COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES BETWEEN MAHOGANY

(Swietenia mahagoni) LEAVES AND CONVENTIONAL CARDBOARD

A Research
presented to the Faculty of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics
SILANGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (SHS)
Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal

in partial fulfillment of the requirements in

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Asuncion, Elyza S.
San Diego, Daniella Aaliah Yzavelle C.
Fullero, Christel Ann Marie T.
Nuez, Hannah Mae D.
Bagasol, Diane Kate

Grade 12 – STEM FREESIA

JENNELYN M. GOMEZ, MAT

Practical Research 2 Teacher
March 2024
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter of the paper presents the problem and its setting. It includes the
background of the study, statement of the problem, significance of the study, scope and
delimitation, theoretical framework, conceptual framework, and the definition of terms.

Background of the Study

In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring alternative sources of raw
materials for paper production to mitigate environmental concerns and reduce dependence on
traditional sources like wood pulp. One such alternative is the utilization of plant leaves, such as
dried Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) leaves, which possess fibrous characteristics suitable for
papermaking. The process of producing paper from wood pulp often involves high energy
consumption and then emits greenhouse gasses. Modern times demand the use of large
amounts of paper, therefore the demand for paper continues to rise, exacerbating the strain on
natural resources.

Utilizing dried mahogany leaves as an alternative for paper addresses key

environmental concerns related to deforestation, sustainability, waste management, and carbon
emissions, making it a compelling solution for a more environmentally friendly paper industry.
Dried leaves, readily found in abundance, particularly in school settings, offer a compelling
alternative owing to their potential advantages and eco-conscious nature. Swietenia
macrophylla, or big leaf mahogany, is among the most threatening invasive plants in the
Philippines. (Coracero, 2023)

The objective of this research is to establish an alternative material source for paper
production while advancing environmental sustainability goals. By employing dried leaves,
commonly regarded as waste, this study seeks to minimize environmental impact and foster
eco-friendly practices within the paper industry. Harnessing the potential of this abundant
resource not only reduces reliance on traditional wood pulp, thereby but also mitigates the
carbon footprint associated with paper manufacturing processes. Through innovative techniques
and efficient utilization of natural resources, this research aims to pave the way for a more
sustainable and responsible approach to paper production. By highlighting the value of
overlooked materials like dried leaves, this study seeks to inspire and contribute to a healthier
planet for future generations.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the Mechanical Properties of Dried Mahogany Leaves and

their Comparison with Conventional Cardboard. More specifically, it seeks answers to the

following questions:

1. What are the mechanical properties of paper made from dried Mahogany leaves and
conventional cardboard in terms of:
1.1. tensile strength
1.2. durability
1.3. ink absorption capacity
2. Is there a significant difference between the mechanical properties of paper made from
dried Mahogany leaves and conventional cardboard in terms of tensile strength,
durability, and ink absorption capacity?
3. What specific processing techniques can enhance the mechanical properties of paper
made from dried Mahogany leaves?

Significance of the Study

In this study, the researchers will conduct an experimental study in which mahogany
leaves are used as an alternative paper material in the traditional paper-making process. This
study will be useful and significant for the following:

Students. This study will help students become more practical and save money on
cardboard instead of purchasing expensive cardboard from the store.
Teachers. This study can benefit teachers for their teaching material and activities.
Environment. This research is significant for the environment considering that it could
lead to the development of a sustainable substitute for traditional wood pulp in the paper
industry, reducing waste and making the production of cardboard papers more environmentally
friendly.
 Manufacturer. This study can benefit the manufacturer from the development of new
materials or processes that increase productivity, reduce expenses, and meet consumer
demand for environmentally friendly products.
Future researchers. They can benefit from this study, allowing future researchers to
improve and widen their investigations into the mechanical properties of paper with dried
mahogany leaves.

Hypothesis

The following are the Hypotheses on Utilizing Dried Mahogany Leaves as an Alternative
for Paper Production.

Alternative Hypothesis:
1. There is a significant difference between the mechanical properties of Mahogany leaf
paper and conventional cardboard, specifically in terms of tensile strength, durability,
and ink absorption capacity.

Null Hypothesis:
1. There is no significant difference in the means of mechanical properties between
Mahogany leaf paper and cardboard.

Scope and Delimitation

The research focuses on investigating the mechanical properties of paper from dried
Mahogany leaves, fallen from the trees at Silangan National High School. The study aims to
determine if there is a significant difference between the mechanical properties of Mahogany
leaf paper and conventional cardboard, specifically in terms of tensile strength, durability, and
ink absorption capacity. Specific processing techniques or additives that can potentially
enhance the mechanical properties of paper made from dried Mahogany leaves will be
explored. The research is limited to the type of leaves which is Mahogany leaves. The study will
not investigate any other properties than those mentioned in the research questions.
Theoretical Framework

The following discussions presented principles that justified this research and provided
the intellectual backbone for this study:

The theoretical framework of our research is based on assessing the utilization of dried
mahogany as an alternative to conventional cardboard..

Principle of Waste Management

This study draws upon the principle of waste management. That ensures the efficient
use of valuable raw materials and energy. Less waste is good for the environment, protects
people, and saves resources. Reusing dried leaves, which are abundantly available, especially
in school environments, presents a promising alternative due to their potential benefits and eco-
friendliness. The principle of waste management states that prevention means not only
measures taken to lower the quantity of waste generated - Waste avoidance, reuse, recycling,
recovery, and removal.
Conceptual Framework

The paradigm of the study shown in figure 1 illustrated the conceptual framework of the
study. The frame shows the variables in the study.

Figure 1. The Conceptual Framework of the study.

Definition of Terms

Cardboard. A material made from cellulose fiber (such as wood pulp) like paper

but usually thicker.

Dried Swietenia Mahogany. This will be used for paper making as an alternative

component for paper-based products.

Durability. The ability of alternative paper to last a long time without becoming

damaged compared to conventional paper.

Mechanical Properties. The strength, hardness, durability, and smoothness of the

paper for the alternative paper-making process.

Tear resistance. The measurement of how well an alternative cardboard can

withstand the effects of tearing.

Tensile Strength. the maximum stress that the alternative cardboard can bear

before breaking when it is allowed to be stretched or pulled.

 CHAPTER ll

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter contains the following literature and studies that will aid the

LITERATURE

Environmental Impact

According to Crowe Jordan (2023) In the future, using fallen leaves for paper production
offers significant environmental benefits alongside challenges. By reducing reliance on virgin
wood pulp – the current mainstay – this approach could safeguard forests and ecosystems
while repurposing discarded leaves to address waste issues.

Another advantage is the lower carbon footprint of fallen leaves, which are annually
abundant and have a quicker growth cycle than traditional paper trees. Moreover, local leaf
sourcing may boost economies.

Innovation and Development

“How does one produce paper from fallen leaves?” as stated by Obluska Emilia (2019)
Fallen leaves, collected in city parks and public gardens, are an ideal raw material for paper
production. Obtaining them doesn’t require much interference with the environment. In the end,
in cities, they would be raked and utilized anyway. It’s better to make use of them. All the more
so because to produce 20,000 sheets (about 40 packages) of paper, 1,681 kilograms of leaves
are needed. It’s the equivalent of about 10 trees.

What makes it possible to produce paper from fallen leaves in the first place, is the high
cellulose content (60-80%). To extract cellulose fibers, the leaf must have been properly
processed beforehand. Properly selected (and unfortunately adequately expensive) production
equipment can process approx. 30 tons of leaves a day.
Environmental Sustainability

Using leaves instead of trees to produce paper is more environmentally sustainable. The
rapid regeneration rate of leaves, efficient resource utilization, lower energy consumption,
reduced emissions, and potential economic benefits make leaf-based paper production a more
environmentally friendly alternative to traditional tree-based methods. (Danov Roman, 2023).

Mahogany Leaves as component for paper-based products

According to the study of Alighiri et.al (2023) Mahogany leaves waste has been
successfully synthesized into a strong and lightweight biocomposite material by using a
polyurethane binder and glass fiber as reinforcement. Furthermore, Razak et al (2020)
concluded that Mahogany leaf satisfies the requirements for pulp raw materials for papermaking
with delignification using chemical processes.
 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE

Research Design
This study will utilize the quantitative method of research. The research will use the pre-
experimental research design, specifically, static-group comparison. It is appropriate to assess
the mechanical properties of paper made from dried mahogany leaves in comparison to
conventional cardboard. It is helpful in observing differences between two groups where one
has experienced some treatment and the other one has not.

The Sample
The study will use dried mahogany leaves as an independent variable. The mechanical
properties which are tensile strength, durability, and ink absorption capacity as dependent
variables. Researchers want to compare dried mahogany leaves to cardboard in terms of
mechanical properties such as tensile strength, durability, and ink absorption capacity.

The Research Instrument

The researchers will utilize a data table as a data-gathering tool in this study. The data
table is where the data collected from the tests will be organized and analyzed. The data table
will be constructed by the researchers and will be validated by the subject teacher and will be
approved by teachers who are in the field of statistics and mathematics.

Data Collection Procedure

Experimentation will be the main tool that the researchers will use to gather data. After
the validation of the data table, the researchers will conduct a test to compare the mechanical
properties of paper with dried mahogany leaves and manila paper.
Plan for Data Analysis
To interpret the gathered data, the researchers will use the following statistical
treatments:
1. Weighted mean
The weighted mean will be used in analyzing the data that we will be collecting
from the trials of testing the tensile strength, durability, and ink absorption of the
variables. This statistical tool will help the researchers to measure the average of
numeral data from the test.
2. T-test
T-Test will be used to determine if there are significant differences between the
mechanical properties of paper with dried mahogany leaves and conventional
cardboard.
References

Alighiri, D., Maulana, R. M., & Drastisianti, A. (2020). The effect of polyurethane binder and fiber
reinforcement on the physical and mechanical properties of mahogany (Swietenia
mahagoni) leaves waste biocomposite. Materials Express, 10(11), 1900-1910.
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/asp/me/2020/00000010/00000011/
art00015
Coracero, E. E. (2023). Distribution and management of the invasive Swietenia macrophylla
King (Meliaceae) at the foot of a protected area in Luzon Island, Philippines. Journal of
Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 4(3), 637-647.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-
5636/4/3/45
Crowe, J. (2023). Is Making Paper From Leaves Feasible?. Waster. Retrieved February 18,
2024, from https://waster.com.au/making-paper-from-leaves/#:~:text=Using%20them
%20for%20paper%20production,trees%20used%20for%20paper%20production.
Danov, R. (2023). Why leaves are better than trees to produce the paper. Releaf. Retrieved
February 18, 2024., from https://releafbag.com/en-nl/blogs/news/why-leaves-are-better-
than-trees-to-produce-the-paper
Obluska, E. (2019). Paper from fallen leaves - old idea, new approach. ecoreactor. Retrieved
February 18, 2024, from
https://ecoreactor.org/en/paper-from-fallen-leaves/#:~:text=Fallen%20leaves%2C
%20collected%20in%20city,to%20make%20use%20of%20them
Razak, F. G. R., & Anwar, N. (2020). Utilization of Mahogany Leaf Waste as Pulp for
Papermaking. UI Proceedings on Science and Technology, 2.