but not as a natural dye. Avocado peels (Persea americana) are
commonly used as an antioxidant for skin and health benefits since the Avocado
some benefits since no mordant or fixative is needed to hold the color and ensure its
color-fastness.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 3
efficacy rate of Allium cepa peels as a natural dye while the study of the effectiveness
of avocado (Persea americana) does not have any study. A similar study by Vankar
et al. (2009), in which researchers evaluated the efficiency of dyeing cotton, wool, and
silk fabrics with natural dye in which later on found out that the Allium cepa peels
enhance productivity of the resources and reduce waste. Another related study by
Nurunnesa et al. (2018). They identify the efficacy of onion peels as a natural dye with
the use of different kinds of dormant and its implications which the researchers found
out that onion peels are effective for dyeing fabrics with the help of different kinds of
dormant.
Therefore, the researchers came up with this study that aims to measure visible
light reflectivity because there is a knowledge gap. Since the topic of visible light
reflectivity is not yet measured and researched. Additionally, most of the research
aims to know the efficacy rate and the effectiveness in implications of red onion
(Allium cepa). With that, researchers conclude that most researchers study the
effectiveness of red onion peels (Allium cepa) as can be noticed with the citation given
above, while the visible light reflectivity is questionable. Questionable since there are
no recent and latest studies that focus on measuring the light reflectivity of red onion
peels (Allium cepa) and avocado peels (Persea americana) extract as a natural dye.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 4
Conceptual Framework
The study attempts to determine the visible light reflectivity of natural dye extracted
questions/problems:
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 5
General question:
What is the visible light reflectivity of a natural dye extracted from red onion
Specific questions:
fabrics before and after applying red onion (Allium cepa), avocado (Persea
different fabrics applied with red onion (Allium cepa), avocado (Persea
Hypotheses (Null)
From the problem stated above, the following hypotheses were formulated:
H01: If the level of light reflectivity is not influenced before and after applying
the red onion (Allium cepa), avocado (Persea americana), and synthetic dye on
different fabrics then there will be no significant difference between the natural dyes
H02: If the level of light reflectivity is the same on different fabrics whereas the
red onion (Allium cepa), avocado (Persea americana), and synthetic dye are applied
then there will be no significant difference between the natural dyes (red onion and
The findings of this study will redound to the benefit of society considering that
dyeing in a natural way on fabrics plays an important role in helping the fabrics
become colorful. The findings of this study will benefit the following:
Textile industry: The research study will provide knowledge on visible light
reflectivity which the field of dye fabric can use this study to have more in-depth
information. Also, this research will help them to conclude using red onion (Allium
General Public: This study will provide information on how the reflectivity of
visible light is involved in the extraction of red onion (Allium cepa) and Avocado
(Persea americana) for use as a natural dye. Furthermore, this will give them an
analysis of how physics specifically, light reflection is involved in the industry of dye
fabric and will deepen their understanding of characterizing the visible light reflectivity
modifying this research. The researchers know that they could develop it more
through deeper studies and by focusing on the recommendation of this result so that
research, researchers will use waste material coming from Allium cepa and Persea
americana which is its peels. This will benefit in terms of knowledge, and new ideas
on how it is done and will deepen their understanding of using waste materials coming
The primary goal of this study is to know the visible light reflectivity of a natural
dyed fabrics extracted from red onion peels (Allium cepa) and avocado peels (Persea
americana) and to have a conclusion from the statement of the problem. Also, the
researchers intended to measure the visible light reflectivity of a natural dye extracted
from Allium cepa and Persea americana and the synthetic dyed fabrics using phypox
application and color sensor with the help of Arduino board and software to gather the
needed data.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 8
The researchers used the significant materials for dyeing to perform the
procedures in which the typical procedure in dyeing fabric. Also, researchers used
four different kinds of plain white fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk to
There are three limitations of this study. The first one is the limitation of phones
since the light sensor is dependent on different kinds of mobile phones which
measurement which can lead to possible human error since researchers will hold the
phone and the consistency of the measurement may arise to the trembling of the
researcher's hand. With that, this may produce errors in the measurement and the
researcher will try their best to get a consistent measurement as this research will
have at least three trials with the said measurement. The third limitation is in the color
pandemic. And because this study is home-based the researchers cannot conduct
the study on a real-life basis, as a result, the researchers used an application called
phypox that accesses the light sensor of the phone. Also, researchers were able to
get the red, blue and green color of each fabric since they used color sensor with the
Definition of Terms
For a better understanding of this study, the following terms are defined in the
Four different kinds of fabrics: The researchers will be using the plain white fabric
mentioned below to measure the light reflectivity of natural dye extracted from red
Silk - Is a shimmering textile known for its satin texture and famous for being a
Cotton – a common type of fabric which fibers surrounding the seeds of cotton plants,
which emerge in a round, fluffy formation once the seeds are mature. A soft, cool,
Wool - Is made from the natural fibers that form the fleece of animals. This raw
remarkably elastic material. The properties of wool such as flexibility, elasticity, and
resilience.
the incident ray and the reflected light. This will be measured by using the phypox
application and color sensor with the help of Arduino board and software that
Illuminance (lux) - The lux (lx) is the SI-derived unit of illuminance, measuring
luminous flux per unit area. It is the unit of illuminance that the researchers will get
using the Phypox application. In addition, it is the luminous flux incident on the unit
area of a surface.
Color sensor - a type of "photoelectric sensor" which emits light from a transmitter,
and then detects the light reflected back from the detection object with a receiver. This
is used to determine and gather the red, blue and green values of each fabric applied
Chapter II
This section contains readings and literature from different sources like books,
websites, articles, thesis, and dissertations related to the effectiveness and light
reflectivity of red onion (Allium cepa) and avocado (Persea americana) as a natural
dye.
This review shall present the related studies. As it is the fervent prayer of the
researchers that the great amount of literature gathered for this study shall not only
work for the result of answering the problems presented in this research but also as a
great source of additional knowledge which could help the researchers and the
readers. To cite all the authors who have used their effort to publish their texts, the
Fabrics)
According to Wijiyapala et al. (2009), using red onion (Allium cepa) as a dye
has been shown to give good dyeing results. It is very effective and it has fastness
properties with the help of using metal mordants. Metal mordants were mentioned to
make the color of the dye deeper to the fabric and have a very good potential of
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 12
uptake, adherence, a good wash, and light fastnesses. The results show very
attractive hue colors. But that's not all, because according to the article, this process
also reduces waste which can help the community. With this research, the relevance
of this is measuring the light reflectivity in a dye with the use of Allium cepa as the
natural dye can be one of the bases of the choosing of by-product such as the onion
which is good for dyeing according to the study. In addition, another study to
strengthen the claim is that according to the article by Joshi (2021). By dyeing cotton
and cotton blend fabric samples with natural waste such as onion skin-based
nanoemulsions, nearly 100% of the tests with onion skin dyeing of cotton and
polyester/cotton fabrics are already nearly 100%. It is effective. 38 and 31% of the
A study by Samantha and Konar (2011) stated that the textile sources used a
pattern for collecting worth, objectives, and ways to fulfill the mandate of consumers.
Primarily, this forte of mind was invented using natural ingredients for dyeing or
coloring the textile, able to synthetic colors. Almost all the synthetic pigments are
factory-made through petrochemical bases and done over risky chemical measures
which pose a risk heading towards an eco-friendly environment. Utilizing natural fiber
strands and threads can absorb dyestuff, as cotton and linen can dye, for the reason
of cellulosic nature, even though silk and wool have strong fiber, protein nature,
hypoallergenic, flame retardant, and are easy to wash. In addition to that, Shi et al.
(2016) also stated that the use of natural ingredients to color natural fabrics may
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 13
increase returns for an eco-friendly environment. The onion counts up the world’s
prehistoric cultivated item, using root vegetables. This one covers the level with
flavonoids that stand in countless absorption in the onion outer skin rather than a
plump bulb.
researching the absorbance of the dye, Lightfastness, and rubbing fastness. The
research uses the conventional dyeing method to get the data. Synthetic dyes are
used in most industries due to their fastness and tinting power, mainly because they
are made from pigments and various kinds of dangerous chemicals and are just as
serious as these dyes. This is to cause various illnesses. It is very harmful to the
environment and can harm the life of the plant and its final production. Commercially
very important synthetic dyes cause serious air and environmental pollution.
Therefore, people start to make natural dyes from synthetic dyes. These dyes are
environmentally friendly and are mainly made from modern natural products. This
study is based on the production of natural dyes extracted from onion skin and applied
to cotton fabrics by conventional dyeing methods. Alum was used as a mordant for
cotton fabrics dyed with onion skin. After dyeing, it was tested for light resistance,
wash-ability, and friction. The dyes have been found to have good wash-ability and
According to Villanueva et al. (2022). Using the extracted red onion peels
(Allium cepa) is somehow effective as a natural dye because the fabric color changes
the reflectivity, which means that the reflective light changes and it gets well into the
four different kinds of fabric which are cotton, linen, silk, and wool. Moreover,
according to their finding that there is no significant difference between the natural
dye and the commercially available color. Therefore, the researchers concluded that
the natural dye is comparable to the commercially available color or the synthetic dye.
According to Villanueva et al. (2022), The fabric color changes the reflectivity
which means the reflective light changes and it gets well into the four different kinds
of fabric which are cotton, linen, silk, and wool. The researchers concluded that the
light reflection theory is the expected findings, since the researchers’ expected results
are based on the theory of light reflection and has been able to observe that the
pretest is greater than the posttest because, in the pretest, all of the components are
reflected while in the posttest some of the components of light are absorbed and only
According to Amanuel and Getu (n.d.), natural dyes can be obtained even in
our backyard and be used as a color for fabrics. To be able to maintain color these
include various or different parts of plants such as flowers, roots, Avocado (Persea
americana), and even nuts. It was also said that the study seeks to explore and
capture some natural plants from which dyes can be extracted and applied to selected
textile fabrics. The researchers use this one study because it is somehow related to
the study about the extraction of fruits as a natural dye in a dyed fabric which is:
cotton.
A study by Tamrat et al. (2022), Stated that four million metric tons of avocado
(Persea americana) fruit production are estimated annually, and avocado (Persea
americana) seed constitutes 13–18% of the fruit part which affects the pollution,
environment and health concerns of many people. Therefore, this study aims to
reduce waste by using avocado peels (Persea americana) and seeds. It was also
mentioned that avocado (Persea americana) seeds consist of about 66.3% of starch,
4.9% of protein, 4.12% of arabinose, and 3.3% of pentosans which can be converted
into high-value products. With that, the researchers use this topic as it is somehow
similar where the researchers come up with a new great product that people can use
D. Synthesis
This can be concluded that red onion peels (Allium cepa) are good for dyeing
as it is natural and will not harm the environment by using chemicals that the synthetic
dyeing materials use. Also, the citation above in regards to the effectiveness of using
Allium cepa as a natural dye has been proven by the existing review-related literature.
Additionally, using avocado (Persea americana) is somehow good for dyeing as it can
produce light colors, reduce waste around us and can also have a great benefit in
keeping the environment safe and healthy as it can be seen just in our backyard or
even market. However, the avocado related study is only about the extraction of seed
as it is proven that it can naturally dye a fabric while the peels of it or known as exocarp
have not been studied nor proven as effective and good for dyeing fabrics.
Moreover, the visible light reflectivity has only one cited because there is only few
research that aims to know the level of the visible light reflectivity of red onion (Allium
americana) has not been aimed to study which why the visible light reflectivity of
avocado peels (Persea americana) is still unknown. The determined gaps of every
related literature in this chapter will be answered through this research study and the
experiment. With that, this review-related literature will be tackled again as the
researchers discussed the result of this study and will also serve as evidence that the
Chapter III
Methodology
since this study will evaluate two groups which are the controlled group and the
treatment group: commercially available colors and the color of a natural dye
extracted from red onion peels (Allium cepa) and avocado peels (Persea americana)
applied on the following material: Cotton, Linen, Silk, and Wool. In addition,
measure the visible light reflectivity of the natural dye and the commercially available
color, this research design is appropriate for use in this kind of research that deals in
variables. The independent variable would be the natural dye from red onion (Allium
cepa) and avocado (Persea americana). The dependent variable is the visible light
reflectivity.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 18
Materials:
Two sets of different kinds of plain fabrics: These different kinds of fabrics
which are cotton, linen, silk, and wool are bought in the public textile market. In
addition, the size needed for these fabrics is 3 by 3 ½ inches in length and width
(7.62x8.89 centimeters).
Cotton - Cotton fabric is derived from the fibers surrounding the seeds of cotton plants,
which emerge in a round, fluffy formation once the seeds are mature. This textile has
relatively high tensile strength, and its natural coloring is white or slightly yellowish.
Cotton is very water-absorbent, but it also dries quickly, which makes it highly
moisture-wicking. In addition, cotton fibers are natural hollow fibers; they are soft,
cool, known as breathable fibers, and absorbent. Cotton fibers can hold water 24–27
times their weight. They are strong, dye absorbent, and can stand up against abrasion
Linen - a textile made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is very strong, absorbent,
and dries faster than cotton. Because of these properties, linen is comfortable to wear
in hot weather and is valued for use in garments. It also has other distinctive
Silk - The strongest natural textile in the world. Composed of natural protein fiber, silk
mainly consists of fibroin, which is a protein that certain types of insect larvae secrete
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 19
to make cocoons. While other insects also produce silk-like substances, most of the
world’s silk is derived from Bombyx mori larvae, which are worms that only live on
effect, which is due to the triangular prism-like structure of silk fibers. These prisms
reflect light at various angles, which results in the subtle rainbow hue that has made
silk so famous. Silk fabric properties are Breathability, Elasticity, Absorbency, Thermal
Wool - Wool fabric is made from the natural fibers that form the fleece of animals such
as sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, and more. This raw material is primarily made up of
keratin-based proteins, which makes wool a remarkably elastic material. Wool fabric
Red onion (Allium cepa) - Peels from red onion (Allium cepa) - These peels that
research one of the variables are coming from the red onion (Allium cepa) that most
people know that these peels are waste only. This describes the crisp and flaky outer
scales of the onions which is known as the tunic part. The outer skins of onions
numerous antioxidants. In addition, these peels are from the everyday waste of each
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 20
researcher. Every time that they will use red onion in the kitchen, they get the peels
and reserve them until it reaches the needed grams of red onion peels (5 grams).
Also, the researchers only get the tunic layer of the red onion.
Avocado peels (Persea americana) - These peels that research one of the variables
are coming from the Avocado (Persea americana) known as exocarp part that most
people know that these peels are waste only. This is described as a relatively thin
cuticle that forms a wax-like film over the surface of the avocado fruit. Avocado is a
bright green fruit with a large pit and dark leathery skin. They're also known as alligator
pears or butter fruit. It has the flavor of bitter almonds, and when pressed it yields an
oil like that of the almond. Between the seed and the outer skin is the meat, slightly
thicker than one’s finger except at the neck where it is very thick. It is of whitish green
color, tender, buttery, and very soft. In addition, avocados are a source of vitamins C,
E, K, and B6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and
potassium.
Venus dye - is one of the local brands of synthetic dye in the Philippines. This is
described as a colored powder that has a strong content of different kinds of specific
Procedure:
Gathering of materials
The researchers gathered all the materials in one place only and set in place all the
important materials to be used. They prepared 10 grams of red onion peels (Allium
cepa) and 20 grams of avocado peels (Persea americana) that they gathered, they
also prepared four cauldrons or a pot as an alternative to a cauldron that they used
for boiling and soaking process. The researchers also prepared 1000 ml of water for
the boiling process, 1000 ml of water for washing the red onion and avocado peels
before boiling, and a strainer to separate the red onion peels and avocado and their
extract.
Extraction
The researchers performed the first type of extraction in which the separation of the
peels from the red onion (Allium Cepa) and avocado (Persea americana). First, they
peeled the red onion by getting its tunic part which is the outer layer of the red onion.
This describes the crisp and flaky outer scales of the onions which is the tunic part
and will reserve the tunic part of the peels which will be put in a small open net bag
so that the peels will be saved from being rotten. In addition, the part of avocado peels
that the researchers gathered is the exocarp which is described as a brownish outer
The researchers prepared two cauldrons for the two independent variables, one for
cleaning the red onion peels and avocado peels and one for boiling them. Once the
researchers successfully gathered the red onion peels, they put them in the cauldron
or a pot and cleaned it with 500 ml of water. The researchers also washed it with
water three times to remove dust, and soil, and to make it cleaner before the
researchers boiled it. The researchers also make sure that all the red onion peels
were able to get cleaned, once done they put it in a strainer and shake off intensely
to make sure no water is left. Once it is done the researchers put the tunic part of the
red onion peels and the exocarp of avocado into the other cauldron or a pot with 1000
ml of water and place it on the stove. After it was safely placed, researchers opened
the stove to a medium heat range to start boiling and waited for 1 hour to boil. After 1
hour of boiling, the researchers turned off the heat and waited for at least 20 minutes
to rest.
Drying
Once the researchers noticed that the water started to boil, they turned off the heat
and got a strainer to dry the red onion peels and remove it to get the water. The water
coming from the boiled red onion peels will then pour into a container. The
researchers also make sure that all the extract was removed from the cauldron/pot as
they need the liquid extract for dyeing the fabrics. Once the researchers have done
the process, they also put the four different kinds of fabrics which are cotton, silk,
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 23
linen, and wool in the water and let them soak for 24 hours. The researchers placed
the four fabrics horizontally in the container filled with the extract coming from red
onion peels (Allium cepa) and avocado (Persea americana). After 24 hours,
researchers get the four different kinds of fabric that are soaked in the container as
they get a hanger and hang the fabrics. The researchers let the fabric dry by placing
the hanger into the reflection of the sun, the estimated time of drying is at least 5
hours.
Once the fabrics are already dyed and ready, the researchers started measuring the
visible light reflectivity of the fabrics. The researchers followed the experimental setup
and the researchers used the phypox application to be able to get the measurements
of the visible light. As this application can measure illuminance. In measuring the light
reflectivity, the researchers used a study table lamp and a phone stand where the
researchers placed the phone to level the lamp and the phone. Once the study table
lamp and the phone, which is in 45 degrees, are in position, the researchers then lay
the fabrics between the light and the phone. In addition, the researchers conducted
three trials in measuring the illuminance to have a better consistent result. Moreover,
the researchers also used the color sensor to measure the RBG value of different
fabrics applied with natural dye and synthetic dye with the help of Arduino software to
be able to get the data. Specifically, the color sensor was able to be used with the
help of an Arduino board that is connected via a jumper wire. Then, the Arduino board
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 24
is connected to the laptop which has the latest Arduino software to be able to get the
data.
Analysis
Once the researchers were able to conduct and finish the experiment. And we're able
to conduct the measuring of the visible light reflectivity, the researchers started to
Experimental Setup
Statistical Treatment
To interpret the data effectively, this study will utilize a Paired t-test, and
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the support of descriptive statistical tools which
The researchers came up with the idea to use the paired t-test to compare and
determine the pre-test and post-test to know the difference between the level of the
visible light reflectivity of red onion peels (Allium cepa), avocado peels (Persea
americana), and synthetic dye applied to the different kinds of fabrics. Then, the
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) will be used to compare the two groups- treatment
groups; red onion peels (Allium cepa) and avocado peels (Persea americana), and
Chapter IV
This chapter presents the data acquired during the experiment, which will
provide answers to the research questions presented. This is divided into two (2)
fabrics with natural dye which includes the red onion (Allium cepa) and avocado
(Persea americana) and the synthetic dye applied on different kinds of fabrics which
are cotton, linen, silk and wool. The comparison of light and color sensors between
the level of light reflectivity with different kinds of fabrics applied with red onion (Allium
Table 1: Before and after RGB values of each fabric applied with red onion
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 27
As shown in the table 1, every naturally dyed fabric using red onion (Allium
cepa) went through three (3) trials for the RGB values of pre-test and post-test. When
the researchers computed the p-value, it found out less than 0.05 which means there
is significant difference between the RGB values of the before and after of each fabric
With all the data gathered, it can be seen that all of the post-tests of cotton, linen, and
wool are all higher compared to their pre-test. While on the other side, it can also be
noticed that the red value of silk is quite different because its results are the opposite
of the three fabrics. The silk's pre-test is higher than its post-test, this is because it is
fast to absorb liquid but not the color produced by the red onion which causes it to be
quickly dried and have a light color. We can conclude that in basing the properties of
silk, the red value after the silk is dyed, have a lower red value because the reflected
red value is weaker resulting in a low red value while before, which is the plain white
fabric, all of the red value is reflected since it is one of the components of light.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 28
According to the figure, all of the fabrics which are cotton, linen, silk, and wool
got the same results as they all have high post-test and lower pre-test. Therefore,
there is a significant difference between its blue values. We can conclude based on
the chart above, that before dyeing the fabrics, its blue value is weaker while after it
is dyed, the blue value is stronger since it is already dyed while the color sensor
.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 29
Based on the chart, cotton, linen, and silk all have a high post-test and low pre-
test. In opposition, the wool fabrics pretest is more excessive compared to the post-
test. This is because before applying the red onion dye, there are more green values
being reflected since the white wool fabric reflects all colors. After the fabric is dyed,
the wool fabric's green value is now lower. This is due to the fact that wool fabric is a
much more reddish dark color compared to other fabrics in which the red and blue
value is predicted, as it has many values compared to its green values. Therefore,
there is a significant difference in accordance with the color produced in the fabric.
As stated by the evidence above, the data table shows the pre-test and post-test
comparison of light sensor measurements between the four fabrics which are, cotton,
linen, silk, and wool for red onion (Allium cepa). According to the chart, the fabrics in
the pre-test are greater than the fabrics in the post-test, Due to the reason that the
pre-test reflects the higher illuminance presuming that the fabrics used have not been
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 30
dyed. While on the other side the post-test gives a lower reflection of the illuminance
because it was already dyed by the red onion (Allium cepa), where it became darker.
This basically means that the more the fabrics absorb the dye, the more the
illuminance gets lower in using red onion (Allium cepa) as a natural dye.
Table 2: Before and after RGB values of each fabric applied with avocado
Data shown in the table 2, There was a significant effect between the RGB
values of the before and after of each fabric applied with avocado (Persea americana)
at the p value less than 0.05 with the acquired three (3) trials. This indicates that there
As illustrated in the results, the four fabrics seem to be alternate, the reason
for this is that the post-test of cotton and silk is greater than the pre-test, while the
linen and wool's pre-test is leading than the post-test. Since the cotton and silk fabrics
both have the properties of absorbency which means that more red value is gathered
since the avocado dye applied on those fabrics has less color. On the other hand,
linen and wool also have absorbency properties but avocado did not produce a strong
color.
This means that less red value is gathered because the avocado dye is weak
as a natural dye and dries fast, specifically in linen fabrics making the dyed fabric have
less change in color. Therefore, the linen and wool before and after being applied with
avocado (Persea americana) as natural dye have less post-test average. Hence, less
red value in accordance with its properties and the change of color.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 32
With all the measurements gathered, all the fabrics have a larger blue value
post-test than the pre-test, it has something to do with the fact that cotton, linen, silk,
and wool have a property of being a fast absorbent. This implies that when the
avocado dye is applied on cotton, linen, silk, and wool it absorbs the dye and
somewhat produces color. However, the wool fabric does not immediately absorb the
color produced by the natural dye and the dye does not have a strong color, making
the dyed fabric have more blue value since less shade was made and is likely with
Prior to the accumulated data, we can see that the chart is likely similar to
figure#6 in which the post-test of all the fabrics is larger than their pre-test. To further
the explanation, the pre-test and post-test of the silk fabric are less than the cotton,
linen, and wool. Because the silk has the property of being a fast absorbent, which
means that the produced color of the avocado-dyed fabric has been absorbed and
dried quickly. With that being said, the silk has a lower pre-test since the dyed
avocado slightly darkens the fabrics which makes the green color value lower than
The details cited for the light sensor in determining the illuminance, show that
the fabrics on the pre-test are greater than the fabrics in the post-test. It has something
to do with the fact that the avocado dye has slightly colored the fabrics. Thereby, the
avocado-dyed fabric is somewhat the same in reflectivity as the plain white fabric in
the pretest. With that, there is a significant difference between the light reflectivity of
pre-test and post-test in naturally dyed fabrics using avocado peels (Persea
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 34
americana). This insinuates that the avocado (Persea americana) is unsuitable for
Table 3: Before and after RGB values of each fabric applied with synthetic dye
The depicted table 3 above, there was a significant effect between the RGB
values of the before and after of each fabric applied with synthetic dye at the p value
less than 0.05 with the acquired three (3) trials. This indicates that there are factors
The chart depicted above shows the fabrics of cotton, linen, and silk both have
a greater post-test than their pre-test. But apparently, the fabric of wool has the
opposite result which contains high pre-test and low post-test. Therefore, there is a
significant difference in terms of the fabric's effectiveness rate for dyeing since wool
is somehow hard to manipulate or soften the fabric seeing that it has a high rate of
water resistance which results in a low rate of effectiveness when it comes to dyeing.
However, the synthetic dye was made of chemicals that are more elevated in
accordance with the color it produces. Hence, the wool water resistance is still the
factor of having a weaker red value based on its effectiveness rate. Therefore, in a
synthetic dye, the red value of wool fabric is weaker than the white fabric.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 36
Pursuant to the diagram, the fabrics of the cotton, linen, and silk have the same
result for the figure #9 as these fabrics have a higher post-test than its pre-test.
However, the fabric of wool also has the same outcome as to figure #9. This signifies
that the wool is in higher reflection of blue value rather than the post-test basing in its
In accordance with the previous visual, the fabrics of cotton, linen, and silk have
a high post-test and low pre-test, these actually have the similar result except for the
wool, as this fabric is even in results where we assume that the reason why its post-
test and pre-test are the same because the value is even from the fabric it is reflecting.
The illustration at the top shows the pre-test and post-test by any means
approximately with each other considering the data are contiguous. As claimed upon
the chart, the pre-test is larger than the post-test however close to the post-test
illuminance. The reason for this is that the synthetic dye is made of chemicals that
produce more color and gets well on fabrics by dyeing it not too dark but also not too
light. Which conveys that synthetic dye is efficient in dyeing fabrics and is somehow
comparable to the illuminance of a white plain fabric. Since the synthetic dye produces
light color in which the darkness of the fabric is dependent on the amount of dye. As
a result, there is a significant difference between the light reflectivity of before and
The table above shows the RGB values and Illuminance data with the three (3)
trials acquired on each fabric. In RGB values, based on the computed p-value of the
difference since we reject the null hypothesis. On the other hand, the illuminance
computed p-value is at 0.0034. Therefore, there is also significant difference since the
The chart above is about the comparison between the RGB values in different
fabrics applied with red onion, avocado, and synthetic dye. The red, blue, and green
colors indicate the average RGB values of the colored sensor, which is computed
from the data gathered using the post-test of all the average of cotton, linen, silk, and
wool fabrics. Moreover, the said fabrics' reflectivity is measured by the RBG's
corresponding colors. In this figure, we can see that the synthetic dye has more
elevated reflectivity due to its powerful or bright color than the red onion and avocado
dye. The reason for this is that the synthetic dye is chemically produced to have more
color. According to Madison (2021), synthetic dyes are usually made from coal tar and
petroleum, which are the artificial coloring agent that is needed in coloring the fabrics.
While the red onion has a slight difference in reflectivity compared to the synthetic
dye, which implies that the red onion is qualified for dyeing fabrics because the red
onion contains anthocyanin pigments in the outer parts of the fleshy scale-leaves of
the red onion. Also, red onion skins are naturally high in tannin which binds the color
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 40
to the fabric, creating a long-lasting colorfast fabric. On the other hand, the reflectivity
of the avocado is lower than the red onion and synthetic dye. Due to the fact that the
extracted avocado has not much colored the fabrics. Moreover, the red onion,
avocado, and synthetic dye have a significant difference considering that the RGB
The statistic stated above shows the comparison between the level of
illuminance in different fabrics applied with red onion (Allium cepa), avocado (Persea
americana), and synthetic dye. The computed data gathered in the chart used the
posttest of all the averages of the cotton, linen, silk, and wool fabrics applied with the
said dyes. This is due to the fact that the avocado's illuminance surpassed the red
onion and synthetic dye. Whereas the avocado has slightly changed color and only
produces a white-like colored fabric, which means the avocado is not good enough
for dyeing. At the same time, the red onion has a slightly different reflectivity compared
to the synthetic dye, which implies that the red onion is qualified for dyeing fabrics.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 41
Chapter V
Summary
Over the years, synthetic dyes are one of the most used dyes in terms of
fabrics. The word “Natural” is barely known since synthetic dyes are known as
effective and fast-mordant dyes. These natural dyes come from different variants of
fruits and vegetables that have colored pigments that produce natural color. One of
the essential vegetables and fruit in the kitchen is the red onion (Allium cepa) and
avocado (Persea americana). These red onions have high tannin which is good in
absorbing the extracted color that gets well into fabrics. In addition, peels from red
onions and avocado are known to be thrown away since people do not know where
these avocado and red onion peels can be made. In this study, it is proven that red
onion (Allium cepa) peels are effective and can be extracted to make it a natural dye
while the avocado peels are not effective for dyeing fabrics. The researchers are
curious about the visible light reflectivity of dyed fabric which is still questionable since
there is no research that focuses on this kind of topic. With that, the researchers
focused on measuring the visible light reflectivity of a dyed fabric with natural dye
applied on four different kinds of fabrics which are cotton, linen, silk, and wool. To
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 42
research design. From removing the tunic part and skin of the red onion and the
exocarp of avocado peels, boiling, removing the onion and avocado peels and
extracting the liquid pigment, soaking the fabrics from the extracted red onion and
avocado peels, and drying. After drying, the study table lamp and ring light stand will
be set up where the cellphone with the phypox application will be placed. Phypox
application will determine the illuminance of the fabric. Between them, is the dry
soaked fabric. The phone is at a 45 ° horizontal angle. For the color sensor, the
researchers input the code in the Arduino software. They used a jumper wire to
connect the color sensor from the Arduino board then connect the Arduino board to
the laptop via cord. Color sensor was used to determine the RGB values of each
naturally and synthetic dyed fabrics. Next, the researchers uploaded the data to set
the data and checked the monitor to measure the light reflectivity. After that, they now
gathered the data and the researchers acquired three trials to have more accurate
Overall, the research study is about measuring the visible light reflectivity of a
natural dye extracted from red onion (Allium cepa) and avocado (Persea americana),
comparing the illuminance of the naturally dyed fabrics and the commercially available
color or synthetic dye, comparing pretest and posttest illuminance measured in the
four different kinds of fabric and comparison of the illuminance of reflected light on
Conclusion
light reflectivity on different fabrics before and after applying red onion (Allium cepa),
fabric's properties on how it is absorbent and fast-drying since the RGB value is
between the level of light reflectivity using the light sensor and color sensor applied
with red onion (Allium cepa) and avocado (Persea americana) as natural dyes and
the commercially available color since the red onion and synthetic dye has a low level
of light reflectivity while avocado has high level of reflectivity in which this signifies on
how the natural dye and synthetic dyes are effective for dyeing fabrics. Moreover,
researchers conclude in basing onto the analysis of research question #2 that the
higher the illuminance the more likely it is ineffective for dyeing while the lower the
illuminance the more it is suitable for dyeing fabrics. With that, the red onion peels
(Allium cepa) and the synthetic dyes are effective for dyeing fabrics while the avocado
peels (Persea americana) are not suitable nor good for dyeing fabrics.
Furthermore, the theory of light reflectivity is one of the bases in this research since
in using light sensors in pretest data, most of the components of light are reflected
while in the post-test data, some colors are reflected and some components are
absorbed. With that, in terms of illuminance, the white plain fabric or the lighter the
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 44
fabric is, the greater its illuminance while the darker the fabric is, the less its
illuminance.
Recommendation
of the researchers.
• Reduce the washing of red onion and avocado peels to make it more colorful
• Record the time of soaking and per hour should be observe to see how it is
• More red onion and avocado peels should be used so that more can be
extracted from it and this will lessen the waste in your community.
References
Amanuel, L. (2015, June 3). Eco friendly dyeing cotton fabric from avocado seed,
https://www.academia.edu/12787789/ECO_FRIENDLY_DYEING_COTTON_
FABRIC_FROM_AVOCADO_SEED_NEIN_LEAF_AND_HIBSCUS_FLOWE
Colours of light. (2019, April 24). Science Learning Hub. Retrieved June 10, 2022,
from https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/47-colours-of-
light?fbclid=IwAR3AHKx0PwJmKEBuDLYjRJTdVmovs7wCwuxgwAbs0GJKIx
m6ASIykdQnrZY
Kambo, N. Dubey, S. Shukla P. & Pandey, R. (2021, September 06).” Effect of onion
https://doi.orig/10.1080/15440478.2021.1964127
Natural Dyes - Red Onion Skins. (2012, September 17). Folkfibers.Com. Retrieved
dyes-red-onion-
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 46
skins#:%7E:text=Onion%20skins%20do%20not%20need,fabric%2C%20crea
ting%20lasting%20colorfast%20fabrics
Nurunnesa, Hossain, and Rahman. (2018). “Extraction of natural dye collected from
outer skin of onion and its application on silk fabric”. Global Journal of
DOI 291899.
https://engineeringresearch.org/index.php/GJRE/article/view/1768?fbclid=IwA
R2IS_Zb3AC715a_O_hRkHzTVRzQw7TGgxrb9S9q3llX7U_4BncQL2XmBM
Shubham Joshi, Neelu Kambo, Saurabh Dubey, Prateek Shukla & Ritu
https://www.tandfonline.com/action/showCitFormats?doi=10.1080%2F15440
478.2021.1964127&area=0000000000000001
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666086521002009?token
=5B06CB4F2733BB9C92C8BDB8DA776A5198061CB663CF21205701DCB
791C59DB97A4AB2BEA0867D02076F8F547A3C5E83&originRegion=us-
east-1&originCreation=20220615181343
https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/files/47687795/Ahmed_et_al_2
006 Color_Research_Application.pdf
Padma S. Vankar, Rakhi Shanker, Samudrika Wijayapala. (2009, July 3). Dyeing of
cotton, wool and silk with extract of Allium cepa. Emerald Insight.
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/03699420910973332/fu
ll/html?skipTracking=true&fbclid=IwAR2r_XupdZTDJo33iM_n6uX9kMBqfZfE
X-Kj3BQ_tsrJBvNR0BBZmCEP7Uo
extracted from red onion (Allium cepa). Student, Mary Chiles College.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 48
Appendices
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 49
In data of comparison of light and color sensors between the level of light
reflectivity on different fabrics applied with red onion (Allium cepa), avocado (Persea
Appendix B: Documentation
• Different kinds of fabrics: Naturally dyed and Synthetic dyed; cotton, linen,