Chapter I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Background of the Study

Floor wax’s evident benefits to man are undeniable. Processed products from

petroleum, particularly floor waxes and polishers are popularly used in the society,

especially in households. Floor wax can be made by mixing melted paraffin wax, extracts

of Ipil-ipil leaves, and gas or kerosene.

In line with these, there are so many floor waxes that have been manufactured and

distributed in the country right now, especially in schools to maintain cleanliness. But the

problem is the prospect of cutting the cost by half with the same effectiveness similar to

what’s in market. Since Ipil-ipil leaves are high in protein, and when they are juiced or

squeezed into a pulp the protein can be added to paraffin wax for use on floors. And it

could have been the reason why concrete cemented floor shines wherever it is applied on

it. Since floor wax is essential in cleaning houses, commercial building floors, and

school; it could be the alternative to lessen the money spend for commercial floor wax.

Since floor waxes are being used inside the classrooms, students might be

affected by its contents such as Cresol, which can cause liver and kidney damage if

inhaled over extended periods of time, and Formaldehyde, which has been linked to

everything from asthma to reproductive problems to cancer. But if the researcher’s study

conclude to be efficient, alternative materials such as the Ipil-ipil, can give a rise to the

environmental development.

Moreover, floor wax preparation is made from several chemicals such as

urethane, polymer emulsions, etc. while the Ipil-ipil’s cuticle is covered by epicuticular

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wax mainly consisting of straight-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons with a variety of

substituted groups. Since there are many things that can be found in both floor wax and

Ipil-ipil leaves it is believed to produce an alternative product such as floor wax.

The researchers’ intent to conduct this study is to see the extent of Ipil-ipil leaves

as an alternative floor wax to be able to produce a safe and eco-friendly floor wax.

Statement of the Problem

This study sought to produce floor wax from leaves of Leucaena leucocephala

tree.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What is the best solution in making young ipil-ipil leaves as an alternative floor wax?

1.1 25 % Ipil-ipil extract

1.2 50 % ipil-ipil extract

1.3 75% Ipil-ipil extract

1.4 100% Ipil-ipil extract

2. Will the effectiveness of Ipil-Ipil extract as an alternative floor wax last longer than

the commercial floor wax in terms of color, odor and luster when applied in?

3. Is there a significant difference between the Ipil-Ipil extract as floor wax from the

commercial floor wax when applied in a concrete smooth cemented pavement?

Hypotheses

These are some of the expected outcome by the researchers:

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 I. The matured Ipil-Ipil leaves are more effective in making an alternative floor wax

than the young leaves.

II. Yes. There is a significant between the two floor waxes. The alternative floor wax

might be cheaper, yet it is no cure-all. The commercial floor wax on the other

hand is far more effective than the Ipil-Ipil one.

Definition of Terms

Ipil-Ipil – The common or local name of Leucaena leucocephala in the Philippines

Floor wax – A preparation containing wax and used to polish and preserve the finish of

floors

Alternative – available as another possibility

Artificial – made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally

Commercial waxes – contains several of chemicals such as nitrobenzene and are often

used by many.

Epicuticular - is a coating of wax covering the outer surface of the plant cuticle in land

plants. It may form a whitish film or bloom on leaves, fruits and other plant organs.

Conceptual Framework

This study attempted to experiment the Ipil-Ipil leaves as a floor wax.

Young Ipil-Ipil leaves Quality of floor wax

(Independent) (Dependent)

Ipil-Ipil leaves are the natural source for floor wax production. Therefore in this study, it

is assumed that Ipil-Ipil leaves will be the independent variable and its quality that is

produced be the dependent variable.

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Significance of the Study

The researchers believe that this study is significant and beneficial to the

following;

Students and Teachers

- Floor wax is commonly used in schools. Perhaps this study may help both the

teachers and student to spend less money.

Parents and the Community

- Spending money wisely is a must. The researchers hope to help the community in

terms of financial by this study.

Future Researchers

- If it is realized, this study may also be used as springboard by other investigators

in conducting or improving similar or related studies.

Producer and Consumer

- This would be a massive help for both Producer and Consumer since cheaper yet

efficient alternatives mean rise in buyer rates.

Scope and Delimitation

The main focus of this study is to determine the possibility of producing floor wax

out ofleaves of Ipil-Ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) tree. This inquiry is limited to purely

producing floor wax from Ipil-Ipil (L. leucocephala) leaves and its use on a concrete

cemented smooth pavement. The researchers also wants to limit the type of the leaves to

be used in the study such as; young or matured leaves.

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 This study might take time to finish due to the impending defense and lack of

financial support as well as the resources,

Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This part of the chapter presents a review of what Ipil-Ipil (L.

leucocephala) is, its composition and its worldwide use.

I. Ipil-Ipil (Leucaena leucocephala).

The species of Leucaena leucocephala has been world widely known for its many

uses and benefits to man.

In the Philippines, this species of trees is locally known as Ipil-Ipil. The tree

grows gregariously and in abundance mostly found in the settled areas at low and

medium altitudes. It is now pan tropic in distribution since its introduction from tropical

America many years ago (Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) of the Department of

Agriculture).

Today, Ipil-Ipil tree in the Philippines is generally and popularly valued for

firewood and in reforestation work. The plant is also much used as a cover crop and is a

good exterminator of “kogon”. The bark is valued for its significant potential in

producing brown dye while the seeds of Ipil–Ipil in some provinces are used as coffee

substitute.

A. Botanic Description.

According to Orwa et.al.(2009), Leucaena leucocephala is a small, variably

shrubby and highly branched (ssp. Leucocephala) to medium-sized tree with a short, clear

bole to 5 m, upright angular branching and a narrow open crown (ssp. Glabrata), 3-

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15(max. 20) m tall, bole diameter 10-50 cm. Bark on young branches smooth, grey-

brown, slash salmon pink, darker grey-brown and rougher with shallow, rusty orange-

brown vertical fissures and deep red inner bark on older branches and bole. This

evergreen plant is deep rooted. It often has a combination of flowers, immature and

mature pods all present on the tree at the same time.

The Bureau of Plant Industry of DA on the other hand describes Ipil-Ipil as a

small tree, 2 to 6 meters high. The leaves are compound, 15 to 25 centimeters long, with

hairy rachises. The pinnae are 8 to 16, and 5 to 8 centimeters long. The leaflets are 20 to

30, linear-oblong, and 7 to 12 millimeters in length. The heads are solitary, at the axils of

the leaves, long-peduncled, globose, and 2 to 5 centimeters in diameter, with many white

flowers. The pods are thin, flat, strap-shaped, 12 to 18 centimeters long, and 1.4 to 2

centimeters wide, each containing from 15 to 25 elliptic, compressed, shining, brown

seeds.

B. Morphological Constituents/Composition

To define and identify the different constituents of Ipil-Ipil tree, specifically the

major composition of its leaves (either young or mature), which was the main focus of

the study; certain studies conducted all over the world were taken into account.

Numerous researches had already been conducted to determine the composition of

the leaves of L. leucocephala. Findings of such researches do confirm the potential use of

the tree’s leaves as edible forage for animals and as safe food for human consumption

based on the leaves nutritive portions and components. Results also show a wide variety

of chemical compounds in the leaves which might be the reason for its many uses and

application.

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 Duke (1983) of Purdue University of West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. noted that,

most leaves of L. leucocephala contain traces of glucoside quercetrin about 0.08 percent

and in every g of N, there are 294 mg of arginine, 88 cystine, 125 histidine, 563

isoleucine, 469 leucine, 313 lycine, 100 methionine, 188 methionine + cystine, 294

phenylalanine, 231 threonine, 263 tryosine and 338 mg valine.

It is further reported that, raw young leaves show a potential source as forage for

ruminant animals, containing per 100 g edible portion: 68 calories, 79.5 percent moisture,

2.9 g protein, 0.8 g fat, 15.3 g total carbohydrate, 1.8 g fiber, 1.5 g ash, 553 mg Ca, and

51 mg P. Raw, tender tops and pods contain per 100 g edible portion: 59 calories, 80.7

percent moisture, 8.4 g protein, 0.9 g fat, 8.8 g total carbohydrate, 3.8 g fiber, 1.2 g ash,

137 mg Ca, 11 mg P. 9.2 mg Fe, 4,730 mg b-carotene equivalent, 0.09 mg riboflavin, 5.4

mg niacin, and 8 mg ascorbic acid. The genus Leucaena is also reported to contain

hydrocyanic acid, leucaenine, quercitrin and tannic acid.

Accordingly, the crude protein (CP) of edible material (leaves and small stems) of

L. leucocephala ranged from 14-30%. The high crude protein in leucaena relative to

grass highlights the importance of maintaining adequate quantities of high protein legume

in the pasture and in the diet (Khamseekhiew et al. (2001) as cited by Aganga and

Tshweny.

Adeneye (1979) further adds that, “Analysis of Leucaena leucocephala from

various localities in Western Nigeria shows that young leaves, pods and seeds contain

more crude protein but lower crude fibre and ether extract than mature ones. The crude

fat component was higher in the seeds (4.6% and 5.5% for green and ripe seeds,

respectively) than in any other edible part of the plant, while the green and brown seed

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coats contain the least amount of ether extract and total ash. The mineral composition of

the dry matter of mature leaves is 2.8% calcium, 0.26% phosphorus, 0.37% magnesium,

1.78% potassium, 0.21% sodium and 0.12% iron.”

In botany, the plant’s cuticle is covered by epicuticular wax mainly consisting of

straight- chain aliphatic hydrocarbons with a variety of substituted groups (wikipedia.org,

2010).

The primary wax that coats leaves of most plants found in family Fabaeae in

which L. leucocephala belongs is paraffin.

C. Uses and Applications

Leucaena leucocephala has a wide variety of uses and it was this multiplicity of

roles that led to the worldwide reputation of the species as a ‘miracle tree’ Brewbaker and

Shelton (1994).

It is further stated that, “the leaves of leucaena are highly nutritious for ruminants

and many excellent animal production data have been published confirming the fodder

value of leucaena. L. leucocephala is capable of producing a large volume of a medium-

light hardwood for fuel (specific gravity of 0.5-0.75) with low moisture and a high

heating value, and makes excellent charcoal, producing little ash and smoke. It also can

be used for parquet flooring and small furniture as well as for paper pulp.”

The plant is also valued in the production of necklaces from seeds and the use of

young leaves and seeds as vegetables for human consumption. Young green pods can be

split open and the fresh immature seeds eaten raw or cooked. Only small amounts can be

eaten in this way because of the presence in seed and young growth of the toxic amino

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acid mimosine. L. leucocephala will occasionally produce a gum similar to gum Arabic

when stressed by disease or insect pests.

Furthermore, red, brown and black dyes are extracted from the pods, leaves and

bark of L. leucocephala Orwa et.al. (2009).

II. Wax and Polishes

The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1993) states that, “wax is any class of pliable

substance of animals, plants, minerals, or synthetic origin that differs from fats in being

less greasy, harder and more brittle and in containing principally compounds of high

molecular weight. Waxes melt at moderate temperature and form hard films that can be

polished to a high gloss, making them ideal for use in a wide array of polishes.”

Dewaxing lubricating oil stocks recovered from petroleum results to the

production of waxes. Paraffin is one type of Petroleum wax that is commercially used in

manufacturing candles, crayons and industrial polishes. It assists and supplies a water

proof coating for wood.

On the other hand, SpecialChem S.A (2010) describes floor polishes as

applications to resilient flooring such as vinyl tile or wood to maintain a clean and

sanitary appearance in high traffic public areas. The polish is cleaned and buffed, often

daily, to restore the shine, and then periodically stripped and re-applied. Longer

maintenance intervals are often preferred, to minimize labor costs, but only if the polish

has sufficient durability.

A. Uses and Applications

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 Waxes and polishes satisfy man of his demands for a clean and shiny floor. These

home cleaning materials are often used not only in improving the floor’s attribute

qualities but also in restoring the floor’s durability especially for wood floorings.

As evidence of this, Radaza and Amante et.al (2008) noted that, floor wax is

important for housekeeping. It is used in coating to protect floors. Because waxes are

insoluble in the water, they are particularly useful for water proofing. Some plastics have

characteristics, and maybe blended with waxes, add glass, durability and increase

toughness. To make floor wax is very easy. In order to save money from buying

commercial and costly floor wax, we should learn how to make a cheap and easy to use

floor wax.

SpecialChem S.A. (2010) adds that, “wax surface modifiers satisfy many of the

performance demands of a floor polish. Proper selection and usage will control how the

polish responds to buffing; minimize black heel marks; and provide slip control, i.e. the

proper coefficient of friction to provide traction for foot traffic in wet or dry conditions.

By enhancing mar, scratch, and abrasion resistance, the surface modifier may also extend

the durability of the polish, resulting in reduced maintenance demands.”

B. Harmful Chemical Components

Most commercial products especially synthetic ones (which might also be true for

waxes and polishes) are composed of some harmful compounds that might cause illness

among consumers.

In fact, the use of floor waxes and polishes is quite dangerous as claimed by the

Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia (2004) because conventional products

such as floor waxes and polishes often contain mineral spirits and petroleum solvents,

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both of which are neurotoxin and can cause severe eye and skin irritation as well as

Stoddard solvent which is also neurotoxin. Petroleum solvents may contain traces of

carcinogenic benzene.  Some wax removers with ammonia contain tripropylene glycol

monomethyl ether which can cause narcosis and kidney injury with repeated and

prolonged skin exposure. 

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 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains the methods and procedure about the research in a step-by-

step manner. This also includes the research local as well as the instruments needed for

conducting the study.

Research Locale

This study aims to make an alternative floorwax using Ipil-ipil leaves. This study will be

conducted at Labangal National High School that is located in General Santos city.

Research Design

The researchers will be using experimental research design in conducting this study.

According to Patidar (2013), experimental research design is an act of manipulating the

independent variable through treatment or intervention and results will be observed on

the dependent variable.

Research Procedure

The following are the steps that need to be taken with caution.

1. Gather all the required ingredients together and set them out so that they are easily

accessible and within your reach.

2. Turn on the hob or stove you are planning to use and gently heat the paraffin wax until

melted. Stir occasionally to avoid the wax sticking to the base of the pan.

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3. Carefully pour the mineral oil into your pan a bit at a time. Don't rush: Do this in

stages to avoid any overspills.

4. Add in the juiced young Ipil-Ipil leaves. Again, do this in stages to avoid missing the

saucepan.

5. Stir the mixture together thoroughly and turn off the hob. Don't stop stirring, though, as

this will cause the mixture to set.

6. Pour the floor wax gently into the small bucket. Dip the mop into the bucket and shake

off excess liquid before gingerly applying to your floor. Leave for 30 minutes.

7. Buff the wax on your floor and then remove thoroughly, leaving it sparkling clean with

the effect of the young ipil-ipil leaves at a fraction of the price normally spent on

commercial cleaners.

Instruments

The instruments needed in this study are 50 ml Ipil-ipil leaves extract, 50g

Paraffin wax 250 ml mineral oil, also some materials that are needed in cooking or in

process like Gas or Electrical stove, large old saucepan, wooden stirring spoon, pouring

jug, waxing map, small basket where the the final product will be place.

Statistical tool

This study aims to determine the Ipil-ipil leaves as an alternative floorwax.

References

Popovitch, Trish, 2008. How to make Homemade floor wax. <http://www.ehow.com/how

5200154_make-homemade-floor-wax.html> Orwa et.al.(2009), Botanic description of Ipil-

ipil leaves from

http://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/leucaena_leucocephala.pdf Duke

(1983), Components of Ipil-ipil leaves from

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https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Leucaena_leucocephala.html Shelton (1994),

Uses of Ipil-ipil leaves from https://www.doc-developpement-

durable.org/file/Culture/Arbres-Bois-de-Rapport-

Reforestation/FICHES_ARBRES/bonaramantsina%20Leucaena%20leucocephala/Leucaena

%20leucocephala%20(1).pdf Floor Polish Coatings. SpecialChem S.A., 2010.

<http://www.specialchem4coatings.com/tc/wax/index.aspx?id=floor> Environmental Health

Association of Nova Scotia (2004), https://www.beyondtoxics.org/work/green-home-

cleaning-campaign/polisheswaxes-wood-furniture-floors/ Harmful effects of floorwax,

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/going-green-wax-floor-cleaner-ingredients-toxic-for-

children-and-pets

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