RESEARCH GROUP 6

10-LINNAEUS
 CONVERSION OF URUSHIOL ISOLATED FROM POISON IVY
(TOXICODENDRON RADICANS) TO BIOFUEL
 TITLE: Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) as an alternative
source of biofuel
 CONTENT: The first paragraph states that fossil fuels are the
most used source of energy nowadays because other
renewable sources aren’t used to its full potential. The second
paragraph states the benefits of biofuels to the society and our
environment. Biofuels that are produced from bio based
materials are good alternatives to petroleum based fuels. The
third paragraph states the current source of biofuels in our
society. Currently, the majority of biofuels are produced by
sugars extracted from agricultural feedstock or by converting
starch into sugars primarily from edible grains. The fourth
paragraph suggests that using Poison Ivy as an alternative
source of biofuel is possible. The oil from the plant, called
urushiol is the primary component of biofuels.
The fifth paragraph states that if the oil can
be isolated from urushiol and used to
produce biofuel, it will not affect the
urushiol’s ability to be made into lacquer;
rather it can potentially produce products,
lacquer and biofuel. If this research will
succeed, the production cost of biofuels will
lessen. Lastly, the sixth paragraph states that
the poison ivy plant causes allergic reaction
to the skin. There are following precautions
to be followed when handling or using the
plant in the research. The proper disposal of
the plant was also discussed in this
paragraph.
Based by the recommendations of the
panelist during the presentation, the group
cleared up any unnecessary and redundant
parts of the research. Instead of collecting
the poison ivy from its natural environment in
the forests, it will be planted using the seeds
bought from a seller. Given that the plant
grows rapidly, this will give the group more
time to spend on the actual extraction and
analyzation of urushiol.
The thesis was looked over by a professor in
Biology in FEU,
 who gave us a sign of approval; though it
would make things easier to find a
consultant directly involved in Chemical
engineering. The University of the
Philippines’s Department of Chemical
Engineering allows student testing, but the
group has yet to inquire about it.
The expected cost of the materials is P1, 000
along with the plant and blender. The
extraction will be held at Quezon City
Science High School. It provides us the
needed working space to prevent
contamination and minimize the risk.
Main Problem: Will poison ivy be an alternative
source of biofuels?
General Objective: Identification of the ability of
poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans - urushiol) to
produce biofuel
Specific Objective:
1. Extraction and isolation of urushiol from the
poison ivy’s sap
2. To analyze and compare the separated oil
content from
urushiol to commercially produced biofuel
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
1. Poison ivy can be utilized as a source of
biofuel.
2. The oil content of urushiol when isolated has
the potential to be made into biofuel
 Purposely Response to
ACTION Changed (IV): Change (DV):
Isolation of the Method of Effectiveness of
urushiol compound Extraction poison ivy as
And testing of the biofuel source
oil content

Constant Variable:
Poison Ivy Plant
Controlled Variable:
Urushiol content of Poison Ivy
Repeated Trials:
3 Trials of extraction per collection of fully
grown plants
 •Planting of Seeds
1

•Collection of Fully Grown

2 Plants
•Separate the Roots from the
3 Stalk
4
•Cut into pieces

5
•Extraction of Sap
•Separate the Raw Pieces and
6 the Oil

7
•Analyze the Oil Content