A Study on the Use of Cork Fabrics as a Component of Face Mask and

its Effect to Plastic Disposal Reduction

An Investigative Project

Presented To:

Mr. Jerico O. Santos

Pasig Catholic College

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements in Science 9

Submitted by:

Grade 9 - Diocese of Maasin

Borja, Jimmiah

Cadiz, Sara Ariki

Taruc, Rhynxon

Villaruel, Larion Miguel

September 2021
 CHAPTER 1 – PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Background of the Study

Face masks are an essential now in this time of crisis, the Covid-19

pandemic affects all of humanity. All people know is that they are not

allowed to roam outdoors without face masks, but have people even

wondered about where face masks are disposed after using and throwing the

face masks away? When will the masks fully decompose? Or perhaps will it

affect the surroundings? Face Masks are made from partially Polyester

(Polyethylene terephthalate) which takes 20-200 years to decompose,

Polypropylene, and an absorbent material like Cotton.

When face masks are thrown into the ocean it breaks into smaller

particles and turn into micro-plastics, that, as a result, fishes eat the

microplastics, and the humans who hunt the fishes, eat the plastics the

fishes took inside their bodies. Studies show that it takes for 450 years for

plastic to decompose, so people must wait all those years to get rid of the

plastic today. Though many water cleaning projects are still ongoing like The

Ocean Cleanup project, people still need to try their best to help them at

least take a little garbage out like, the 3 R’s “Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle”

are basic things that help the environment. Whilst, according to

JelinekCorkGroup “Cork Fabrics are environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic,

water resistant and stain resistant as well as easily cleaned and long
lasting”. And “Cork Fabrics can be harvested without harming the tree itself

because the outer bark is able to regenerate itself! In fact, some have

suggested that harvesting cork can extend its life. Once the tree reaches 25

years old, the cork can be harvested every 9 to 12 years without causing

permanent damage to the bark. For the average cork oak (which can reach

200+ years old), 16 harvesting sessions can sustainably take place. No

machines are required to harvest the cork, either. A simple axe (like the

ones used thousands of years ago) is all it takes”. (sustainablejungle.com)

You can use Cork fabrics (Quercus suber) not just for its advantages, but

cork fabrics can be used for everyday objects like wallets, bags, etc.

The researchers chose this study because it will benefit the surroundings by

reusing face masks with a reusable and environment friendly material. This

can help by lessening the disposal of face mask in the ocean.

Statement of the Problem

This project aims to lessen the amount of plastic masks in Pasig river or any

body of water that travels around the city of Pasig. And at best, avoid fishes

from being exposed in plastic pollution. This project plans to answer the

following:
 1. What is the significant effect of using cork fabrics as an alternative

component in the production of face mask in terms of:

1.1 Quality

1.2 Comfort and Wearability

1.3 Reusability

2. What will be the effect of the cork fabrics as a substitute for plastic

face masks?

3. Variables:

3.1 Independent Variable: Using Cork fabrics to make Face Masks to

make them stain proof, and washable.

3.2 Dependent Variable: The usage of Plastic Face Masks will be

lessened.

3.3 Constant Variable: The Cork Fabrics’ advantages like its waterproof

effect and its washability.

Hypothesis of the Study

There is no significant difference between cork fabrics and plastics in the

use of face mask in terms of:

1.1 Biodegradability of the mask

 1.2 Longevity of the mask

1.3 Reusability of the mask

1.4 Production quality

Significance of the Study

This study is significant to the marine life that is affected by microplastics

that come from polyester masks, which are the most common type of mask.

The results from this experiment will help in the preservation of the vast

ocean and its marine life. Plastic usage in masks will also lessen since the

replacement of cork fabrics is ultimately more eco-friendly. This is also

significant to people during the pandemic. The use of cork fabric can lessen

the use of plastic PPE’s.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will focus on what changes did the cork fabric do in the

environment. Now the researchers are turning to trees and some of vetted
textile producers, to explore what cork fabric is and its sustainable merit. As

the researchers have seen, cork fabric is produced without harming any

animal and plant. No trees are cut down to obtain cork, and removing the

bark is beneficial to its growth. It is biodegradable and 100% natural. Cork

oaks grown in forests, without the aid of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Cork is one such material: natural, renewable, and recyclable, as the

researchers stated earlier it is biodegradable and 100% environment

friendly. It’s one of the best alternatives to leather and plastics. This

material is an amazing because it is sustainable, washable. stain resistant,

durable, antimicrobial, and hypoallergenic.

Therefore, cork contains a waxy substance called suberin. This

material has the property of naturally Repelling small vermin and insects.

This makes cork floors resistant to the growth and colonization of these

organisms, and can, therefore, help to promote the healthiness of an

environment. Harvesting cork assists in the absorption of CO2. Cork trees in

Portugal alone help offset 10 million tons of cardon every year. Cork are also

important producers of oxygen. They have such an important role for the

nature and people that they are protected by the law since 13th century.
Definition of Terms

Polyester - any of a group of polymers that consist basically of repeated

units of an ester and are used especially making fibers or plastics.

Polyethylene terephthalate - a tough thermoplastic resin used especially

in the manufacture of plastic containers.

Polypropylene - any various thermoplastics or fibers that are polymers of

propylene.

Microplastic - a very small fragment or piece of plastic. Decompose -

separate into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds.

Hypoallergenic - having little likelihood of causing an allergic response.

Water-resistant - water-repellent.

Stain resistant - designed or having added chemicals to be resistant to

being stained or marked.

Cork - the elastic tough outer tissue of the cork oak that is used especially

for stoppers and insultation.

Pollution – the action or process of making land, water, air, etc., dirty, and

not safe or suitable to use.

 CHAPTER 2 – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents the review of related literature, studies, and

readings that are relevant in providing substantial viewpoints on cork fabric,

face masks, and plastic disposal.

Related Literature

Cork Fabric

"Cork fabric", a premium natural cloth, identical to leather regarding their

durability. But unlike leather, cork leather could be cleaned with hot water.

The material is made from thin shavings of an oak tree's bark that fall off

naturally and are gathered for manual production. This long-lasting material

are laminated into cloth, these cloths are then tended using a fabric

protection product. Duarte, A. & Bordado, J. (2015, February 2). Cork – a

renewable raw material: forecast of industrial potential and development

priorities. Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto de Biotecnologia e

Bioengenharia, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa, Portugal

https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmats.2015.00002
Face Masks

Face masks (or other facial coverings that cover your mouth and nose) are

one of the most efficient ways to prevent the virus from spreading. The face

covering helps to prevent the infection from spreading by trapping viral

particles in respiratory droplets. Face masks are only effective when they are

properly worn – over your nose and mouth – and managed. Face masks are

advised by several professional organizations, including the World Health

Organization, to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 (WHO). Face masks

(medical or textile masks), respirators, or scarves are recommended for

covering your mouth and nose.

Plastic Disposal

Different types of disposable plastic items have been widely employed in

residents' lives, especially with the development of new industries like as

ecommerce, express delivery, and take-out, which has resulted in a rapid

increase in the use of plastic lunch boxes and plastic packaging. Due to a

lack of adequate regulation and control over plastic management, these

plastics have been discarded at random, posing a significant environmental

concern and generating significant White Pollution. Plastic is a type of

polymer organic chemical that refers to filling, plasticizing, and coloring

thermoplastic molding materials. It belongs to a family of organic polymers

with a high molecular weight. Thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic

materials can be distinguished based on the characteristics of the plastic

after molding. Thermoplastic is a chain-like molecular structure that softens

when heated and can replicate products multiple times. The thermosetting

plastic has a network structure and is irreversibly distorted after being

heated, and it cannot be processed and copied several times. Plastic

decomposes relatively slowly under natural conditions, taking between 200

and 400 years to breakdown, limiting the landfill's ability to dispose of

rubbish. When waste plastic is burned, it produces not only a lot of black

smoke, but also dioxin.

Related Studies

Foreign

According to MDPI, the viral filtration of fabric masks compared with surgical

and N95 masks can be improved by using vacuum cleaner bag and baby

wipes. In its original form a fabric mask of good value can have at least 50%

viral filtration efficacy. A fabric mask with the use of vacuum cleaner bag

and baby wipes which are some examples of a material that can improve the

fabric mask can get up to 63% and 98.8% of viral filtration efficacy. It is
also stated in the study that there are different types of fabric masks to be

purchased, the best mask to be purchased in the study was a cotton face

mask with a pocket, similarly the N95 masks which are proven to be

effective has a large area of space for the person wearing it.

Local

Environmental awareness tells us why we need to use sustainable materials

to construct our homes, from the outside into the inside out. Cork is being

used as a building material in current architectural trends that favor more

environmentally friendly structures. Cork also has a place inside every home,

especially in one of our favorite rooms: the kitchen. A variety of materials

can assist you in creating a personal and distinctive ambiance in your

kitchen. And, unlike in the past, there is no need to utilize plywood or

marble. Stone,

wood, and cork are all high-quality and durable materials that can be used in

the kitchen.

To prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic,

face masks are advised as part of personal protective equipment and as a

public health intervention. Their use, on the other hand, is intimately linked

to social and cultural behaviors and has taken on a variety of personal and
social connotations. The purpose of this article is to examine the variety of

sociocultural, ethical, and political connotations ascribed to face masks, as

well as how they should be considered in health communication. In May

2020, we enlisted the help of 29 experts from an interdisciplinary health and

society research network to submit testimony on the use of face masks in 20

European and Asian nations (China and South Korea). They considered the

relevant jurisdictions rules as well as the personal and social concerns of

wearing face mask. We used the qualitative descriptive analysis method to

evaluate the testimony thematically.