WATER VAPOR TRANSMISSION RATE OF COCONUT (Cocos nucifera) COIR AS

A COMPONENT OF HANDMADE ORGANIC TEXTILE FABRIC

A Science Investigatory Project Submitted to Mr. Watarie E. Manto

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements, In SHS Practical II Research Subject
University Laboratory School - University of Southern Mindanao,
Kabacan, North Cotabato

Researchers

GWENDELYN A. GADONG
HAZEL GWEN V. IGNACIO
JOYSHAIRA KATE VM B. TORIBIO

XII - AQUINAS

DECEMBER 2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Table of Contents i

List of Tables ii

List of Appendices ii

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background of the Study 1

Objectives 3

Hypotheses 3

Significance of the Study 3

Scope and Delimitation of the Study 4

Definition of Terms 5

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature 9

Chapter 3: Methodology

Research Design 18

Locale of the Study 20

Procedures 20

Sampling and Experimental Layout 23

Variables of the Study 24

Statistical Treatment 24
References 26

i
 List of Tables

No. Title Page

1 Materials 18

2 Equipment and Utensils 19

3 Coconut Coir-Latex Proportions in Different Treatment 21

Levels

4 Vapor Transmission Rate of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir 23

Organic Handmade Textile Fabric Subjected to Different
Treatments

5 Sampling and Experimental Layout of the Water Vapor 23

Transmission Rate of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir as a
Component of Handmade Organic Textile Fabric

6 ANOVA Table for the Differences in the Water Vapor 25

Transmission Rate Among Various Ratios of Coconut (Cocos
nucifera) Coir and Latex Organic Textile Fabric

7 Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) 25

Coir Handmade Organic Textile Fabric Subjected to Different
Treatments, and Commercial Textile Fabric

ii
 List of Appendices

Appendix Title Page

A Application for Research Adviser 29

iii
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber, generally known as coir, is the fibrous

material obtained from the husk of the coconut fruit. To make use of its fiber, it is

removed from the shell of the coconut through repressing and combing after saturating

it in hot seawater comparable to the jute fiber process. Often the distinction of the coir is

recovered from processing ripe and unripe coconut husks. Dark brown, the mature

coconut coir, yields firmly to abrasion while the light brown, collected before it ripens, is

delicate in texture. The process is well-known mechanically and manually

demonstrated.

For its thickness, a significant worldwide production rate of coir brings about

thousands of tons annually to industries as obtainable natural fibers. The coconut is

distinctively a bundle of service in high quality considering their reputation and coir

production is expendable to neighboring countries and further. With its lignin as one of

the highest concentrations, rendering a high state of being in moisture, its ability to

absorb, makes it more impressive and substantially firmer than cotton as reported by a

retailer.

The coir displays stiffness that is useful for upholstery and the most compelling

for water retention. Although it is well-known as a fibrous waste, coconut coir is very

elastic and resilient to weathering (Gaspar et al., 2020). According to a book by

Fremond (1968), the coir is used for marine applications because of its resistance to

1
saltwater. For harvesting shellfish, coir nets are made. It is also used to make floor mats

and brushes for their durability. In the United States, hops growers prefer using coir

twine to tie their hops’ vines for support in almost impervious weather. This is making

coir a popular choice for making geotextiles. Apart from its durability, the coconut coir's

hairy texture is favorable for seeds to cling to and soils to hold on to. It is now used as a

medium or as a component of a medium for its ability to hold water and eventual

biodegrade-ability.

A lot of experimental studies have been conducted to make use of the coir

fiber’s durability and strength. Softness and flexibility do not equate to its firmness and

its accommodation as apparel is unfavorable, though household items made from coir

and other organic products are acceptable. Organic products are very limited

alternatives because of their higher production cost though eco-fashion has been a

splurging demand for years. It is not produced on an industrial scale but it is considered

a necessity in the fashion industry. Organic fashion clothing lines contributed positive

changes upon considering the purposive efforts to promote eco-friendly clothes retained

by the current generation, in all age groups.

Researchers suggest many properties of organic products to be of much more

advantage than commercial ones. The coir is interlaced with sustainable properties and

to examine it with the influence of latex is to be presented. To make it more concrete,

mix ratios of coconut coir and latex mixture are to be devised to distinguish its

permeability according to the perm rating. Subsequently determining which rate of the

water vapor transmission among them is most and least permeable.

2
Objectives

The general objective of the study is to determine the water vapor transmission

rate of coconut coir as a component of handmade organic textile fabric.

Specific Objectives:

1. To produce handmade organic textile fabric out of coconut coir and latex with the

following ratios: 90:10; 80:20; 70:30; and 60:40.

2. To determine which ratio of the coconut coir and latex handmade organic textile

fabric is impermeable/vapor retarder and/or highly permeable/not a vapor

retarder according to the perm rating.

3. To identify if the water vapor transmission rate of organic handmade textile fabric

out of coconut (Cocos nucifera) coir is comparable to the commercial textile

fabric.

Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant difference in the water vapor transmission rate among various

ratios of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir and latex organic textile fabric.

Ha: There is a significant difference in the water vapor transmission rate among various

ratios of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir and latex organic textile fabric.

Significance of the Study

The results of this study will be of great benefit to the following:

3
 The Community. The data gathered by determining the water vapor

transmission rate of coconut coir textile fabric will increase the public understanding of

the permeability property of coconut coir.

The Environment. This study will also help minimize agricultural waste by giving

higher appreciation to its importance and utilizing the waste materials such as coconut

husk through making organic products.

The Textile Industry. This will enable the textile industry to see and consider the

potential use of coconut coir as the main ingredient in making handmade organic textile

fabric.

The Medical Personnel. Upon considering the permeability property of coconut

coir as well as its durability, sustainability, and anti-bacterial properties, researchers saw

its potential in making organic textile fabric for public use, especially by people working

in the medical field.

The Future Researchers and Students. The permeability property of coconut

coir has not been explored by previous studies. Thus, through the data and analysis of

this study, future researchers may explore other properties of coconut coir in making

textile fabric.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focuses only on determining the water vapor transmission rate of

coconut coir as a component of handmade organic textile fabric as well as its specific

objectives stated. The study will be conducted in Poblacion Carmen, Cotabato, and

University Laboratory School - University of Southern Mindanao, Poblacion Kabacan,

4
Cotabato in the school year 2021-2022. The researchers will assess which among the

four (4) treatment levels and one (1) control of coconut coir and latex handmade organic

textile fabric is impermeable/vapor retarder and highly permeable/not a vapor retarder

according to the perm rating.

Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined according to how they were used in the study,

and in order to provide a better understanding of this study.

Coconut Coir:

It is a natural fiber extracted between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat

of a coconut. It is a durable, rot-resistant, fibrous material making for an excellent

material to use in producing products with plenty of exposure to water.

Fabric:

It is a cloth or material made through weaving, knitting, spreading, felting,

stitching, crocheting, or bonding that is used for textiles and sold for the production of

various items.

Latex:

It is a milky fluid found in many plants which exudes when the plant is cut and

coagulates on exposure to the air. It is an impressive rubber material known for its

tensile and elongation abilities, tear resistance, and waterproof, chemical resistant

composition.

Organic:

5
 It refers to living things or material that is natural or related to nature. Cellulose

materials may be sources of organic such as grass, wood, roots, bark, leaves, and even

flowers.

Perm:

It is the unit used to express the measurement and degree of permeance given

of a certain material. Perm values of 1 or higher enable more moisture or water vapor to

pass through material than lower Perm values.

Perm Rating:

It is the standard measure of the water vapor permeability of a material. A perm

rating of less than 0.1 is considered a Class I impermeable vapor retarder; a perm rating

between 0.1 and 1 is considered a Class II semi-permeable vapor retarder; a perm

rating between 1 and 10 is a Class III permeable vapor retarder; a perm rating greater

than 10 is highly permeable and not considered to be a vapor retarder.

Textile:

It is a flexible material made by creating an interlocking bundle of yarns or

threads, which are produced by spinning raw fibers into long and twisted lengths.

Vapor Retarder:

It is a material or system that adequately retards the transmission of water vapor

with a lower permeance rating. It is used for damp proofing that resists the diffusion of

moisture to prevent interstitial condensation.

Water Vapor Permeability:

It is the time rate of water vapor transmission through a unit area of a material of

unit thickness induced by a unit area vapor pressure difference between the two

6
surfaces of the material, under given temperature and humidity. is calculated by

g
and expressed as perm-inch ( ).
Pa(s)(m)

Water Vapor Permeance:

It is the time rate of water vapor transmission through a unit area of a material

induced by a unit vapor pressure difference between the two exposed surfaces of the

material, under given temperature and humidity conditions. It is determined by the

WVT g
equation Permeance= and expressed as perm ( 2 ).
S(R1 − R2 ) Pa(s)( m )

Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR):

It is a steady state rate of water vapor flow in unit time through a unit area of a

substance under specific temperature and humidity conditions at each surface. It is

G g
calculated by the equation WVT = and expressed as 2.
t∙A ℎ∙ m

7
 Conceptual Framework Illustrating the Variables of the Study

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Group Ratios of Coconut Water Vapor Transmission

(Cocos nucifera) Coir and Rate of Coconut (Cocos
Latex Handmade Organic nucifera) Coir as a
Textile Fabric Component of Handmade
Organic Textile Fabric

- Control Group
- The amount of
A 100:0 ratio of coconut
water vapor (Perms)
coir - latex homemade
that can pass
organic textile fabric.
through the coconut
(Cocos nucifera)
coir and latex
- Treatment Group handmade organic
Four (90:10; 80:20 70:30; textile fabric in 24
and 60:40) ratios of hours.
coconut coir - latex
homemade organic textile
fabric.

INTERVENING VARIABLE

Power Interruption

8
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter discusses the studies and literature related to the study. This

chapter focuses on the related legal bases, the textile industry, fabric making, natural

fibers, coconut coir, related innovations, and permeability testing.

Related Legal Bases

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) strives to promote coconut by-products

in both international and local trade. The coconut by-products are coconut shell, copra

meal, and its husk, including the peat and coir. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) identified the progression of the Philippine

National Standard (PNS) for coconut coir, along with the commodities, to be taken into

precedence. The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) cooperated

with PCA and a Technical Working Group (TWG) to develop recommendations enabling

the scientific grading, classifications, and practices for the by-products to be of quality

and globally competitive. The authorization of TWG Series of 2017 by Special-Order

No. 642 and 854 and the revisions of the PNS was accepted. Major deviations were

appointed to compromise the commercial requirements of global markets after

discussions with the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA). Although PNS

provides standardized specifications, the preferences of the buyer are also significant

and part of the trade.

9
 The Textile Industry

A textile, formed by interlacing yarns with another loom, has many uses and is

one of the most important industries. Large number of textiles, part of cotton, wool, and

rayon cloth, are brought to manufacturers of garments to turn them into suitable clothing

while the little remaining, called piece goods, are sold by the yard. This also includes

those made for domestic uses. Some textile uses are sheets, bedcovers, towels,

curtains, and other upholstery fabrics.

In one textile, there are two or more fibers combined and it may be difficult to

differentiate the materials. Fabrics like organic cotton and hemp are devised sustainably

to produce stylishly comfortable eco-friendly clothing. Eco-conscious businesses line up

their models of sustainable clothes with the main mission of reducing pollution in the

environment. By running their factories with renewable energy, the clothes and

container materials for shipping are manufactured by recycling that which creates

possible diminutive waste. The awareness of the consumer for this kind of fashion

renders global competition as a lot of fashion enterprises embrace the potential of textile

sustainability.

History of Fabric Making

Most textiles are composed of industrial fabrics. Special quality cotton fabric is

used for the machinery of aprons, buffers, and belts. An estimated amount of cotton is

used for making tarpaulins, tents, and canopies. During World War II, cotton was

commonly used for medical needs and its cloth was convenient for camouflage

purposes.

10
 In tombs of ancient Egypt, the earliest example of textiles is found, the linen

cloth. There are also painted drawings of ornaments that are used for embroidering

enhancing the plain fabrics the Egyptians had. Fine textiles are still in production after

the fall of Rome in the Islamic countries and Byzantium. In the late 1700s, the method of

textile-making evolved with the discovery of the power loom and spinning jenny. Clothes

are greater in quality than before and become a product of the factory (Denny, 1979).

Additional processes differ per clothing trends and the progression of years.

Manufacturers produce textiles identified by treatments variation and classify them by

bleaching, dyeing, and printing the materials to attain the desired outcome.

The Diversity of Handmade Organic Textile Products

Handmade organic products are the main focus of innovation in the textile

industry to achieve sustainable development. The industry encourages textile

manufacturers to use eco-friendly raw materials and renewable resources and to

manufacture their products through minimal energy consumption to reduce their

environmental footprint (Frankel & Elkington,1998). The process of making handmade

textile fabric products such as lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) fiber fabric is something that

requires time and thoughtfulness since the fibers are very delicate. Workers gather the

lotus flower stems, obtain the fibers from the stems, prepare the fiber for manual

weaving, and spinning into yarn. (as cited in Gardetti & Muthu, 2015). Flax (Linum

usitatissimum) fiber also has a reputation in the fabric hierarchy as the material was

discovered to be used by the ancient people to create linen-like fabric and bandages for

medical applications (Farrer & Finn, 2015). Another fiber that belongs to the ancient

11
textile fiber is the fiber nettle (Urtica dioica). The fibers were coiled into a basket, pulled

out, and spun by either using the thigh, the leg, or the palm of the hand (Vogl & Hartl,

2003). Utilization of natural plant and animal fibers such as mulberry (Morus alba) bast

fiber, kapok (Ceiba pentandra) fiber, bamboo (Bambusoideae) fiber, banana (Musa)

fiber, pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaf fiber, cashmere (Capra aegagrus hircus) wool

fiber, alpaca (Vicugna pacos) fiber, vicuna (Vicugna vicugna) fiber, guanaco (Lama

guanicoe) fiber, camel (Camelus) hair, angora (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) wool

fiber, and so on are also widely practiced by textile makers or manufacturers through

the intricate handmade process (as cited in Gardetti & Muthu, 2015). The use of these

natural fibers to create fabric for clothes dates back to 7000 B.C. (Kozlowski &

Mackiewicz-Talarczyk, 2012). The environmental awareness of the people in the

fashion industry has led them to be more committed to sustainable luxury and are now

trying innovative ways with the addition of natural fibers to their products (Department

for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs [DEFRA], 2008).

Textile Fabric from Coconut Plant Parts

A study was conducted by Vidil et al. (2020) to study the potential use of the

coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) leaf sheaths in bio-composites fabrication. Multiple methods

of characterization were substantially completed to assess the morphology, chemical,

physical, and mechanical properties of the coconut leaf sheath. These methods include

chemical composition analysis, infrared spectroscopy study, thermo-gravimetric

experiment, morphological observations, and physic mechanical properties such as

specific density, water absorption, tensile strength, Young modulus, strain, and

12
toughness assessments. After the assessments of the properties through various

methods were completed, the results were analyzed and then compared to the previous

literature for other fibrous reinforcement. The results of the research determined that an

increase of mechanical interlocking at the fiber improves the polymer penetration due to

the surface roughness of coconut leaf sheaths. The results also indicated that coconut

leaf sheath is thermally stable and durable as it is more hydrophilic than hemp, sisal,

jute, banana, and kenaf. It is also more lightweight than some natural and synthetic

fibers. In comparison to natural and man-made textiles, the tensile properties of the

coconut leaf sheath are better and even as good as some synthetic glass fabrics. Due

to these findings, it is recommended to use coconut leaf sheaths for the development of

eco-friendly continuous fibers composites. The results of the research are great

contributions to the identification of new natural textile reinforcements.

Coconut Coir Composition and Properties

According to Y. Yan (2016), coconut coir is a natural fiber derived from the husk

of coconut by combing and crushing. Individual fiber cells are thin and hollow, with

strong cellulose walls, and each cell is around 1 mm long with a diameter of 10–20 m.

The length of raw coconut coir ranges from 15 to 35 cm, with a diameter of 50 to 300 m.

The fibers obtained from the husks retted in saline water are more rigid and yellowed

than fibers obtained from husks placed in fresh and stagnant water. Brown coir made

from completely ripened coconuts is thick, strong, and abrasion-resistant. White coir is

made from the husks of coconuts collected just before they ripen, and it is smoother and

finer but less sturdy than brown coir.

13
 Considering the attached pith particles of lesser density on the surface, the

density of unretted raw coconut fiber is 1.15 g/cm3 and the density of the fibers after

retting is 1.32 g/cm3. The permanent deformation of coconut fiber was calculated by

loading the fibers at 50- and 100-mm span lengths within 1 min, resulting in 11% of the

span length. Moreover, coconut fiber has a tenacity of 10–15 g/tex, fiber fineness varies

between 50 and 300µm, and moisture regain of 8–12.5% was found at 65 percent

relative humidity (van Dam et al., 2006).

In the study of Mishra and Basu (2020) in their ‘Handbook of Coconut Fibre’, the

chemical constituents of coconut coir contain 35-43% cellulose, 40-45% lignin, 0.15-

24% hemicellulose, 3.3-4.0% pectin, 5.25% water-soluble, 2.2% ash, and 25-33%

crystallinity. Long and short fibers show similar compositions even in different varieties.

However, the chemical composition of fibers of various maturities was discovered to be

varied. Fibers harvested between 6 and 11 months showed a progressive increase in

glucose, which could be linked to the synthesis of cellulose and lignin, but no change in

other sugars or activities (van Dam et al., 2006). The surface elemental distribution of

coconut fiber studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed the

major element of the fibers is 69.1% carbon and 27.4% oxygen, with minor elements

such as 2.0% nitrogen, 1.1% silicon, and 0.5% calcium. The oxygen to carbon (O/C)

ratio of 0.4 raw coconut fiber surfaces is significantly lower than that ratio of 0.8

cellulose, hemicelluloses, and pectin. However, the O/C ratio of lignin is 0.35, indicating

that lignin and other waxy components make up most of the the fiber’s surface content

(Mahato et al., 1993).

14
 Coconut Coir Advantages

Coir has grown in popularity as a strong natural fabric, despite its origins as a

byproduct of the coconut industry. It's employed in a wide range of industries, including

food fabrics, agricultural products, construction materials, and more. As a plant fiber, it

is particularly strong, and it can even compete with animal fibers (Coir: One of the

Strongest Natural Fibers, 2021).

Coir vs. other natural fibers. Coconut coir has more lignin and less cellulose

and hemicellulose than other natural fibers, which, combined with its high microfibrillar

angle, provides a variety of useful properties such as resilience, strength, and damping,

wear, weather resistance, and high elongation at break (Al-Oqla and Sapuan, 2014;

Verma and Gope, 2014; Sengupta and Basu, 2016; Santos et al., 2018). According to

the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2009), coir has one of the

highest lignin contents among vegetable fibers, making it stronger yet less flexible than

cotton and unsuitable for dyeing. Coir has a lower tensile strength than abaca, but it is

resistant to microbial action and saltwater damage. Coir is a coarse, short fiber found in

ropes, mattresses, brushes, geotextiles, and automotive seats. The ability of coir to

store up to about 30 percent humidity in a room and discharge it if there is not enough,

allows these fibers to act as climate control in a room.

Uses in Industry. Coir can be used as a plywood substitute when coupled with

resin and pretreated wood veneers. For this purpose, coir gives strength and stability.

This product has been evaluated in developing countries as a cost-effective and an

environmentally friendly alternative to timber. It's also been used to improve the cost-

effectiveness, compression strength, tensile strength, and durability of concrete. Coir is

15
also utilized in the geotextile industry for its low decomposition rate and excellent

strength compared to other natural fibers. Mats composed of woven coir are used as

blankets on the ground in erosion-prone places. This fiber's textiles are long-lasting, UV-

resistant, water-absorbent, biodegradable, and help seed germination. Coir, when

combined with natural rubber, is a healthy alternative to synthetic rubber. Mattresses,

vehicle seats, and sofas have all been filled with it. In the food business, coir rubber is

often utilized as insulation (Coir: One of the Strongest Natural Fibers, 2021).

Production. According to the official website of the International Year for Natural

Fibres 2009, approximately 500 000 tonnes of coconut coir fibers are produced

worldwide each year, primarily in India and Sri Lanka. It is estimated to be worth $100

million in total. Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia are the top exporters,

followed by India and Sri Lanka. Approximately half of the coconut coir fiber produced is

exported as raw fiber (Ali, 2010).

Coconut Coir and Latex

In 2011, Yuhazri and his fellow researchers investigated the usage of coconut

coir and latex for heat insulator application. The mechanical properties associated with

natural fiber are lower than synthetic fiber and are unattractively poor in resisting

absorption of moisture. Henceforth, in polymer matrix application natural fiber is

insufficient for all the technical needs. “In an effort to develop a superior and economical

composite, therefore a natural fiber can be combined with a synthetic fiber in the same

matrix material to take the best advantage of the properties of both the fibers” As cited

in Brahmakumar, et al. (2005), and Yuhazri, M., et al. (2010b) by Razak et al., (2011).

16
The result of their investigation pointed out that the moisture content is inversely

proportional to the density of the natural fiber. The latex content affected the percentage

of moisture absorption as shown by their moisture absorption test. The more latex in the

matrix, the lesser the moisture absorbed by the coconut coir. However, the study did not

show the relationship between the percentage of moisture and the amount of latex.

Permeability Testing and Assessment

The permeability of a material is measured in perms. The amount of moisture

that can pass through a barrier in a 24-hour period is determined by standardized

industry tests. These tests assign a relative value to materials based on their resistance

to enabling moisture vapor to pass through. Materials with lower perm ratings are better

at stopping the movement of water vapor. The material is a vapor retarder if the perm

rating is low enough. It's a vapor barrier if it's incredibly low. If the perm rating is greater

than 10, it is not a vapor retarder but a porous substance.

Many companies employ the ASTM E96-21 Standard Test for Water Vapor

Transmission of materials to obtain reliable values of water vapor transfer through

permeable and semi-permeable materials, expressed in SI units. The test procedure

involves filling a test dish with a distilled water level of 19.05 mm from the specimen.

The edges are then sealed, except for the test sample, to avoid vapor loss. Caution is

required to ensure that all weight loss is due to water vapor transfer through the

specimen. The test methods are limited to specimens not over 1 and 1/4in. (32mm) in

thickness, the environment is realized in the testing chamber with a temperature of

+1°C and humidity of +2%. Permeance is measured using two main methods: the

17
Desiccant Method and the Water Method, with two variations: service circumstances

with one side wetted and service conditions with low humidity on one side and high

humidity on the other. There should be no expectation of agreement between results

acquired by different approaches. The method that comes closest to the use

requirements should be chosen (ASTM International, 2010).

18
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The design that will be used for this study is a Complete Randomized Design. It

will be used in determining the water vapor transmission rate of Coconut (Cocos

nucifera) coir as a component of handmade textile fabric with its proportions to latex

mixture as follows: 100:0 (Control); 90:10; 80:10; 70:30; and 60:40. Specifically, the

researchers will analyze statistically for proving and disproving hypotheses, with the

presence of variables such as control group and experimental group, and random

distribution of tests.

Table 1. Materials

Materials Quantity

Coconut Coir 900 grams

Rubber Latex 330 grams

19
 Table 2. Equipment and Utensils

Utensils Quantity

Distilled Water 3.78 L

Thermometer and Humidity meter 1

Scotch Tape 1

Mold 5

Cauldron 1

Dough Roller 1

Cling Wrap 1

Microwave Oven Safe Reusable and 15

Disposable container

LED Rope Lights 5m

Comb 3

Weighing Scale 1

Plywood 2 (700mmx700mm)
3 (700mmx600mm)

Plastic Sheet 1 (700mmx600mm)

Locale of the Study

20
 The conduct of the study includes the creation and production of the organic

coconut coir fabric with proportions to latex mixture will be done at one of the

researcher’s houses, the Gadong’s residence located Purok 4-A, Poblacion, Carmen,

North Cotabato. The produced organic handmade coconut coir fabric with proportions to

latex mixture will be tested at the Physical Science Laboratory of University Laboratory

School - University of Southern Mindanao located at Poblacion, Kabacan, North

Cotabato.

Procedures

A. Collection and Preparation of Materials

The natural rubber latex milk needed to create the handmade organic textile

fabric will be acquired by the researchers from the farm of one of the researchers. The

total amount of natural rubber latex milk collected will be 330 grams. The coconut coir

will also be collected from the farm of one of the researchers. The researchers will

manually collect the solid brown coconut husk, specifically the mesocarp part, from the

entire coconut fruit. The collected husk will be then manually pulled until pale, thin, and

smooth fibers are extracted. The coir/fibers will be boiled until the coir will soften before

separated into thin and smooth fibers through manual combing. They will be then

subjected to a total of 10 hours of sun-drying to completely remove the moisture.

The dry coconut and the latex will be set aside until the process of making the

handmade organic textile fabric.

21
B. Creating the Organic Handmade Textile Fabric

The dry coconut fibers will be divided according to its corresponding amount on

the proportion with rubber latex in grams. Next, the rubber latex will be poured on the

coconut coir placed on the mold, before mixing it all together. Set the mixture aside and

observe until it dries off. Each dry coconut coir-latex mixture will be pressed together to

form a 3.175 mm thin sheet using a dough roller. And the flattened sheet will be hung

and undergo a smoking process which provides an antioxidant effect on the rubber.

Each sheet will be cut into a 176mm long and 113 mm wide fabric and are

prepared for evaluation and water vapor transmission rate testing.

Table 3. Coconut Coir-Latex Proportions in Different Treatment Levels.

COMPOSITION
(Ratio and Exact Amount)
GROUPS
COCONUT COIR LATEX

Treatment 1 90 g 10 g

Treatment 2 80 g 20 g

Treatment 3 70 g 30 g

Treatment 4 60 g 40 g

Control 100 g 0g

C. Testing the Organic Handmade Textile Fabric

22
 The dependent variable of the study is the water vapor transmission rate of each

organic handmade textile fabric. To test the permeability of the materials, the

researchers will use the ASTM E96-21 Water Method for water vapor transmission rate.

First, the distilled water should be weighed in uniform amounts before pouring it in the

test dish with a water level of 19.05 mm from the sheet. Each sheet will be placed on

top of the test dish and will be assembled inside a 700mm by 700mm by 600mm test

chamber. Inside the test chamber, a 40-watt incandescent rope light is placed directly

above the test dishes to provide the temperature best suited for the environment inside

the chamber. A thermometer and humidity meter are also placed inside the test

chamber to determine the changes in temperature and relative humidity. The test dishes

will be subjected to a humid and high temperature environment inside the test chamber

for exactly 24 hours.

After the allotted time, the test dishes will be removed from the test chamber and

the fabric will be removed from the test dish. To determine the change in weight of the

liquid, it will be weighed and compared to its initial weight. The researchers will carefully

list the results and calculate the data collected to determine the water vapor

transmission rate of each of the organic handmade textile fabrics.

The calculated data of the water vapor transmission will be used to evaluate the

permeance of the handmade organic textile fabrics. To solve for the average

permeability of each fabric, the permeance will be multiplied to the thickness of the

specimen. Each of their averages will be recorded and evaluated which among

Handmade Organic Textile Fabric is/are impermeable/vapor retarder and is/are highly

permeable/not a vapor retarder according to the perm rating. The analysis of whether

23
there is a significant difference in the water vapor transmission rate among various

ratios of coconut (Cocos nucifera) coir and latex organic textile fabric, will be conducted

through statistics.

Dummy Table 4. Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Coir Organic Handmade Textile Fabric Subjected to Different Treatments

REPLICATION
MEAN
GROUPS
1 2 3 4

Treatment 1 x x x x x

Treatment 2 x x x x x

Treatment 3 x x x x x

Treatment 4 x x x x x

Control x x x x x

Sampling and Experimental Layout

The Experimental Layout of the study will be arranged in Complete Randomized

Design (CRD) with five (5) groups of a (1) control and four (4) treatment levels. Each

was replicated three (3) times.

Table 5. Sampling and Experimental Layout of the Water Vapor Transmission

Rate of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir as a Component of Handmade Organic
Textile Fabric.

1:T2 2:T3 3:T5 4:T1 5:T5

6:T1 7:T2 8:T5 9:T4 10:T2

24
 11:T3 12:T4 13:T1 14:T3 15:T4
Variables of the Study

Independent Variable: A (1) Control and four (4) Treatment Group Ratios of Coconut

(Cocos nucifera) Coir and Latex Handmade Organic Textile Fabric

Dependent Variable: Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Coir as a Component of Handmade Organic Textile Fabric

Statistical Treatment

The study will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive

statistics through the average will be utilized to describe the varying water vapor

transmission rate of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir as a component of handmade

organic textile fabric. Inferential Statistics through F-Test of One-Way Analysis of

Variance will be used to determine the significant difference in water vapor transmission

rate among various ratios of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir and Latex Organic Textile

Fabric at 0.05 level of significance.

25
 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Dummy Table 6. ANOVA Table for the Differences in the Water Vapor
Transmission Rate Among Various Ratios of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir and
Latex Organic Textile Fabric

Source of Mean
Sum of Square df F-value P-value F critical
Variation Square
TREATMENT
x x x x x x
GROUPS
REPLICATION x x x

Total x x

Dummy Table 7. Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Coir Handmade Organic Textile Fabric Subjected to Different Treatments, and
Commercial Textile Fabric

GROUPS
OBERVED ATTRIBUTE MEAN
(Coir-Latex Ratio)

Treatment 1 (90:10) x

Treatment 2 (80:20) x

Treatment 3 (70:30) x
Water Vapor Transmission Rate
Treatment 4 (60:40) x

Control (100:0) x

Commercial Textile Fabric x

26
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 APPENDIX A

Date:

DABS LEONARD G. TATO

University Laboratory School
College of Education
USM, Kabacan, Cotabato

Sir:

We would like to request that you will be my Research adviser effective 2 nd

semester, S.Y. 2021-2022. We intend to work on a study entitled “Water Vapor
Transmission Rate of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Coir as a Component of
Handmade Organic Textile Fabric.”
We are hoping for your most favorable approval on this request. Thank you very
much.

Very truly yours,

JOYSHAIRA KATE B. TORIBIO, HAZEL GWEN V. IGNACIO, GWENDELYN A. GADONG

Printed Name and Signature of Student

RECOMMENDING APPROVAL NOTED

MARY JANE B. MARTIN, PhD CHRISTINE E. PARROCHA

Department Research Coordinator Subject Professor

Date Date

APPROVED

DABS LEONARD G. TATO

Adviser

Date

31
32