Calamansi (Citofortunella Microcarpa) Extract as Wood Varnish

Kyle Nierra
Ros Van Eli Densing
Niehjell Aberte

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements in Research II

Almeria National High School

Almeria Biliran

June 4, 2018

Research Adviser

Mrs. Raquel Abilar

Abstract

Wood varnish a transparent, hard, protective finish or film that is primarily

used in wood finishing. It is traditionally a combination of drying oil, a resin, and a thinner

or a solvent. There are some good quality wood varnishes available in stores. So, to mini-

mize the expenditure on this product the researchers decided to make an alternative for

this with cheap and accessible materials.

In the experiment the researchers made for samples, missing 75 ml of olive

oil to four acidic extract. Sample A; olive oil with 50 ml of orange extract, Sample B; olive

oil with 50 ml of calamansi extract, Sample C; olive oil with 50 ml of mango extract, Sample

D; olive oil with 50 ml of pineapple extract. After mixing all the samples, the mixture were

applied to different pieces of wood.

The test showed that calamansi extract is more effective than the other sam-

ples in making a piece of wood look nice. After that the researchers compared a comer-

cial and a calamansi varnish. The result was not even close, the commercial varnish was

way better, but calamansi varnish is cheaper and easier to prepare.

 Problem

1. Can calamansi extract be a source in making wood varnish?

2. Will this alternative varnish be effective?

Scope of Delimitation

This study is focused on utilizing of the calamansi extract for making wood

varnish. The researcher started this study on June 5, 2018 including all laboratory works

at Almeria National High School.

Significance of Study

This study of utilizing calamansi extract as wood varnish can lessen the

Usage of harmful chemicals in our community. Since we have this alternative wood var-

nish we don’t need to buy this commercial varnishes. Through this wood varnish we can

protect our wooden furniture from knocks, scuffs and scratches it can also lessen termite

attack and lastly it can give looks to your furniture.

Review of Related Literature

In furniture making the finishing process have a great importance for tech-

nical, economical and aesthetical evaluation of the wood materials.

According to Gazi University the moisture content of the wood substrate is

Important for bending, drying and finishing process. During water absorption by wood ma-

terials, water molecules are held by the hydroxyl groups(OH) of cellulose until saturation

(Kolman and Cole, 1984). This phenomenon is important for the wood varnish and is cured

by concentration. Subsequently taken or existing absorbed level plays a critical part in suc-

ces of the wood finishing process (Wheeler and Melitz, 2002).

Adequate adhesion of the varnish layer on the wood surface may not be at-

tained if the moisture content is too high (Sonmez and Dudacci, 2004) general mechanism

of adhesion between coating and wood surface has been reviewed on various studies. Ty-

pical adhesion mechanisms are chemical, mechanical, electrostatic and acid based adhe-

sion (Rijckaert et al, 2001; Meiser and Melitz, 2000; Jaic and Zilannuvich, 1997; Uzdemir

and Heziroblli, 2007; Tielson, 1995; Corcoran, 1972; Mitial, 1995).

According to Zavarin, 1984 it is fact that porosity, which is void volume of

wood typically, ranges from 55-70% depending on its specific gravity and moisture content

is one of the significant factors affecting adhesion strength value of bonded samples. Also

wet-ability and capillarity of the surface influence having a good penetration of coating

(Wicks et al, 1999; Allen, 1987; Rijcrkraet et al, 2001; Ahola et al, 1999). Penetration is a

function of species and its anatomical structure as well as an environmental conditions

where process is carried out. For example ratio of late wood and early wood is one of the

important parameters affecting penetration of a coating (Kollman and Cole, 1984).

Hypothesis

Research Hypothesis

Calamansi extract as wood varnish is effective substitute for

commercial varnish.

Statistical Hypothesis

Calamansi extract as wood varnish is an ineffective substitute for

commercial varnish.