Bilimbi is an edible fruit bearing tree scientifically known as Averhhoa bilimbi.

It is
a tree native in Indonesia but has managed to spread across Southeast Asian
countries. A. bilimbi is green in color and has a mild sour taste. Juicy and crunchy in
consistency and also rich in antioxidants. It is mainly used as a substitute for tamarind
or tomato for it gives a sour or acidic flavor that is present in most southeast Asian
cuisine. Also A. bilimbi is used as traditional medicine that is used to control Blood
pressure, reduce fever, a cough syrup, allergy management (Thomas M.Sc, RD, 2017).
A. bilimbi (also known as iba; ibag; ibe; kalamias; kalanuas; kalinguia; kamias;
kolonanas; kolonauasm kiling-iba; pias; puis in the Philippines) usuall grows in a tropical
region, that has evenly distributed rainfall and a 2-3 month dry season. This
environmental requirements suits the Philippines. Bilimbi generally grows at areas of
low elevations up to 500 meters. Even though the Bicol region and even Sorsogon
usually have mountainous areas the elevation of Sorsogon except Mt. Bulusan can be a
good place for Bilimbi trees to grow. There can be seen Bilimbi trees in low elevated
areas scattered amongst the City of Sorogon (https://saminovic.wordpress.com/the-
bicol-region/physical-environment/ ).
A. bilimbi has been to known to be rich in oxalic acid which has the ability to
remove rust with bilimbi proven to remove rust stains in cloth there are no current
studies that showcases the effectiveness of bilimbi as a metal rust remover.
Oxalic acid, also called ethanedioic acid, a colourless, crystalline, toxic organic
compound belonging to the family of carboxylic acids. Oxalic acid is widely used as an
acid rinse in laundries, where it is effective in removing rust and ink stains because it
converts most insoluble iron compounds into a soluble complex ion. For the same
reason, it is the chief constituent of many commercial preparations used for removing
scale from automobile radiators. (https://www.britannica.com/science/oxalic-acid).

Majority of the scientific community has showcased A. bilimbi’s effectiveness on

removing rust stains on clothes, even with the presence of oxalic acid which is the
primary cause of rust removal that is present in A. bilimbi. This is what the researchers
wanted to address the gap in the existing body of knowledge. Truly testing the
effectiveness of A. bilimbi fruit extract gel in removing metal rust.

Significance of the Study

Bilimbi tree owners – Owners of bilimbi trees who pruduces large quantities of bilimbi
fruits would have another product to produce that is marketable and cost friendly.
Construction Companies -
Carpenters – Carpenters who uses metal tools often rust like hammers, saws, pliers,
and even nails and screws. It would be helpful to them to maintain their tools in order to
prevent
Farmers
Common Folk
Researchers