Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
INTRODUCTION
composedofcombustiblematerialssuchaswoodparticlesandsawdustandhavebeenproventobe
extraordinarily useful in starting the flames necessary for heating, warmth, and, in some critical
situations, even survival. In this research, Fireling provides an alternative to portable gas stoves.
Hence,itisimportanttonotethatfuelslikebutanegashaveremainedanongoingworldwideconcern.
AccordingtoNewJerseyHealth,“toitspotentialdangerofexplosions,andpotentialexposuretohigh
concentrations could cause negative effects to human health ranging from lightheadedness and
unconsciousnesstodirecttoxicityinthebrainandmyocardium.” Additionaldangersofusingbutane
gas stove ranges from overheating and gas leakage that could lead to fatalities and casualties.
InthePhilippines,almost30%ofhouseholdsutilizecharcoalforcooking,particularlyincertain
rural areas. These are commonly found and are very accessible. However, it is also important to note
1
that charcoal is one of the leading sources of indoor or household air pollution. According to
Greenpeace Southeast Asia (2020), “Air pollution from fossil fuels—primarily coal, oil, and gas—is
attributed to causing an estimated 27,000 premature deaths per year inthePhilippines."Moreover,
health hazards at every stage of the coal life cycle contribute to the growth of heart, lung, and
neurological diseases; thus, it poses an urgent cause for concern and solution.
The local community also has a problem concerning the disposal of waste paper. In
accordancewiththeEnvironmentalStudiesInstituteofMiriamCollege,theysaidonly60%ofthe100
tonsproducedeachyeararerecycled,withtherestdiscardedatlandfills.Withwastepaperbeingthe
second most produced solid waste in the Philippines, only afewutilizeittoitsfullestpotential.The
researchers observed that even unknowing locals throw them out in the neighborhood, which
contributes to improper waste disposal and may have an impact on the current lives of the locals,
especiallythelocalenvironment.Theresearchersalsoobservedtherisingconcernoverwoodwaste,
particularly wood shavings, and aim to utilize its full capacity for this research.
2
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Firelingwasfoundedinresponsetoacompellingneedtoaddressseveralsignificantissuesin
thePhilippines,particularlyinFloodway,Taytay.Theproductwasfoundedtobecomearayofhopeby
Using locally abundant resources such as sawdust and waste paper—the country's second
makes a significant contribution to waste reduction initiatives. Marking a significant shift towards
sustainableandhealthieralternativefire-startingtechniques.Thiscomprehensivestrategyshowshow
to use resources in a way that does not entirely harm the environment, turning a problem into a
chance to make the environment better, which is a hopeful solution to these issues.
3
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Traditionalmethodsofstartingcookingfires,whichrelyheavilyontraditionalfire-startingtools
such as charcoal, have remained essential to meeting cooking needs for generations. These
methods, however, raise concerns about environmental concerns and environmental impact.
AlternativeFireStarterasapotentialsubstitutefortraditionalfirestartingtoolsthatcanbeutilizedfor
cooking purposes. This research aims to address the following research concerns:
● Is it possible to use a fire starter made of sawdust, wastepaper,andkangkongoilwaxasa
● Will the fire from this fire starter be hot enough to cook food for more than an hour?
● What advantages does Fireling possess as opposed to conventional fire starters?
4
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Thegoalsofthisresearcharetoassessandevaluatetheviability,efficacy,andadvantagesof
Fireling:AnAlternativeFireStarterUtilizedforCookingPurposeswhichismadefromsawdust,waste
1. Tocreateafirestarteralternativeusingsawdust,wastepaper,andkangkongoilwaxthatcan
2. To test Fireling's ability to generate heat consistently for more than an hour while cooking.
3. To research specific advantages that Fireling has over traditional fire starters.
4. To create and develop interventions to improve Fireling's capabilities and performance.
5
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
TheInputphaseconsistsofrecycledsawdust,kangkongoilwax,organicwastepaper(includingold
newspapers, scratch papers, and trash papers), common safety matches, common matchboxes,
phosphorous, and a metal grill box that will be used for the creation of Fireling.
6
The Process phase uses quantitative methods to gather data. Administrative interviews to gather
the datausingtheweightedmeanformula.ScalingwillutilizetheLikertscaletoaccuratelymeasure
usedasanalternativefirestarterforcooking.Thisinnovativefirestarteraimstoprovideasustainable
and efficient method of starting fires, particularly for cooking purposes, while also providing an
7
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The result of this research will benefit the following entities: researchers, future researchers,
RESEARCHERS.Theproductthattheresearchersproduceisevidencethatkangkongcanbe
used as an ingredient in alternative fire starters. This will enlighten them on how kangkong canbe
usedasabaseforwaxcreationthatcouldbeusedforthecreationofanalternativefirestarterforthe
purposeofcooking.Additionally,theresearcherswillbeabletodeterminetherightratioofingredients
to use in order for the Fireling to burn for more than an hour and be hot enough to cook for the
duration.
FUTURE RESEARCHERS. This research paper will provide future researchers with a
reference when conducting similar research in the future. The researchers also suggest that future
researchers investigate the gaps in knowledge that were not explored by the current researchers.
STUDENTS. The students who read this research may draw up their own ideas for their
research by using this project as inspiration. They may also try to explore the gaps that were left
unexploredbytheresearchers,asstatedintheirscopeanddelimitations.Thestudentsmayalsobe
8
TEACHERS.Theteacherswhoreadthismaybemoreawareofthelevelandcapabilityofthe
researchers conducting this study. Since this paper is the final product of their observations and
research, it is also a testament to their skills and ability to effectively create a product and write a
researchpaper.Additionally,itmaygivetheteachersinformationonthetopicsortrendsinresearchin
BENEFICIARIES. This study aims to create an alternative fire starter for the purpose of
cooking that utilizes sawdust and waste paper, which is timely and a relevant issue within the
9
SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS
boundaries and parameters within which the alternative fire starter concept is explored.
Thescopeofthisresearchislimitedtocreatingasingle-usecookingfirestarterbycombining
sawdust, wastepaper,andkangkongoilwaxtoachieveaburntimeofmorethanonehourthatcan
This research is limited to regions where sawdust and waste paper are abundant and
accessible, as the availability of raw materials is a crucial factor. The effectiveness of fire starters
and the study is limited to environments where these fire starters can reliably perform. Since the
researchers' product is still in the experimental stage, it is not advised to use it at home or at any
nearby establishments.
The cultural acceptance and utilization of this alternative fire starter are considered within
specificculturalcontexts,influencingitsadoptionanduse.Theproductislimitedtocookingpurposes
only; certain conditions, such as the effect of smoke from this product on the food, environmental
effects, and the viability of use in various weather conditions, will not be accounted for.
10
DEFINITION OF TERMS
To make the study understandable, the researchers included a definition of terms that will
serve as a guide and enable the readers to have a deep understanding of the problem the
researchers seek to answer. The following are some of the terms used and their meanings:
Fireling - The name of the product stands for fire and uling (charcoal), which, in a creative
Fire starter - A small block of material that burnsveryeasilyandisusedforhelpingtostart
Kangkongoilwax-Kangkongoilwaxisawaxproductthatisderivedfromkangkong,which
is also known as water spinach or swamp cabbage. Made by puttingdirectfireonadampspinach
leaf, extracting oil from the leaf, and using it to create a sustainable wax.
Waste paper- paperthat you throw away because it has been used or is not needed.
Sawdust - Wood dust, or sawdust, is a byproduct of woodworking processes like cutting,
Airflow- Air flow essentially starves the fire of oxygen, meaning it burns less cleanly.
11
CHAPTER 2
REVIEWS OF RELATED LITERATURE
FOREIGN STUDIES
ThisstudyinvestigatedfuelbriquettesmadefromcharcoalparticlesofIdigbowood,pinewood
sawdust,andtheirmixturesusinggelatinizedcassavapeelsasabinder.Briquetteswereproducedat
carbon and heating value, while higher pine sawdust content raised volatile matter and reduced
heatingvalue.Purecharcoalbriquetteshadthehighestheatingvalueandashcontent.Thebriquettes
showed improved combustion properties compared to raw charcoal, pine dust, and cassava peel.
Overall,thestudysuggeststhatthesebriquettescouldbeeffectiveasfuelfordomesticandindustrial
insights for the upcoming fire starter development using kangkong wax, wastepaper,andsawdust.
The focus on blending ratios and their impact on key properties, such as heating value and ash
content,guidesusinoptimizingthecomposition.Thestudyhighlightsthetrade-offofhighercharcoal
contentenhancingheatingvaluebutincreasingashcontent,aconsiderationfortheformulation.With
the goal of creating a long-lasting fire starter for cooking, the study emphasizes the importance of
12
adjusting material ratios for optimal burningproperties.Overall,itsuggeststhatawell-optimized
blend of materials could result in an effective and efficient fire starter suitable for various uses.
The study examines the influence of agricultural residue type, binder type, and amount on
husks, and rice husks. Using a cost-effective compression method, the research revealssignificant
values.Withonlycassavastarchbinder,residuetypeplaysacrucialrole,whileincreasingthebinder
amount has minimal impact. In experiments with both cassava and wheat starch binders, briquette
propertiesarenotablyinfluencedbyresidueandbindertype.Calorificvaluesforgroundnutshelland
bagasse briquettes peak with 30 g of cassava starch binder, and changes in binder amounts have
Thestudyoncarbonizedbriquettesusingdifferentagriculturalresiduesandbindersprovidesinsights
applicabletothedevelopmentofafirestartermadeofkangkongwax,wastepaper,andsawdust.The
researchemphasizestheinfluenceofbindertype,amount,andagriculturalresiduetypeonbriquette
properties and calorific values. For the fire starter project, experimenting with various binders may
impact burning characteristics, and the choice of agricultural residue could influence burning
efficiency. The study also highlights differences in calorific values based on residue types, offering
valuable information for optimizing the energy content of the fire starter. While materials differ, the
study provides a foundation for refining the fire starter's compositionandimprovingitsperformance
13
for prolonged and efficient cooking. Further experiments,inspiredbythestudy'sfindings,could
Thestudyseekstocreateefficientcookstovefuelfromvariousagriculturalwastesthroughfast
pyrolysis,adjustingparticlesizes,andcompactingpressures.Palmkernelshellbriquettesexcelledin
key characteristics, boasting high calorific value, volatile matter content, and fixed carbon while
maintaininglowashandmoisturecontent.Inrapidwaterboilingtests,palmkernelshellandsawdust
briquettesreached100℃within10minutes.Notably,palmkernelshellbriquettesof0.60mmparticle
sizeand30MPacompactingpressureexhibitedoutstandingperformanceacrossmultipleparameters
The study on efficient cookstove fuel production, highlighting the success of palm kernel shell
briquettes,offersvaluableinsightsforourfirestarterresearch.Theexceptionalperformanceofthese
improvementsforourfirestartercomposedofkangkongwax,wastepaper,andsawdust.Notably,the
incorporating sawdust with similar adjustments may contribute to our goal ofcreatingalong-lasting
fire starter for cooking food. The study's practical guidance, especially regarding sawdust,provides
14
The study focuses on exploring the potential of biomass residues, including coffee husk,
sawdust,khatwaste,anddrygrass,forbiofuelproduction.Utilizingwastepaperpulpandclaysoilas
binders,thebiomassandbinderswerecombinedinvariousratiosanddensifiedusingapistonpress
machine.Thebriquetteswereproducedwithamanuallyoperatedpressatanaveragepressureof2
MPa.Analysisofthebriquettesrevealedfavorablequalities,particularlythoseproducedfromsawdust
residue and paper pulp binder, showcasing high fixed carbon content and calorific value. This
suggests the viability of these briquettes as an alternative energy source and an effective waste
The study on biomass residues and biofuel production suggests that adopting wastepaperpulpas
binders for sawdust can enhance burning characteristics. Key considerations for the fire starter
research include experimenting with ratios of kangkong wax, waste paper, and sawdust, adjusting
binding materials, and exploring variations in compacting pressures and particle sizes of the
extendedburningduration.Incorporatingotherbiomassresiduesmayalsocontributetosustainability.
Testing and refining based on these principles may lead to a competitive and eco-friendly fire starter.
The study investigated briquettes made from groundnut shells, corn cobs, and Anogeissus
leiocarpus wood residues, as well as mixtures with starch binders. The experiments focused on
density, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon, and the specific heat of combustion. Groundnut
15
shell briquettes exhibited the highest density,whileA.Leiocarpusandcorncobparticlesshowed
thelowestandhighestashcontent,respectively.BriquettesfromA.leiocarpusparticlesandamixture
ofgroundnutshellandA.Leiocarpusparticleswitha25%starchbinderdemonstratedsuperiorquality
in terms of density and combustion properties. This suggests their suitability as anenvironmentally
The study on briquettes made from groundnut shells, corn cobs, and Anogeissus leiocarpus wood
residues, with starch binders, provides valuable insights for enhancing the fire starter made of
kangkong wax, waste paper, and sawdust. By analyzing factors such as density, ash content, and
combustionproperties,parallelscanbedrawntooptimizethefirestarter'scomposition.Thesuperior
quality demonstratedbyA.Leiocarpusandgroundnutshellmixtureswithstarchbindersinthestudy
suggestapotentialedgeforthefirestarterabouttobecreatedintermsofenvironmentalfriendliness
binders may be considered. Incorporating information gathered from the study on the optimal
characteristicsofbriquettescouldcontributetoachievingthegoalofcreatingalong-lastingfirestarter
16
FOREIGN LITERATURE
This study in Maroua addresses the waste management issue by quantifying paper and
cardboard trash and evaluating its potential for combustible briquette manufacturing. The annual
rejected paper waste collected from families, public sectors, corporate entities, and retail centers
weighs around 81,713.00 kg. When processed with alkali solution, combustible briquettes with a
moisture percentage of 4.020.47% and greater fixed carbon content could be formed, with an
estimated yearly production of 102.141 tons. This may effectively replace around 153.2 tons of
firewood, demonstrating the potential to dramatically reduce firewood usage and deforestation
through the use of recycled paper and cardboard waste for cooking energy(Dzokom et al., 2021).
The findings can be used as a foundation for our future research into using paper waste in
combinationwithothersubstancesasfirestartersincooking.Thestudyprovidescriticalinsightsinto
the viability and scalability of our proposed solution by estimating the annual rejected paper waste
andanalyzingitspotentialforcombustiblebriquetteproduction.Theexaminationofphysicochemical
starter manufacturing process. In addition, the investigation of alkali solution pretreatment provides
prospective strategies for improving briquette characteristics and burning efficiency. The study
highlightsthesignificantpotentialofourresearchtocontributetoareductioninfirewoodconsumption
and align with sustainability and deforestation reduction objectives, with an estimated yearly
17
ThisarticleproposesanEcologicalFireStarter(EFS)builtfromsawdustandvegetableoilsto
addressindoorairpollutioninCameroon'sFarNortharea.Plasticgarbageiscurrentlywidelyusedto
startsolidfuelfires,creatinghealthdangers,particularlytowomenandchildrenwhocook.According
tothereport,manypeopleusedifferentplasticsasfirestarts.Theusageofplasticintheregionmight
resultinsignificantyearlyCO2eqemissions.DespitethefactthatEFShasamanufacturingcapacity
of1000tons,theexpectedrequirementin2022is894tons.Withflexiblelowerheatingsettings,EFS
provides environmental, health, and economic benefits. Advocacy is done to encourage the use of
The researchers pull ideas from an article suggesting an Ecological Fire Starter (EFS) built from
sawdustandvegetableoilsintheirresearchtargetedatconstructingalong-lastingfirestarterutilizing
kangkong wax, waste paper, sawdust, and other ingredients. While theprimarygoalistocreatean
utilizingplasticwasteforcooking,compellingtheresearcherstoconsiderhealthconsequencesinthe
design of their fire starter. Despite the fact that the main focus does not directly address
environmental concerns, the article's mention of potential CO2 emissions from plastic use
demonstrates the researcher's understanding of the additional environmental advantage of
18
Sawdust, a substantial byproduct of Manicaland province's sawmills in Zimbabwe, poses an
environmental threat when incinerated or left to accumulate. This study explores the potential of
converting this waste into briquettes using banana waste pulp as a cost-effective local binder. The
quality of the fabricated briquettes improves with higher binder ratios, with the 1:4 sawdust-binder
ratiodemonstratingoptimalqualities.Evaluationcriteriaincluderelativedensity,shatterindex,ignition
time,burningrate,andwaterboilingtime.Utilizingafactorratingmethod,thestudyidentifiesthetop
five binder formulations based on factors such as time taken to boil water and shatter index, with
banana-pseudo stem-pith and ripe banana in a 3:1 ratio ranking highest(Nyathi et al., 2022).
providesvaluableinsightsforfirestarterresearchwithkangkongwax,wastepaper,andsawdust.The
starterthatlastsformorethananhourandeffectivelycooksfood.Theevaluationcriteriausedinthe
studyofferaframeworkforassessingtheperformanceofthefirestarter.Additionally,theexploration
ofdifferentbinderformulations,particularlythesuccessofbanana-pseudostem-pithandripebanana
in a 3:1 ratio, suggests experimenting with various binders, potentially including kangkong wax or
The study focuses on assessing the combustion properties of briquettes made from Ficus
exasperatasawdustandCassavapeelusingvariousbinders.Differentbinderratioswereemployed,
19
including top bond, starch, and cattle dung.Proximatecompositionanalysisindicatesasignificant
difference in ash content. Binder evaluation highlights starch as having the highest heating value
(HV), while cattle dung has the lowest. The substrate analysis reveals that sawdust achieves the
highest HV, while cassava peel has the lowest, accompanied by a significantly higher ash content.
starch, exhibit optimal burning characteristics, presenting a viable alternative energy source
The study on the combustion properties of briquettes made from Ficus exasperata sawdust and
cassava peel using various binders provides valuable insights for fire starter research. The use of
different binders, including top bond, starch, and cattle dung, allows for an exploration of binding
agents to consider, such as kangkong wax or other materialsinthefirestarter.Theanalysisofash
contentandheatingvalue(HV)indifferentcombinationsofsubstratesandbindershelpsunderstand
theburningcharacteristicsandenergyefficiencyofthebriquettes.Thestudysuggeststhatthechoice
of binder, such as kangkong wax, can influence heating values and burning efficiency, potentially
bonded with starch, the study supports the notion that a well-selected binderiscrucialinachieving
Using waste paper for heating on small islands with limited resources is a good recycling
option. However, concerns exist about air pollutants from burning homemade paper briquettes, a
20
major source ofhouseholdairpollution. Tests compared emissions from paper briquettes on a
Pacific island with three Australian fuels (wood briquettes, kindling firewood, and coal). Findings
revealed that paper briquettes burned quickly at high temperatures but had a lowheatvalue.They
produced higher CO and NOx than others and similar PM2.5 levels as kindling firewood but lower
Emission factors for CO, NOx, and PM2.5 were consistent with the literature. Overall, using paper
briquettes for heating is not expected to significantly increase air pollutant levels compared to
Fortheresearchersdevelopingafirestartercomposedofkangkongwax,wastepaper,andsawdust,
that paper briquettes, despite burning quickly at high temperatures, exhibit a lower heat value.
Interestingly, the larger particle size observed in paper and wood briquettes compared to coal and
kindling may suggest a potential advantage in terms of respiratory health. Larger particles areless
likelytopenetratedeeplyintothelungs,potentiallymitigatingconcernsaboutairpollutants.Moreover,
thestudy'sfindingsonemissions,includinghigherlevelsofCOandNOx,emphasizetheimportance
ofunderstandingthetrade-offsintermsofairquality.However,giventhegoalofcreatingafirestarter
that lasts for over an hour and cooks food effectively, the team can leverage a combination of
materials, including kangkong wax and sawdust, to enhance burning efficiency and address the
21
LOCAL STUDIES
The study aimed to advocate for the utilization of biomass sourced from agricultural waste,
such as coconut shells, corn cobs, and waste paper, in the form of briquettes as a sustainable
substitute for wood fuel. The methodology involved an extensive literature review focusing on the
advantagesandproductionmethodsofbriquettesfromagriculturalwaste,withthegoalofaddressing
the demand for an alternative energy solution. Currently, researchers are developing a proposal to
manufacture briquettes from waste materials, seeking to diminish dependence on trees for wood
charcoal. This initiative aims to conserve trees and broaden therange of fuelsources fora
The text provides comprehensive support for the utilization of waste paper in the creation of
alternative fire starters. Firstly, it emphasizes the environmental advantages of repurposing waste
paper,aligningwithsustainabilitygoals.Additionally,thestudyexploresthepotentialbenefitsofwaste
paper in briquettes in terms of cost-effectiveness and widespread availability. It delves into the
combustion properties, comparing them to traditional wood fuel, to establish the efficacy of waste
paperasaviablealternative.Overall,theinitiativeaimstoreducerelianceontreesforwoodcharcoal,
Fireling.
22
Small farmers often resort to burning corn cobs as a supplement to fuelwood for cooking,
contributingtoairpollution.Charcoalproductionisanalternative,butitstrainsPhilippineforests.This
researchexploresthefeasibilityofusingcorncobsandsawdustasbriquettes,offeringaneco-friendly
alternative to wood charcoal. The experiment compared combustion time and efficiency in boiling
thatbothcorncobandsawdustbriquetteshavepotentialasdomesticenergysources,recommending
their production as a sustainable substitute for commercial wood charcoal(Betita et al., 2018).
sawdust as a constituent component in the fabrication of briquettes contributes significantly to
enhanced efficiency during the water boiling test, particularly when compared against the
performance of corn cob briquettes. The discernible superiority in efficiency, as evidenced by the
findings, emphasizes the potential advantage conferred by the utilization of sawdust within the
briquettecomposition.Thisgivessubstancetotheargumentthattheintegrationofsawdustaugments
theoveralleffectivenessofthebriquette,particularlyevidentduringtherigorousscrutinyofthewater
boiling test, thereby positioning it as a noteworthy and preferential alternative. This implies that
incorporatingsawdustintothecreationofafirestartercouldfurtherenhanceitscookingperformance,
23
The study explored the production of briquettes as an alternative fuel using pyrolyzed dried
mangoleavesmixedwith20%starchasabinder.Theresultingbriquettesdemonstratedstabilityand
abulkdensityof1.0234g/cc.Comparisonswithwoodandcoconutcharcoalrevealedsimilarmoisture
content but significant variations in combustion properties. The briquettes, with a calorific value of
Inthepursuitofincorporatingkangkongleavesintotheirresearch,theresearchersdeemeditprudent
toconductathoroughreviewofextantstudiesandliteratureconcerningtheutilizationofleavesfrom
diverse plant species in similar applications, notably within the realm of fire startersandbriquettes.
This deliberate inquiry aims to discern optimal methodologies for harnessing kangkong leaves,
fosteringanuancedunderstandingbeyondinitialideasandpromotingacomprehensiveexplorationof
potential applications.
The anticipated rise in global energy demand, driven by population growth, emphasizes the
needforalternativesourceslikerenewableenergy.Amongvariousoptions,biomassstandsoutasa
widely available renewable energy source. Agricultural residues such as rice husks and corn cobs,
often left to decompose or burn in open fields, pose environmental and health risks.
24
Bio-briquettes,derivedfromthesewastes,offerasustainableenergysolutionforelectricity,heat,and
andqualityassessmentofbio-briquettes,highlightingadvancements,challenges,andfuturetrendsin
The researchers have opted to employ sawdust and waste paper in their study, prompting a
comprehensive exploration of existing literature pertaining to these materials. This endeavor
culminatedintheidentificationofanarticleclarifyingtheutilizationofagriculturalwaste.Bothsawdust
andwastepapercanbecategorizedasagriculturalwasteandemergeasviablebiomassoptionsfor
cooking due to their efficient combustion properties. Additionally, their renewable nature positions
Thesignificanceoffloorwaxinhouseholdsforenhancingfloorappearanceoftenoverlooksthe
potential health hazards posed by the chemicals it contains. The research aimed to address this
concern by exploring a natural alternative using coconut meat, mitigating the risks associated with
chemical exposure. The experimentation revealed initial setbacks, with the first two setups yielding
unsatisfactory results. However, the third attempt, emphasizing a balanced ratioofcoconutmeatto
paraffin wax and minimizing cooking oil, produced a successful outcome resembling conventional
25
Overall, the study demonstrated the viability of a natural floor wax alternative, showcasing
comparableefficacytocommercialcounterpartswhileemphasizingtheimportanceofprecisematerial
measurements. The researcher acknowledged the need to find an all-natural substitute for candle
nature of coconut oil. The saturated fats in coconut oil, responsible for its solidification at room
temperature, make it an ideal candidate for crafting candles. When utilized in candle production,
and burns evenly. The same qualities that contribute to coconut oil's effectiveness as a floor wax,
such as its desirable texture and conditioning properties, translate intoitssuitabilityforcandlewax.
Consequently, coconut oil serves as a natural and adaptable ingredient, offering a dual-purpose
solution in both floor maintenance and candle crafting while avoiding the chemical concerns
26
LOCAL LITERATURE
Kangkong,orwaterspinach,isaleafyvegetablethrivinginaquaticenvironmentslikeswamps.
It falls under the morning glory plant family, scientifically namedIpomoeaaquatica.Withaconstant
InthePhilippines,Kangkongisreadilyaccessibleduetoitswidespreadcultivationacrossthecountry.
Itsabundanceandeaseofcultivationmakeitapracticalchoiceforcreatingfirestarters.Thedecision
to use Kangkong in crafting these fire starters was driven by its year-round availability, unlike
seasonal materials that might pose challenges in production during the off-season. This strategic
choice ensures a consistent supply of the desired product throughout the entire year.
The research utilized falcata sawdust to create briquettes using a manual briquetting device
withasinglemold.Thesawdustwascombinedwiththreebinders—cassavastarch,paperpulp,and
molasses—acrossdifferentratios(70:30,60:40,50:50)andassessedforcalorificvalue,boilingtime,
and durability. Findings indicate a decrease in calorific value with an increase in sawdust-to-binder
ratio. Briquettes with a 70:30 ratio exhibited the quickest boiling time.
27
Additionally, durability rose as the sawdust-to-binder ratio increased, withcassavastarchdisplaying
the highest durability, followed by paper pulp. The study also involved the creation of a manually
operated briquetting machine, capable of producing 25 briquettes in 5 minutes and yielding 300
This demonstrates that sawdust can be employed in crafting fire starters. Combustible materials,
includingsawdust,areeffectiveforignitingfires.Thechallengearisesfromtheirsmallsize,leadingto
low thermal efficiency when burned individually. Combining them into a compact form, such as a
briquetteoraspartofafirestarter,significantlyimprovesthermalefficiency,requiringlesssawdustfor
This research investigates the environmental and health impacts of food waste and coal
emissions, proposing briquettes made from banana, orange peels, and sawdust to mitigate these
issues. Two binders, paper pulp and cassava starch, were tested. The study assessed briquettes
basedondensity,burningrate,ignitiontime,andefficiency.Resultsindicatethatorangeandcassava
cassava performed best in the water boiling test. The findings suggest potential improvements in
28
The research indicates that incorporating sawdust and paper, amongotheringredients,isviablefor
making briquettes. The study reveals that the paper-based briquettes exhibited theslowestburning
thesematerialsarenotonlyeffectiveforbriquettesbutcouldpotentiallyenhancetheperformanceof
fire starters.
The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Teresa, Rizal, recognized by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP),
manufacturescharcoalbriquettesusingdiscardedpapersasanalternativefuel.Additionally,theMRF
with bio-enzymes. Marlon F. Pielago, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer
(MENRO), oversees the composting area and monitors the workers(Miguel, 2019).
Thisarticlegivessubstancetoourstudyoncreatingfirestartersfromwastepaperbyhighlightingthe
municipal Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Teresa, Rizal. The facility, acknowledged by the
DepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources(DENR),exemplifiestheofficialrecognitionofthe
value in repurposing discarded papers into charcoal briquettes for use as alternative fuel. The
government's endorsement of such initiatives emphasizes the credibility and viability of our
exploration into the creation of fire starters from materials such as waste paper.
29
Thisstudyaddressesthechallengesofagriculturalwaste'senvironmentalimpactandexplores
theconversionofvegetablewasteintocharcoalbriquettes.ConductedattheMalaybalayCityPublic
Market, the research compares vegetable waste briquettes with commercial ones, focusing on
moisture, volatile matter, and ash content. Results reveal that vegetable waste briquettes, using
cassavastarchasabinder,offerenhancedcombustionefficiency,reducedemissions,andprolonged
The study suggests that vegetable waste briquettes are a promising and sustainable alternative to
traditional charcoal briquettes and recommends further investigation into different binders and
This scholarly inquiry contributes substantially to our investigation of creating fire starters from a
vegetable,namelythekangkong,asitemphasizestherecognitionofotherresearchersinthevalueof
repurposing agricultural waste, specifically vegetable waste, into charcoal briquettes. The study,
conductedattheMalaybalayCityPublicMarket,systematicallycomparesthepropertiesofvegetable
wastebriquetteswithcommercialcounterparts,emphasizingfactorssuchasmoisture,volatilematter,
and ash content. The conclusive findings, highlighting the superior combustion efficiency, reduced
emissions, and extended burning duration of vegetable waste briquettes, validate the potential for
30
CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY OF THE RESEARCH
will be the respondents and the focus of the study. This chapter also covers data gathering
procedures and methodologies, as well as research design and the settings of the study.
RESEARCH DESIGN
with a focus on utilizing an experimental research approach that can be analyzed using statistical
treatmentwiththeuseofaLikertscale.Theuseofexperimentalresearchdesignisapplicabletothis
wasselectedbecauseitdemonstrateshowtheproductscreatedbytheresearchersdifferfromthose
TheLikertscalewillbeusedtoassessthenumericaldataobtainedfromthequestionnairesin
ordertoofferinsightsintothedegreeofaccessibilityandavailabilityofthehandyfirestarter.Thiswill
make it possible to evaluate the use of the fire starter based in Kangkong in a trustworthy and
accurate manner.
31
DATA GATHERING AND PROCEDURES
50 respondents and 1 administrator, data will be collected through a survey in the form of a
also becollectedthroughasurveyintheformofaquestionnaireformulatedbytheresearcherswith
the help of their technical adviser. The research adviser will then reviewthedraftquestionnaire,as
wellasthecontentandvalidationbyapanelofexperts.Thisprocessaimstoreviewthemethodology
andcollectcomments,suggestions,andcorrectionstoimprovethestudy'scontentwhileensuringthe
will be made based on feedback from the advisor, experts, and initial respondents.
Participants will be chosen from the target population based on specific criteria. The
recruitment process will begin with obtaining permission from the administration of the research
location.Allparticipantswillprovideconsent,indicatingtheirwillingnesstoparticipateinthestudyas
well as their comprehension of the ethical issues involved. The study's procedures and potential
outcomes willbethoroughlyexplainedtoparticipants.Toprotecttheparticipants,precautionswillbe
taken, including informing them of any potential risks associated with the study. Under the Data
32
SETTINGS OF THE STUDY
The Manggahan Floodway, an artificial waterway completed in 1986 in Metro Manila,
Philippines, aimed to alleviate flooding along the Pasig River by diverting excess water from the
Marikina River to Laguna de Bay, serving as a temporary reservoir during the rainy season.
The study will concentrate on Barangay San Juan Floodway Taytay Sitio Batasin,whichhas
been observed for its spinach or kangkong fields, which can then be sourced locally by the
researchers. The study will be conducted on the premises of boththeACLCCollegeofTaytayand
Sitio Batasin, offering a comprehensive exploration of this topic within these specific areas.
33
REFERENCES
Ajimotokan, H. A., Ehindero, A., Ajao, K. S., Adeleke, A. A., Ikubanni, P., & Shuaib-Babata, Y. L.
(2019). Combustion characteristics of fuel briquettes made from charcoal particles and
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00202
Aporto, A., Cruz, A., Cruz, A. C., Jesús, E., Del Valle, J. E., & Rayo, R. C. (2022). CREATION OF
BRIQUETTES FROM COCONUT SHELLS, CORN COBS AND WASTE PAPER AS
https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4606065
Betita, J. C. T., Edillorana, M. D., Legaspina, E. C., & Uganiza, B. a. R. (2018). WASTE IS WEALTH:
VIABILITY OF CORN COB AND SAW DUST AS BRIQUETTES [Capstone Project]. PALAWAN
STATE UNIVERSITY.
Braganza, L. (2023, December 10). Kangkong Farming in the Philippines: How to plant and grow
https://www.pinoyfoodsecurity.com/agriculture/kangkong-farming-how-to-plant-and-grow-kangk
ong/
34
Dzokom, A., Tize Koda, J., & Djoulde Darman, R. (2021). Assessment of papers and cardboard
wastes and their potential use for the production of combustible briquettes| International
https://www.ijisrt.com/assessment-of-papers-and-cardboard-wastes-and-their-potential-use-for-
the-production-of-combustible-briquettes
Eduagin, R. T., Galarrita, R. J. L., Calixtro, J. F., Oclaman, F. D., & Namoco, C. S. (2021).
https://hal.science/hal-04172864/
Falemara, B. C., Joshua, V. I., Aina, O. O., & Nuhu, R. D. (2018). Performance Evaluation of the
Physical and Combustion Properties of Briquettes Produced from Agro-Wastes and Wood
Genuino, A. F. R., Tancuan, J. M. M., Ventura, Q. F., Santos, A. L. S., Foo, K. K. R., Samaco, X. a. M.
F., Armada, L. T. A., Lemoncito, G. L. F., Padrique, M. I. B., Almira, G. D. P., Torres, A. R. C.,
Calamlam, J. M. M., & Gamboa, G. B. (2022). Evaluation of Bio Briquettes made from Musa
acuminata Colla , Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana Silk, and Citrus reticulata and Citrus
sinensis Peels. SINAYA: Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students,
1(2), 167–202.
35
Kebede, T., Berhe, D. T., & Zergaw, Y. (2022). Combustion Characteristics of Briquette Fuel
https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/4222205
Kodji, E., Joel, T. K., Soulouknga, M. H., & Djoulde, D. R. (2023b). Production and characterization of
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18253
Leones, A. Y. D., Caontao, E. R., Macarayo, J. M. P. L., Sebandal, R. M. M., Saldo, I. J. P.,
Material for Charcoal Briquettes. American Journal of Materials Science and Engineering,
Lubwama, M., Yiga, V. A., & Lubwama, H. N. (2020). Effects and interactions of the agricultural waste
residues and binder type on physical properties and calorific values of carbonized briquettes.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-020-01001-8
Manimtim, S. (2019, January 18). Cocos nucifera (Coconut) as alternative floorwax. Ascendens Asia
https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/AAJMRA/article/view/11894
https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/photo-releases/1367-denr-recognized-solid-wa
ste-management-program-produces-alternative-fuel
36
Nyathi, L., Charis, G., Chigondo, M., Maposa, M., Nyadenga, D., & Nyenyayi, K. (2022).
Ogunjobi, K. M., Chikwendu, M. U., Ogunfowodu, A. T., & Adetogun, A. C. (2023). Burning
characteristics of briquette produced from sawdust of Ficus exasperata and cassava peel using
https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v41i6.15
Sanchez, P. D. C., Aspe, M. M. T., & Sindol, K. N. (2022). An Overview on the Production of
Bio-briquettes from Agricultural Wastes: Methods, Processes, and Quality. Journal of
Sunnu, A. K., Adu-Poku, K. A., & Ayetor, G. K. (2021). Production and Characterization of Charred
1000–1021. https://doi.org/10.1080/00102202.2021.1977803
Xiu, M., Stevanović, S., Rahman, M. F., Pourkhesalian, A. M., Morawska, L., & Thai, P. K. (2018).
Emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides from the residential
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.08.008
Ycaza, S. R., & Barre, J. T. (2018). Charcoal Briquettes Manufactured from Dried Mango Leaves
(DML)– An Alternative Solid Fuel Source. The Official Research Journal Publication of Western
37