Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

There are probably as many different definitions of ink as there are

types. Perhaps the simplest description is that ink is a liquid or semi-liquid

material used for writing, printing or drawing.

Markers play an essential role in writing and in artworks in different

ways. It was designed to create a variety of writings on objects with

enormous, innovative, and practical possibilities. Aside from its use in writing,

it is also used in labeling, poster creation, and calligraphy. With endless use

of markers, many people did not know that markers have limitations. Usually,

it is a problem for artists and calligraphers to provide ink for the markers they

are using.

Typically, the ink of a marker has a solvent in it that keeps it in liquid form.

These solvents are harmful and hazardous especially to the health of the

users and to the environment as well. Because of that, we today use alcohols

instead.

As been made into pigments, the Coffee Beans can be an alternative

ingredient for ink instead of petroleum. Coffee production in the Philippines

began as early as 1740 when the Spanish introduced coffee in the islands. It
was once a major industry in the Philippines, which 200 years ago was the

fourth largest coffee producing nation. Local demand for coffee is high with

100,000 metric tons of coffee consumed in the country per year and 90 percent

of coffee produced in the country is Robusta.

In Addition, Robusta coffee is coffee made from the Coffea canephora plant, a

sturdy species of coffee bean with low acidity and high bitterness. It is primarily

used in instant coffee, espresso, and as a filler in ground coffee blends.

In today’s modern world, almost every product has been

commercialized and people sought for products that are more natural and

cheaper instead.

The researcher thinks that Coffee Beans has great potentials in

having an alternative marker ink due to its strong pigments color. The

researcher decided to test its effectiveness as an ingredient for making

alternative marker ink.

The creation of ink with alternative ingredient to be commercialized is

a demand for the artists, calligraphers as well as for the people. It will provide

farmers and planters an additional source of income. Also, this will increase the

Coffee Production in the Philippines.

Background of the study

A coffee bean is a seed of the coffee plant and the source for coffee.

The first coffee plant was found in the mountains of Yemen. Then by 1500, it

was exported to the rest of the world through the port of Mocha, Yemen. The

two most economically important varieties of coffee plant are the Arabica and

the Robusta. 90 percent of coffee produced in the Philippines is Robusta.

Nowadays, ink is a pigment in a liquid or paste form used as colorants

and dyes. Also, they are becoming more and more expensive because of their

increasing purposes. The ink made from coffee may be cheaper and safe

alternative to those commercial ones. Compared to the ink we are aiming to

create; commercially produced inks are toxic and can be hazardous to a

person’s health once there is an inappropriate contact with it. To match with the

color and consistency of other inks, we will be adding other substances,

specially vinegar and salt, which are common and easy to find.

Theoretical Framework

Chemists view ink as a colloidal system of fine pigment particles

dispersed in a solvent (Chem. Br., February 2003, p28). The pigment may or

may not be coloured, and the solvent may be aqueous or organic. This study

used theories connected to the theory absorption of ink constituents through

the substrate, or ink penetration is significant over a range of timescales, from

the first levels of ink-transfer and ink-drying through absorption, through to long-

term stability. Studies have so far generally concentrated on understanding the

mechanisms of ink and developing substances for paper writing.

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1. shows the relationship of the independent and dependent

variables of the study. The independent variables are Coffee Beans Ink.

On the other side, the dependent variables: color, odor, appearance,

absorption, and rate of evaporation are the indicators that will show the

effectiveness of the ink and its quality.

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

 Color

 Odor
Coffee Beans as
 Appearance
Alternative Marker Ink.
 Absorption

 Viscosity

Fig 1. Research Paradigm of the Study

Statement of the problem

The research study aims to use Coffee Beans as a major ingredient

in making alternative marker ink.

Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of Coffee Beans Ink in terms of:

1.1 Color

1.2 Odor

1.3 Appearance

2. Is the Coffee Beans Ink effective (refers to quality) in terms of the

following:

2.1 Absorption

2.2 Rate of Evaporation

3. Is there a significant difference between the Coffee Beans ink and

the Commercial ink in terms of Color, Odor, Appearance, Absorption,

and Rate of Evaporation?

Research Hypothesis

There is no significant difference between the commercial ink and

alternative ink in the use of Coffee Beans and the Coffee Beans ink is high

quality like the Commercial Ink.

Significance of the study

This study is significant to the following:

Teachers and Students. This study would be very favorable and

advantageous to a person who helps others to acquire knowledge,

competences or values. This would be very beneficial to a person engaged in

an activity related to creating art, practicing the arts, or demonstrating an art.

Employees. This study would be very useful to an individual who

works part-time or full-time under a contract of employment, whether oral or

written, express or implied, and has recognized rights and duties. Also called

worker. This provides many advantages to them, such as they would have a

more natural and cheaper way of having an ink for their markers.

Agriculture. This study provides farmers and planters an additional

source of income. Also, this will increase the production of coffee beans in the

Philippines. This will help to grow the coffee industry in the Philippines.

Scope and Limitations of the study

The study aimed to test the effectiveness of Coffee Beans to produce

an alternative marker ink. This study limits its coverage on the discussion of

marker ink production, plantation of coffee plants, and the impact of the marker

ink in the environment. The study focused on testing its effectiveness in terms
of absorption, and rate of evaporation; including its level in terms of color, odor,

and appearance.

Out of two thousand plus students (including the grade eleven and

grade twelve students) of AMA Senior High School Sta. Cruz. This study is

limited on the thirty (30) selected respondents who are confident to answer the

questions, to test the effectiveness of Coffee Beans as an ingredient for

alternative marker ink. This study is conducted at AMACC Sta. Cruz for the

school year 2018-2019.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined operationally:

Absorption. According to Dictionary it is the process or action by

which one thing absorbs or is absorbed by another. In the study, it is the ability

of the ink to uptake into the fibers of the paper as rated by the respondents.

Alcohol. According to Dictionary it is any of a group of similar

chemical substances used as solvents and in fuel and medicines. In the study,

it is use in making the ink dry quicker.

Effective. According to Dictionary, this refers to successful in

producing a desired or intended result. In the study, this refers to how the ink.
 Salt. According to Dictionary it is a white crystalline substance that

gives seawater its characteristic taste and is used for seasoning or preserving

food. In the study, it is use for preservation.

Vinegar. According to Dictionary it is a sour-tasting liquid containing

acetic acid, obtained by fermenting dilute alcoholic liquids, typically wine, cider,

or beer, and used as a condiment or for pickling. In the study, it is use for

making the ink last longer.

Coffee Beans. It is the source or the main ingredient in making

alternative marker ink.

Odor. According to Dictionary, it is a distinctive smell, especially an

unpleasant one. A lingering quality, impression, or feeling attaching to

something. In the study, it is how strong the scent of the ink as rated by the

respondents.

Rate of Evaporation. The rate of how fast the ink dries up as rated

by the respondents.

Mortar and Pestle. According to Dictionary, A pestle is a heavy, blunt

tool used to grind things up, such as spices or herbs. If you're grinding spices,

you put them in a container called a mortar and use the pestle to smash them

up until they're finely ground. In