ABSTRACT

The researchers developed a pencil made from leaves. The experiment aimed
to determine the optimal amount of substances and the required time for the
solution to solidify, in order to achieve the desired outcome of the results.
The objective of this study was to create a pencil utilizing alternative
components, namely dried fallen leaves, and to provide additional data aligned
with Sharmaine Yumiko Sotani's previous study from May 2014. The leaves,
which are Marang, Tropical Almond, Jackfruit, and Banana, were collected,
cleaned, pulverized, and then mixed with pulverized eggshells and polyvinyl
acetate (PVAc) to create the pencil's body. Each pencil, made with different leaf
varieties but using the same amount of substances, was individually tested for
durability.
To assess durability, each pencil was subjected to a 1.5kg stone hung from the
end of the pencil, and the time it took for the pencil to break was recorded. Data
analysis revealed that Marang leaves and Banana leaves exhibited the highest
durability during the testing phase, with an average time of 30.12 seconds of
lifting a 1.5kg stone. The study also compared the durability of the traditional
wooden pencil with the four-leaf samples, finding that the wooden pencil was
more durable. However, overall, the findings suggested that dried fallen leaves
are a suitable and more affordable alternative material for pencil production,
contributing to environmental responsibility. To further enhance the durability of
the pencil, it is highly recommended to conduct additional tests and explore the
possibility of establishing an actual molder. Such improvements could
potentially optimize the durability of the pencil, ensuring its practicality and
longevity.
 INTRODUCTION

The main components of a pencil are lead and wood that may contribute to
deforestation. The lead of the pencil is made from a form of carbon called
graphite. Although more schools around the world are switching to technology,
some still heavily rely on wooden pencils to deliver a quality education.
Fallen leaves are a great supply of organic material that may be used for
many different tasks in the garden, lawn, and other locations. The leaves can
be minced finely and used as mulch around trees and plants. There are many
ways dried fallen leaves will be managed, such as turning dry leaves into free
fertilizer, mulch, bird refuges, and more. Fallen leaves are quite common in
Poblacion Nabunturan, therefore the locals burn them to cut down on rubbish
and keep the area clean.
By creating an alternative method for getting rid of this garbage without harming
the environment, air pollution and other environmental issues brought on by
improper disposal of this kind of waste will be resolved, and people's health will
be protected.
This research aims to produce a viable pencil made out of fallen leaf waste
that is more affordable, good-quality, and more environmentally-responsible
pencil, provide more data about this study, and compare the durability of
traditional wooden pencil and the fallen leaf pencil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phase I - Collection and Preparation of 4 leaves variety sample, unused

eggshells, polyvinyl acetate, and graphite lead
 The eggshells and 4 leaves variety sample (Tropical Almond, Marang,
Jackfruit, and Banana leaves) are collected in Nabunturan National
Comprehensive High School and each researcher’s area. Polyvinyl acetate
(PVAc) also known as “wood glue” and the graphite lead are purchased in
public supermarket where it is available.

Phase II - Pulverizing of 4 leaves variety sample and unused eggshells

The unused eggshells and 4 leaves variety sample which is the tropical
almond leaves, marang leaves, jackfruit leaves, and banana leaves has been
thoroughly cleaned in clean tap water to remove dirt, soil, and other material.
The eggshells and 4 leaves variety sample has been pulverized utilizing a clean
blender and filtered into tiniest granule possible to make the final result’s
texture smoother. The filtered eggshells and 4 leaves variety sample are stored
individually indoor using a clean plastic container.
 Phase III - Production of pencil
The filtered 4 leaves variety sample (Tropical Almond, Marang, Jackfruit,
and Banana leaves) and eggshells are mixed individually with Polyvinyl Acetate
(PVAc) also known as “Wood Glue” using a beaker, and stirred thoroughly until
all of the substance will be completely mixed. The solution is then put into a
clean parchment paper to prevent sticking when rolled into cylinder-shaped with
the graphite lead inside. The pencil is then putted in a flat 4-sided plastic
container with parchment paper to prevent sticking when it solidifies. Utilizing
the “Trial and Error” experimentation, the researchers determined the suitable
amount of each substance for the solution, the time for it to be solidified, and
the suitable variety of sample leaves to achieve the desired outcome.

Phase IV - Data Collection and Analysis

 After the Trial and Error experimentation, the data given by the
experimentation is analyzed by the researchers and was able to determine the
suitable amount of each substance for the solution, the time for it to be solidify,
the amount of weight and time for it to break, and the suitable variety of sample
leaves to achieve the desired outcome of the pencil.

RESULT

Table 1 (Optimal Amount of Substances Determined through Trial-and-Error

Experimentation)

Trials Amount of Amount of Amount of polyvinyl acetate

leaves eggshells (grams)
 (grams) (grams)
Trial 1 10 grams 5 grams 15 grams

Trial 2 7 grams 2.5 grams 15 grams

Trial 3 5 grams 2.5 grams 15 grams

Table 2 (Duration for the solution to be solidified)

Variety of Trial 1 (24 Trial 2 (42 Trial 3 (72 hours indoor and
leaves hours indoor hours indoor 60 minutes sundried)
and 20 and 40
 minutes minutes
sundried) sundried)
Marang 3.96 5.75 seconds 9.11 seconds
Leaves seconds
Tropical 1.40 2.63 seconds 3.73 seconds
Almond seconds
leaves
Jackfruit 2.44 2.88 seconds 4.43 seconds
leaves seconds
Banana 2.82 9.79 seconds 18.73 seconds
leaves seconds

Table 3 (Durability Test)

Trials Marang Tropical Jackfruit Banana Traditional

 leaves Almond leaves leaves Wooden Pencil
(5 inches) leaves (5 inches) (5 inches) (Mongol 2)
(5 inches) (6.5 inches)
Trial 1 10.66 4.34 5.65 49.58 23.7 seconds
seconds seconds seconds seconds
Trial 2 11.06 5.60 3.62 27.39 21.54 seconds
seconds seconds seconds seconds

Table 4 (Average duration in seconds)

Marang Tropical Jackfruit Banana Traditional

leaves Almond leaves leaves Wooden Pencil
leaves
 10.86 4.97 4.63 38.49 24.12 Seconds
Seconds Seconds Seconds Seconds

DISCUSSION

The pencil made from Marang leaves and Banana leaves is remarkably
durable, making it suitable for students to utilize in various ways. On May 16,
2014, Sharmaine Yumiko Sotani affirmed the durability of a pencil made from
dried leaves. However, she mentioned that it requires some time to solidify if
stored at room temperature. These findings align with the results of our own
study.
 The research findings have demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing
Marang leaves and Banana leaves as viable alternatives for pencil
production, as they exhibited the highest durability during the testing phase,
with a mean time of 30.12 seconds. These leaves have proven to be suitable
materials that can be effectively employed in the pencil-making process and
making it more environmentally-responsible because it uses dried fallen
leaves as a main component instead of wood, specifically cedar wood. This
alternative way may alleviate the loss of trees and prevent environmental
pollution caused by massive pile up of dried fallen leaves.

CONCLUSION

The results show that banana leaf and marang leaf are more suitable
alternative leaves compared to the two sample leaves (tropical almond leaves
and jackfruit leaves) based on the durability test results. The banana leaf
exhibits the longest duration (49.58 seconds) in withstanding the 1.5kg stones
due to its flexible properties. Furthermore, the banana leaf pencil
demonstrates a smooth texture, as observed by the researchers during the
experiment.
Risk and Safety

Since researchers are utilizing polyvinyl acetate, a substance that can be

harmful to humans if not handled properly, researchers are required to wear
protective equipment such as medical gloves, medical face mask, and
laboratory gown. Skin contact with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) may result in
irritation, swallowing can result in nausea, vomiting, and irritation of the
gastrointestinal tract. Assist from a professional or an adult is strongly advised
and recommended in case of an issue

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers extend their heartfelt gratitude and special thanks to

everyone who played a crucial role in bringing this research project to fruition.
The researchers are immensely grateful for the unwavering support and
guidance received throughout this journey.
The researchers begin by acknowledging their esteemed research
adviser, Ms. Lhoren Abenoja, whose dedication, commitment, and extensive
knowledge have shaped our research endeavor. Her guidance has been
invaluable. The researchers would also like to express our sincere
appreciation to our classmates, Andrea Luna, Jessica Cajes, Laureen
Serrano, and Bianca Tulio, who have been a tremendous support system.
Their insights, collaboration, and assistance have enriched our project. Our
families deserve a special mention for their unwavering financial support and
encouragement. Without their belief in our abilities and provision of necessary
resources, this research would not have been possible. The researchers are
grateful to Mrs. Candelarias Bolonos for generously granting us access to
laboratory apparatuses, facilitating our experiments and data collection.
Lastly, the researcher’s express profound gratitude to God for the
countless blessings, opportunities, and guidance bestowed upon us. Our faith
has provided unwavering strength and inspiration, guiding us through the
challenges and uncertainties encountered along the way.
REFERENCES
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APPENDICES