2

CHAPTER 1

The Problem and its Background

Introduction

Pencil is a common necessity of every student; it is not just only a material used

for SATs (Standard Assessment Tasks) but a primary learning paraphernalia in the field

of studying. Pencils are meant to plot planes a common ground for drawing of students,

cartoonist, painters and even markings for carpenters. An outer covering piece

composed with soft wood coming from the genus family of coniferous trees protects that

graphite- filled lead in the center, remains the material of choice for pencil industries.

Pencil is a common product in the market for stationery, thus continuous cutting of pine

trees, cedar woods, spruce for continuous production of this, can cause enormous

stress on the environment.

In the Philippines, peanuts have been a popular crop with a history of cultivation

dating back to the Spanish Colonial Era. It is one of the major field legumes grown by

local farmers. According to the research of food nutritionists, peanuts are rich in

nutrients, providing over 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients. Peanuts are a good

source of niacin, foliate, fiber, vitamin E, magnesium and phosphorus. They’re also

naturally free of trans-fats and sodium, and contain about 25% protein.

After taking the peanut, it is nature to human to think that its shell is no longer of

use, but what if peanut shells can be used in another way? Nowadays, waste are

scattered all around. By means of environmental concern in mind, other means of

disposal have been sought out. During the agricultural practice, a large quantity of

wastes accumulates with the process of food, materials, and this waste or by product
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can be recovered and often be upgraded to useful products (Gunjal et al., 2012).

Thinking of another good idea to innovate peanut shells can improve human living and

environment. Peanut shells will be the main component in making a replacement for the

regular cover of the lead in the pencil. Scientific studies have reported that peanut shells

have many uses. One of them is peanut shells can be used as fertilizer. As it contains

nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and other element, that

can be used as the fertilizer for growth of a plant. But, peanut shells decay slowly and

difficult to be used by plant directly. People in the vast rural regions treat it as a waste

and throw it away. In addition, by the action of fungi (aspergillus fumigatus) peanut can

be decompose for 5- 7 days and can get high quality organic fertilizer. Its effectiveness

is better than fertilizer that made by bagasse and straw.

Therefore, because of the unending issue about deforestation, the researchers

thought of a new way to help preserve trees while continuing the production of pencils

at the same time.

Background of the Study

The researchers have arrived to this study to know the possibility of peanut

shells, mostly unused or dispose, as an effective alternative component for making

pencil body.

It aims to lessen the cutting of trees for the production of pencils for there are

about 60,000 trees needed to make 15 billion pencils around the world (The Economist,

2016). Pencil body made out of peanut shells main focus is to be the additive ingredient

in making pencil body. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
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Statistical yearbook in 2016, the production of peanut was 43,982,066 T produced in

27,660,802 hectares. Peanuts are grown mainly in Asia, with a global production rate of

65.3% and it is one of the main generators of industrial waste (shells) often burned,

dumped or left to deteriorate and the concerns of the researchers is to have interest in

using peanut shells for a variety of purposes instead of disregarding its benefits. Peanut

shells are major industrial waste in peanut producing countries. Their utilization by

making it as a pencil body helps alleviate their environmental burden and serves as a

catalyst in solving environmental problem.

Statement of the Problem

1. What are the characteristics of a peanut shell as an alternative pencil body in

terms of?

1.1 Color;

1.2 Texture;

1.3 Odor;

2. What is the capacity of pencil body made out of peanut shells in terms of:

2.1 Internal Bonding;

2.2 Forming Key Structural Material;

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Hypothesis

Peanut shells have the capacity to become a body of pencil because of its

cellulose and lignin as they work to provide strength and support to the plant’s cell walls.

The more lignin a plant has the woodier it feels and peanut shells have lots of them.

Significance of the Study

To students and teachers – everyone is using pencil and buying from stores is quite

expensive compared to this experimental pencil body. Also it enhances their knowledge

and skills in terms of importance in nature.

To community – the utilization of waste peanut shells will reduce the amount of solid

waste and save the immediate communities from danger.

To the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) – can also

benefit from this study because trees will no longer be cut for the production of pencil

body but instead be preserved for the future generation.

To the future researchers- it would be used as medium in one of the based reference

pioneering to the inference of the study with regards to peanut shells.

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Scope and Delimitation/ Limitation

The researchers are focused on making alternative substitute for the body of the

pencil using peanut shells. This study also covers the benefits of peanut shells to

people, environment, society, and other beneficiaries of this study. The study is limited

only in detaching of peanut peelings as an additive ingredient in making the product.

The researchers used the fundamental ingredients in making the pencil body

which are the peanut shells, cornstarch and water. An estimation of 40 grams of

cornstarch with 100 ml of water and ¾ cups of peanut shells (powdered) gives the

consistency of the product. The research is more on stating the durability and viability of

the product.
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Definition of Terms

The following terms is defined contextually;

Cellulose - the main substance found in plant cell walls and helps the plant to remain

stiff and strong.

Lignin - is particularly important in the formation of cell walls, especially in wood and

bark, because they lend rigidity and do not rot easily.

Legumes - are a general term used to describe the seeds of plants from

the legume family, which includes beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts.

Peanut Shells- is the main ingredient in making the pencil body.

Pencil Body- is the outer cover of the lead and serve as the inference of the

independent variable.
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CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Local Literature

According to Guire et al. (2013), peanut shell contains many functional

components that have been to be safe to humans.

Peanut shells are an agricultural by product locally available in large quantities at

a low price in most tropical and sub- tropical countries. It showed that peanut shells are

physically and chemically suitable for bio filtration (Ramirez- Lopez et al., 2010).

Local Studies

According to Palomar (1998), almost 35,000 metric ton is harvested each

year. The shells, which are biodegradable and absorbent, can be utilized as animal

food, filler, absorbents, or carries for pesticides or fertilizers, although they are often

simply landfilled (Bieak & George 2003; “Hulls”AgTech 2002).

Different types of agricultural waste are viable for a wide variety of

products including paper, textiles, and other fiber- based materials and wood based

panels (Magundayao et al, 2006; Macatangay 2010).

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Foreign Studies

According to Child & Abajian (2006), dried ground peanut shells were found to

contain 34.56% lignin, 39.42% cellulose, 73.98% acid detergent fiber and 86.16%

neutral detergent fiber. This characteristic is comparable to wood which is composed of

fibers cellulose (40%- 50%) and hemicellulose (15%- 25%) held together by lignin

(15%- 30%), 60% crude fiber, 7% protein, 3% ash (University of Minnesota Extension

N.D.).

Peanut shells are not produced entirely of wood, but have a lot of wood in

common because they are made mainly of cellulose and lignin. Cellulose is a plant fiber

used primarily in nature to construct the primary cell walls of green plants (i.e., it is the

material that makes the plant grow). Not amazingly, the most abundant organic

compound on Earth is cellulose. Cellulose is also being used as the basis for alternative

biofuels in experiments. Cellulose is about 33% of all crop matter (cotton contains 90%

cellulose and 40-50% wood). Industry extracts plant cellulose to produce daily products

such as paper, paperboard, nylon, and cellophane.

Lignin operates in combination with cellulose to provide the cell walls of the plant

(and to perform water) with strength and support. The more a plant has lignin, the more

wooded it feels. Lignin provides its shape and structure to the branches, twigs and

trunks of woody plants. It offers the power and durability to make the furniture and

construction industries helpful forests such as teak, oak, and pine. Unfortunately, it’s

also the stuff that makes wood burn (Caterpickles, 2012).

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Bollmus et al. (2012), furfurylated wood peanut shells show an obviously enhanc

ed resistance to decaying wood fungi and a significantly enhanced dimensional stability.

In addition, mechanical characteristics such as intensity of compression or hardness are 

improved. The objective of modifying wood for interior use is to increase hardness and

dimensional stability. If resistance against fungi is not of major interest, a low degree of

modification is sufficient.

Foreign Literature

According to Idris et al. (2012), peanut shells are a carbonaceous, fibrous solid

waste which encounters disposal problem and is generally used for its fuel value.

Therefore, it was of interest to prepare a higher value product such as activated carbon

from peanut shell. As an efficient alternative adsorbent material to remove chromium

from aqueous solution using three two-parameter isotherm models.

The carbonaceous materials were synthesized by pyrolysis of peanut shells

under argon. Peanut shells carbonized in a two- step process that occurred between

300 and 600‫ ﹾ‬C. The shells were also treated with a proprietary porogenic agent (Ting-

Kuo Fey et al, 2003).

According to McDonell (2018), coffee is a popular beverage consumed all over

the world. People usually discard the grounds left behind after it’s brewed. Coffee

grounds have many practical uses around the home and garden. Coffee grounds make

great fertilizer because they contain several key nutrients required for plant growth.

They can also help attract worms and decrease the concentrations of heavy metals in
 11

the soil. Adding compost to your garden can significantly improve the health of your

plants. Coffee grounds can help increase nutrient levels and decrease the greenhouse

gas emissions of your compost. It can also help absorb and eliminate odors because

coffee grounds contain nitrogen, which help eliminate a foul- smelling gas.
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Synthesis

The relevant studies are of great importance to researchers as they provide clear

data on what the study considers/ investigates.

According to Guire et al. (2013), peanut shell contains many functional

components that have been to be safe to humans. In addition, Ramirez- Lopez et al

(2010) found peanut shells as an agricultural by product that is physically and

chemically suitable for bio filtration.

Different types of agricultural waste are viable for a wide variety of products

including paper, textiles, and other fiber- based materials and wood-based panels

(Magundayao et al, 2006; Macatangay 2010).

According to Palomar (1998), almost 35,000 metric ton is harvested each year.

The shells, which are biodegradable and absorbent, can be utilized as animal food,

filler, absorbents, or carries for pesticides or fertilizers, although they are often simply

landfilled (Bieak & George 2003; “Hulls”AgTech 2002).

According to Caterpickles (2012), peanut shells are not produced entirely of

wood, but have a lot of wood in common because they are made mainly of cellulose

and lignin. Furfurylated wood peanut shells showed an obviously enhanced resistance

to decaying wood fungi and a significantly enhanced dimensional stability

(Bollmus et al., 2012)
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According to Idris et al. (2012), peanut shells are a carbonaceous, fibrous solid

waste which encounters disposal problem and is generally used for its fuel value. It is

also treated with a proprietary porogenic agent (Ting- Kuo Fey et al, 2003).

In addition, coffee is a popular beverage consumed all over the world. People

usually discard the grounds left behind after it’s brewed. Coffee grounds have many

practical uses around the home and garden (McDonell, 2018).

Researchers have raised and gained knowledge to continue the study of

“Utilization of Peanut Shells as an Alternative Pencil Body”.

The resemblance of the pencil body that is made out of wood to the peanut shells

is that they contain cellulose and lignin which are found in both commercial and

alternative one.

The difference between them is that the peanut shells are able to fertilize the soil

because of its nutrients that are not mixed with a chemical component.
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CHAPTER 3

Methodology

This chapter contains the methods and processes of how the research study

would go through. The researchers were able to exhibit their efficiency, and

resourcefulness in conducting this research study. The researchers are at aimed to

manufacture pencil body using peanut shells. It contains the research design, source of

data, instrumentation, data gathering procedures and procedures in making the product.

Research Design

The purpose of the study was to lessen the unending issue about deforestation

and help to preserve trees while continuing the production of pencils at the same time.

As the research study classified, the researchers used experimental research

design. It involves a study of the effect of the systematic manipulation of one variable on

another variable.

Ary et al (2006: 325) states that “Experimental research design is to enable

researcher to estimate the effect of an experimental treatment”. It is a scientific

investigation in which the researcher manipulates one or more independent variables on

the dependent variable, controls any other relevant variables, and observes the effect of

those interventions on the dependent variables. (Ary, et al, 2002: 276)

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Research Paradigm

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Detaching of Experimentation Pencil body that is

peanut shells made of peanut
Grinding

Bonding using shells

starch.

Forming into

Pencil Body

FIGURE 1. Input- Process- Output for the Utilization of Peanutt Shells as an

Alterative Pencil Body

The paradigm entails the independent variables together with the dependent and

intervening variables of the problem in the study.

The independent variable is the peanut shells that is the root of researchers’

drove their curiosity. The dependent variable is the alternative pencil body that serve as

the inference of the independent variable aforementioned above to be evaluated.

Intervening variable connects the both independent and dependent variable which is the

utilization of the peanut shells as an alternative pencil body.

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Conceptual Framework

Peanut Shells Alternative

Pencil Body

Utilization of Peanut
Shells as an
Alternative Pencil
Body

FIGURE 2. Utilization of Peanut Shells as an Alternative Pencil Body

Research Instruments

The researchers utilized the materials;

Blender – A kitchen and laboratory appliance used to mix, Purée, grind, emulsify food

and other substances.

Sandpaper – sand paper was used to shape the pencil body and smoother its surface

Parchment paper or aluminum foil-The sheet used to place the dough of peanut

shells to prevent the product from sticking in the oven

Measuring cup- Used to measure the amount of ingredient, either liquid or dry, when

performing the product.

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Saw- Used to cut the wooden board and in making the hollow

Rolling pin- Used to flatten and shape the peanut shell dough

The additive ingredients are the;

Graphite (extract from a pencil)- the writing material

100 ml of water- served as an emulsifier for the peanut shells (powdered) and

cornstarch.

40 grams of cornstarch- served as the glue for the product

3/4 cups of peanut shells (powdered)- The primary ingredient in making the pencil

body

1 teaspoon of Coffee Grounds- removes the odor of the peanut shells.

Data Gathering Procedure

Experimentation was the main tool used in gathering the data. It was conducted

between the two variables, namely: Peanut Shells, the independent variables, and the

alternative pencil body as the dependent variable. The researchers will record and

evaluate the data to examine the long-term effectiveness of this product.

Steps in Making the Product

Step 1:
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The researcher prepared materials such as blender, sand paper, parchment

paper or aluminum foil, measuring cup (liquid), rolling pin, saw, graphite (extract from

pencil), 100 ml of water, 40 g of cornstarch and peanut shells were also present.

FIGURE 3. Preparing the materials

The boiled peanut shells were cracked and detached from its shell for it to be

consumed. The peanut shells were separated on a winnowing basket (bilao) and dried

under the sunlight and by this way; the peanut shells will attain its woody structure.

FIGURE 4. Drying the peanut shells

Step 2:
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The dried peanut shells were put in a blender to be pulverized and were

separated in a different container. The 40 grams of cornstarch was put in a blender with

200 ml of water and poured in a casserole to boil. Then ¾ cups of peanut shells

(powdered) were added along with 1 teaspoon of coffee grounds to remove the smell of

the peanut shells. The mixture was stirred to properly distribute the contents and until it

become dough. The dough was put on an aluminum foil and covered with another

aluminum foil then flattened with a rolling pin. After being flattened 2 rectangular shape

was formed and the excess dough were removed then put in an oven with 125° for 25

minutes for it become a wooden board.

FIGURE 5. Blending of peanut shells

FIGURE 6. Concocting of mixtures

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FIGURE 7. Pressing Flat of the Compound Product

FIGURE 8. Baking the flattened compound product

FIGURE 9. Particle board

Step 3:
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The wooden board was cut in half with a saw and a hollow was carved to place

the graphite in it, then sandwiched with another wooden board with the same hollow in it

and glued together. After the glue dries sandpapers were used to shape it like pencil.

FIGURE 10. Refining the particle board

FIGURE 11. Finished product

Step 4: Testing the product

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The final products were set to test its characteristics as an alternative pencil body

in terms of: color, texture, and odor also the researchers ensure its durability, writing

ability and garden compost.

FIGURE 12. Heating the holder

FIGURE 13. Adhering the particle board on the holder

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FIGURE 14. Cooling the holder in order for the particle board to stick to it

FIGURE 15. Putting the

attached particle

board in the machine

FIGURE 16. Testing the internal bond

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CHAPTER 4

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

In this chapter, data are shown in table form. These data are the description of

the pencil body from the peanut shells. The characteristics, physical aspects and the

capacitance of the alternative body of pencil from the peanut shells are shown in the

table.

Matrix 1. What are the characteristics of peanut shells as an alternative pencil body in

terms of;

1.1 Color Unnoticeable

1.2 Texture Rough

1.3 Odor Neutral

This matrix shows that the alternative pencil body made from peanut shells has

unnoticeable color, rough texture, and neutral odor in terms of its characteristics. Its

color is unnoticeable and has a rough texture because of the ground peanut shells that
 25

serve as the main ingredient in making the compound product. While, the odor of the

pencil body is neutral because it contains coffee ground that serve as the odor remover.

Matrix 2. What is the capacity of pencil body made out of peanut shells in terms of;

2.1 Internal bonding 1.8267 kg/cm2

2.2 Forming Key No full control on

Structural Material fine motor

Matrix 2 shows the capacitance of pencil body made out of peanut shells in terms

of internal bonding, writing ability, and garden compost. The internal bonding measures

the tensile strength of the product which is the peanut shells and starch as the adhesive

used when applying a force perpendicular to the face. The average internal bonding of

the product is 1.8267 kg/cm 2. It shows that the product has the strength that can take a

load of 38 kg, 48 kg, and 51 kg before it could be separated from each other. In

addition, the more the product is heavier the lower the load it takes than the product that

has light weight. In terms of forming key structural material it has no full control on fine

motor due to its dense compound that is being wrapped up in the lead of the pencil but,

it can write words.

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CHAPTER 5

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

Summary of Findings

This chapter presents the effectiveness of peanut shells in making an alternative

pencil body. The study focused on identifying how effective the peanut shell is, in

making the pencil body. It also gives way to the environment to eliminate the cutting of

trees that is commonly source in making a commercial pencil. The research study was

supported by the books and journals, including internet sources that were used as

evidence that peanut shells has the capacitance to become an alternative pencil body

as it is made mainly of cellulose and lignin.

The characteristics of the alternative pencil body made from peanut shells have

unnoticeable color, rough texture, and neutral odor. Its color is unnoticeable and it has

rough texture because of the ground peanut shells that serve as the main ingredient in

making the compound product. While, the odor of the pencil body is neutral because it

contains coffee ground that serve as the odor remover.

The capacity of pencil body made out of peanut shells in terms of internal

bonding have the strength that can take a load of 38 kg, 48 kg and 51 kg before it could
 27

be separated from each other. The forming key structural material of the pencil made

out of peanut shells has no full control on fine motor but it can write words.

Conclusion

In the light of the findings of the study, the following conclusions are derived:

1. Peanut shells are effective for making as an alternative pencil body.

2. Peanut shells have good advantage in terms of utilizing and minimizing cutting of

trees in making a pencil body

3. It is less expensive pencil because it is made from peanut shells that have just been

discarded.

4. It gives information that peanut shells can produce a beneficial product.

5. It is highly recommend becoming a fertilizer on the ground after being used as a

pencil.

Recommendation

1. To encourage the household, after elucidating that peanut shells have been effective

for making an alternative body of pencil.

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2. For the readers, it will educate them that peanut shells as the key ingredient in

making the body of pencil helps to reduce trimming of tree and can also be a fertilizer to

enhance and nourish plants.

3. For the future researcher, peanut shells may also be an ingredient for the pencil lead

as it contains compound of carbons (carbonaceous). Also continue and develop the

study.

4. For research purposes this can be a good reference or source information to those

who are going to make a pencil body made out of peanut shells.
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Bibliography

Abajian et al. (2006). Utilization of Agricultural Wastes in the Manufacture of Composite

Boards. Peanut Shells. Science Technology for Development, 29(2): 129- 140.

Ary et al.(2006).Experimental Research Design. 325

Bieak et al. (2003); Hulls AgTech (2002). Utilization of Agricultural Wastes in the

Manufacture of Composite Boards. Peanut Shells. Science Technology for

Development, 29(2): 129- 140.

Bollmus. (2012). Performance of Bio-Base Building Materials. Fufyrylation.

Ceterpickles. (2012). Ligin Combination of Cellulose to Provide the Cell Walls of the
Plant with Strength and Support.

Guire et al. (2013). Peanut Shell as Renewable Energy Source and their Utility in

Production of Ethanol. 1-14.

Gunjal et al. (2012). Evaluation of Luteolin from Shells of Peanut Cultivars for Industrial

Utilization.RDA, 672-803.

Idris et al. (2012). Removal for Cr (VI) FROM Aqueous Solutions using Peanut Shells

Absorbent.
 30

McDonell K., RD (2018). Ways to Use Coffe Grounds.

Macatangay P.M., Magndayao E.C., (2010). Utilization of Agricultural Wastes in the

Manufacture of Composite Boards. Science Technology for Development, 29(2):

129- 140.

Palomar (1998). Peanut Shells. ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for

Development.

Ramirez- Lopez EM, Corona-Hernandez J., et al., (2010). Biofiltration of Methanol in an

Organic Biofilter using Peanut Shells as Medium. Biosource Technology 101 (1) ,
87-91.

The Economist (2016). History of Peanut Shells.

Ting-Kuo Fey G., Lee DC., et al.,. (2003). Synthetic Metals 139 (1). High-capacity
Disordered Carbons derived from Peanut Shells as Lithium-intercalating Anode
Materials, 71-80.
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APPENDICES

Searching for a new way to innovate the peanut shell

Preparing the materials

Making the wooden board

Making the pencil body

Testing the product

APPENDIX A: Procedures in Utilization of Peanut Shells as an Alternative Pencil

Body
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APPENDIX B. Raw data for the Internal Bonding

33