SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Acceptability of Ceiba pentandra Fiber as an

Alternative Carbon Fiber

A Research Proposal
Presented to the Faculty of the
Senior High School
Sanchez Mira National High School
Sanchez Mira, Cagayan

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for
Practical Research 2

GLYZA M. BAUTISTA

CARL ANDREI LOBOS

ALEXEIS DARIEN C. RIVERA 

MA. LOUELLA I. VENTURA

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

   CHAPTER I

                                                    INTRODUCTION

 Background of the Study

Carbon fiber production is rapidly increasing to cope with market demand. As the

production costs are steadily falling, raw material producers are expanding their production

capacity.  And this will make it possible to launch lower-cost carbon fibers to the market while

maintaining the quality levels. It is used as a reinforcement material in composites. Demand for

carbon fiber will continue to rise, with global demand exceeding 77,000 tons in 2018 and rising

to more than 150,000 tons by 2025. (Bajpai, 2021)

Carbon fiber is very brittle. This means that though it is durable when it breaks it often

breaks devastatingly. The disadvantage of using carbon fiber is that you need a mold if you

want to make a decent product, making a mold is not always easy and you often need the help

of some specialist. Another drawback is the amount of carbon fiber, it is very expensive. The

materials are very light in weight and strong but you have to pay a big amount of cash to be

able to use it in your goods. It’s environmentally unfavorable, firstly it smudges it while

manufacturing and again while degrading. It has only one color and because of its 

expensiveness, nobody wants to hide it in any other color. (Rajyaguru, 2019)

In ancient years for any purpose iron was used because of the strong, stiffness and

durable properties. At the same time manufacturing difficulties and the high cost leads to
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

development of new materials at low cost and same properties of iron with light weight. The

newly developed materials are called composites.

The binomial name of this kapok fiber is the Ceiba pentandra and it is under the family

of Bombacaceae. The kapok fiber is the lightest natural fiber in the world. This fiber is eight

times lighter than the cotton. It is also in the name of silk java cotton, java kapok. The fiber has

a very thin wall and a huge hollow region full of air. Compared to the cotton fiber it has the

lower content of the cellulose and the higher content of the lignin. This is also known as the silk

cotton because of its natural luster similarly to the pure silk. (Ganesh Kumar Mani, et.al,  2014)

Natural fiber composites have been developed rapidly due to their advantages of wide

sources, renewable, and low cost. Some natural fibers with special structure and unique

properties are not only degradable and pollution-free, but also have excellent mechanical or

antibacterial properties. These natural fibers with special structure-properties provide the basis

for designing functional and intelligent composites. As the lightest fiber in nature, kapok fiber

has excellent mechanical properties and extremely high hollowness (exceeding 86%). The

distinct structure of the kapok fiber enlightens us to speculate that kapok fiber may be a

naturally available raw material to derive the desired hollow fiber,  (Kovalcik, 2019). Herein, the

proponents will study the fabrication of epoxy-based lightweight and high-strength composites

by kapok fiber. The unique advantages of kapok fiber, low cost and renewable, indicate that it

is a promising material for large-scale preparation of carbon lightweight and high-strength

composite.
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Therefore, the proponents aim to create a product that could lift the burden of the

community that uses carbon fiber in their needs. Thus, the researcher seeks to come up with a

product that has the same effectiveness of a carbon fiber with the low cost activated carbon

prepared from kapok fibers. The researchers also intend to explore more by testing its

effectiveness and the level of acceptability of  Ceiba pentandra fibers as an alternative on

carbon fiber production.

Statement of  the Problem

In general, the goal of this study is to investigate the potential outcomes of Ceiba

pentandra fiber as an alternative carbon fiber. It aims to identify the components of Ceiba

pentandra fiber and to assess its ideal structural material for various applications in numerous

industries. 

Its specific goal is to provide answers to the following question:

1. What is the level of acceptability of using Ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative

Carbon fiber in the respondents in terms of its:

1.  Durability

2.  Heat Resistance

3.  Water Resistance

2. What are the significant differences of Ceiba pentandra fiber in terms of the treatment:

2.1. 45 mL of epoxy-resin:         of weaved kapok fiber

2.2. 45 mL of epoxy-resin:         of weaved kapok fiber

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

2.3. 45 mL of epoxy-resin:         of  weaved kapok fiber

Conceptual Framework

Carbon fiber has a lot of advantages nowadays thus, its rapid rate is highly increasing

and that became a burden to the less economically fortunate. The researchers considered the

production of Ceiba pentandra as an alternative carbon fiber as a possible solution to help

minimize the problem.

The concept model illustrates the relationship between the three major parts of the

research paradigm namely the Input, Process, and Output (IPO).

The input includes all the materials that are needed to proceed with the process of

production. This input will be needed as a variable to come up with the output. 

The process involves specific details of the production to be able to come up with the

result. 

The output or the outcome of the study is the level of acceptability of Ceiba pentandra

as an alternative carbon fiber.

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

  Measure the Ceiba pentandra fiber   Assessed  level

 Ceiba 

 Preparation of the Ceiba pentandra fiber by of acceptability

pentandra
making it into strand      
fiber of Ceiba
 Prepare the designated molder/surface by
pentandra fiber 
 Epoxy
applying silicon oil and epoxy resin.
as an alternative
Resin
 Immediately lay down the Ceiba pentandra
Carbon fiber
Solution
fiber into the molder/surface.
production.
 Silicon  Again, apply epoxy resin for the second time
 Recommen-
Oil that will serve as the final layer/coat of the

Ceiba pentandra fiber. dation and

 Molder
 Wait for further hours to set  (the setting suggestions of
time will depend on its size and
the respondents
volume).·        
to the
 The Ceiba pentandra fiber will then be
developed.
polished on its surface.  ·        

 (optional) Apply polishing epoxy resin. ·        

 The developed Ceiba pentandra fiber will

be evaluated by the researchers for its

acceptability.
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Scope and Delimitation

The general intent of this study is to know the possible outcomes of Ceiba pentandra

fiber and its acceptability as an alternative carbon fiber with the focus on its different

components.

This study will mainly assess the significant differences of Ceiba pentandra in terms of

three treatments. Also, this study yearns to identify on how the researchers can develop a

product that can potentially produce a low-cost carbon fiber.

This study was conducted with a limited amount of financial resources and time

framework during S.Y. 2022-2023.

Research Hypothesis

There is no significant difference of Ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative carbon

fiber.

Significance of the Study

The researchers conducted this study to inform the public and industries the

acceptability of Ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative carbon fiber.

Moreover, the result will be beneficial to the following:

Community. Both out of necessity and out of practicality to use Ceiba pentandra fiber

rather than Carbon fiber, and something that is essentially ecologically sound.
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Fishermen.  To have a rudimentary knowledge of how to use and perform a handful of

minor repairs to the interior/exterior skin of their vessel using Ceiba pentandra fiber.

Environmentalist.  Ceiba pentandra are likely to be environmentally superior for the

following reasons: (1) natural fiber production has lower environmental impacts; (2) natural

fiber composites have higher fiber content for equivalent performance, reducing more polluting

base polymer content; (3) the light-weight natural fiber composites improve fuel efficiency and

reduce emissions in the use phase of the component, especially in auto applications; and (4) end

of life incineration of natural fibers results in recovered energy and carbon credits.

Industrial Industry. To have a reviewed point on the major applications of Ceiba

pentandra and its effective use as reinforcement for polymer composite material. And as Ceiba

pentandra fibers are sustainable materials which are easily available in nature and have

advantages like low-cost, lightweight, renewability, biodegradability, and high specific

properties.

Future Researchers. This may aid in widening their knowledge and understanding as

this study becomes their reference and cornerstone in handling their research.

Thus, this research provides awareness and brings knowledge to the potential of using

Ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative in the production of Carbon fiber as it becomes a great

help to the community in promoting a cheaper with the same effectiveness from the

commercialized carbon fiber. 

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Definitions of Terms

The following terms were defined according to how they are being used in the study:

Alternative- (of one or more things) available as another possibility or choice.

Carbon Fiber- is a polymer and is sometimes known as graphite fiber.

Ceiba pentandra- scientific name referring to kapok tree or Java kapok, seed-

hair fibre obtained from the fruit of the kapok tree or the kapok tree itself.

Cellulose- an insoluble substance which is the main constituent of plant cell walls and

of vegetable fibers such as cotton. It is a polysaccharide consisting of chains of glucose

monomers.

Commercialized- is which a product or service is already available or introduce in the

general market

Composite- materials that are formed by combining two or more materials that have

quite different properties. 

Dimensional Stability- A property of materials that allows them to maintain their

original shape and dimensions throughout the manufacturing process, storage, and use.

Ecologically- as the ability of ecosystems to sustain future generations with the goal of

protecting their biological diversity.

Natural fiber-  fibers that are produced bodies of plants. They can be used as a

component of composite materials, where the orientation of fibers impacts the properties.

Lignin- organic polymer deposited in the cell walls of fiber, making them rigid. 

Production- the action of making or manufacturing from components or raw materials,

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

or the process of being so manufactured.

Reinforcement-  a constituent of a composite material which increases the composite's

stiffness and tensile strength; the state of being reinforced.

Rigidity- inability to be to bent or be forced out of shape.

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

                                              CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents series of related literature and studies that have established

direct bearing and relationship with the present study.

FOREIGN LITERATURE

Introduction of carbon fiber

Carbon fiber made its automotive debut on the 1981 McLaren MP4/1 Formula 1 car.

Not long after that, it trickled down into the highest tier of on-road performance with supercars

like the Jaguar XJR-15 and McLaren F1. The added stiffness and reduced weight of carbon

made it the perfect material for motorsports applications.

It's rare to see a car with carbon fiber because it's expensive! Cost is the main hurdle

carbon fiber will have to overcome before it can provide a viable energy solution. 

With carbon fiber costing so much, car makers are looking toward other materials to make cars

lighter.( Jamie Page Deaton, 2023)

Today, carbon fiber is more widespread than ever, but it's still primarily reserved for

high-horsepower, high-dollar exotics. A few mainstream cars use carbon components as

structural pieces, but the lion's share of OEM carbon fiber is nothing more than automotive

jewelry with negligible performance benefits. ( MotorTrend Staff, 2021)

Carbon fiber is a high-quality material with a price to match. While prices have dropped

significantly in the past five years, demand has not increased enough to increase the supply 
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

substantially. As a result, prices will likely remain the same in the near future.

If carbon fiber could be said to have any detractions, it would be production cost.

Carbon fiber is not easily mass-produced and is therefore very expensive.

A carbon fiber bicycle will easily run in the thousands of dollars, and its use in

automotive is still limited to exotic racing cars. Carbon fiber is popular in these items and

others due to its weight-to-strength ratio and its resistance to flame, so much so that there is a

market for synthetics that look like carbon fiber. However, imitations are often only partially

carbon fiber or simply plastic made to look like carbon fiber. This occurs often in after-market

protective casings for computers and other small consumer electronics (Tood Johnson, 2020)

Definition of Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is among the strongest materials on earth due to the chainlike bonds of its

molecules. This structure is created during all of the chemical reactions and extreme

temperature changes the fiber goes through while being made.

The processes bind together thousands of small strands and mix them with an epoxy.

Those strands form a layer of carbon fiber, the strength of which is affected by the precise

orientation of the strands and the types of fabric used in the layer.

A single layer of carbon fiber is typically around 0.25mm thick, and is not very strong

at all. In fact, at that thickness, carbon fiber is very easy to break. That may be counterintuitive

to what you know about carbon fiber being strong, but the strength is created in the process of

stacking multiple layers as well using the orientation and weave of the fibers, also known as

the “layup.” (Carbon Fiber Gear, 2023)

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

It is one of the strongest and most lightweight materials available on the market today.

Five times stronger than steel and one-third its weight, carbon fiber composites are often used

in aerospace, aviation, robotics, racing, and a wide variety of industrial applications.

Carbon fiber starts as very, very thin strands of fiber that are finer than human hair.

These strands are twisted together like yarn (called a tow) and woven into carbon fiber fabric

which typically comes in 3k, 6k, and 12k weights. A 3k fabric has 3,000 strands of carbon in

each tow while a heavier weight 6k fabric has 6,000 strands per tow.

The fabric comes in a variety of weaves that have different strength properties. The

most common are plain weave, harness satin weave, twill weave, and unidirectional.

Weave is critical for two reasons: appearance and functionality. Each weave looks very

different and sometimes people prefer the look of a certain weave for a specific application.

Weave also impacts product strength.

A unidirectional weave creates a sheet that’s very strong in the direction of the fibers,

but weak in the opposite direction. Plain and twill weaves, on the other hand, have more

uniform strength since they’re strongest at the points where the fibers cross in either direction. (

Protech Composites, 2021)

Carbon fiber is, exactly what it sounds like — fiber made of carbon. But, these fibers

are only a base. What is commonly referred to as carbon fiber is a material consisting of very

thin filaments of carbon atoms. When bound together with plastic polymer resin by heat,

pressure or in a vacuum a composite material is formed that is both strong and lightweight.
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Much like cloth, beaver dams, or a rattan chair, the strength of carbon fiber is in the

weave. The more complex the weave, the more durable the composite will be. ( Tood Johnson,

2020)

Carbon Fiber Production

No matter the quality, carbon fiber components are made with two ingredients: carbon

fiber fabric and resin. The fabric is composed of elements.

Most manufacturers use a mold to craft carbon fiber components, shaping the fabric and

resin during the curing process.

Using carbon fiber to mold carbon fiber may seem odd, but the same stiffness and

strength that make the material great for motorsports also make it great for fabrication.

Although carbon fiber fabric is the namesake of this performance composite, the resin is

what gives a carbon fiber part its strength. Resin is used as a binding agent, impregnating the

fabric and merging layers together, and filling any air voids to create a solid piece.

The primary resin polymer blends used are epoxy or polyester. Just like with clothing, polyester

is the cheaper choice. Epoxy, though costlier, provides superior strength and a better overall

finish.

Prepreg and standard carbon fiber use different curing processes. Standard carbon parts

are made with a wet lay-up method. The fabric is cut to size and laid into a mold, then resin is

applied with a brush. Parts made this way are typically air-dried. Vacuum bagging — literally

sealing the part in a plastic bag and attaching a vacuum hose to it — uses ambient pressure to
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

flatten the fabric to the mold, removing air bubbles and drawing resin into any voids. Excess

resin is squeezed out. 

The finished components have superior composite structural performance and precise

dimensional accuracy. (MotorTrend Staff, 2021)

The angle of the weave, as well as the resin used with the fiber, will determine the

strength of the overall composite. The resin is most commonly epoxy, but can also be

thermoplastic, polyurethane, vinyl ester, or polyester.

Alternatively, a mold may be cast and the carbon fibers applied over it. The carbon fiber

composite is then allowed to cure, often by a vacuum process. In this method, the mold is used

to achieve the desired shape. This technique is preferred for uncomplicated forms that are

needed on demand.

Carbon fiber material has a wide range of applications, as it can be formed at various

densities in limitless shapes and sizes. Carbon fiber is often shaped into tubing, fabric, and

cloth, and can be custom-formed into any number of composite parts and pieces.( Tood

Johnson, 2020)

Kapok Fiber Related Studies

Kemal Unlu (2021), Kapok fibers consist of natural microtubules (approximately 8-10

µm diameter and approx. 0.8-1.0 µm wall thickness) in the form of hollow thin tubes. One end

of the fiber tapering to a point is closed and the other end has a curved shape. A flat and

cylindrical surface is seen in the longitudinal view of the Kapok fiber, while a large internal
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

cavity is observed in the cross-sectional view. When the waxy structure on the surface of

Kapok fibers is 

removed, the unique hollow structure of the fibers increases the specific surface area of the

fiber, giving the fiber a superior moisture transfer feature. Since the hollow structure, which is

generally imparted to synthetic fibers during production, is a characteristic feature of kapok

fibers, it is possible to characterize these fibers as an environment-friendly fiber type, both

because of their natural structure and because they are an alternative to synthetic fibers.

Thanks to its excellent hydrophobic and oleophilic properties and very low fiber

density, kapok fibers have been used for many years in the production of products that require

the ability to not sink in water. Although it is not widely used in these areas today, it has a wide

potential as an alternative natural raw material that can be used in technical textile products that

are not required to sink on water.

The hydrophobic and oleophilic characters of Kapok fibers give very successful results

in the separation of fatty substances from aqueous solutions. In particular, kapok fiber filters

produced for the separation of oil and similar spills from seawater are both very durable and

can be used very effectively in the separation process. Considering that approximately 10

million tons of petroleum and its products are used in the world every year, it is obvious how

high the probability of contamination of water resources such as sea, lake and ocean is during

the use or transportation of these products. Cleaning the oil and its derivatives contaminating

water resources causes very serious costs. Filters produced with Kapok fibers, on the other

hand, can provide a more efficient and more economical alternative to filters produced mostly
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

from synthetic materials.

Unlike many natural fiber types, kapok fibers with wide lumen and thin cell wall show

a superior sound absorption performance by increasing the friction between sound waves and

fibers thanks to this special structure. When environmental-friendly, biodegradable and

renewable ecological features are added to the superior sound absorption ability of Kapok

fibers; It becomes inevitable to prevent noise pollution and become widespread in the

production of products that provide acoustic insulation. In addition, kapok fibers are also used

in the manufacture of products that provide thermal insulation, thanks to their low thermal

conductivity.

Composite materials are encountered in many areas of life today. Natural or synthetic

fibers can be added to the structure in order to improve the strength and flexibility of these

structures, which can be used in a wide variety of areas from airplanes to buildings. With the

use of sustainable and renewable resources becoming the reason for preference, the usability of

natural fiber types in composite structures has become a subject that attracts the attention of

many researchers. Cellulose-rich natural fibers have high polarity because they contain

abundant hydroxyl groups. Therefore, natural fibers can form hydrogen bonds by interacting

with resin 

matrices, and natural fibers can be used to reinforce thermoset and thermoplastic polymer

matrices. Kapok fibers are among the natural fiber types used in composite structures.

Researches on the use of Kapok fibers in composite structures show that these fibers have a

suitable use in reinforcing composite structures. Kapok fibers can be used as a single fiber in

the composite structure, as well as sisal, glass fibers, etc. as reinforcing elements. It can also be
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

used with various fibers. Researches on the production of lighter cars, in particular, show that

in recent years, kapok fibers have become a preferred material type in automotive interior

composites together with natural fibers such as jute and sisal.

M. Idrus, et.al (2015) claimed that, Development of Treated Kapok/Fibreglass Hybrid

Composite for Marine Application. The mechanical and physical properties of chemically

treated Kapok Reinforced Fibreglass composite (KRFs). The cellulose kapok fibre reinforced

fibreglass (KRFs) were fabricated with fibre loadings of 20, 40, 60,80 gram of Kapok. Result

shows that tensile, flexural, and impact strength decreased as the fibre content increased. The

ultimate mechanical properties were achieved with a fibre content of 20 grams of Kapok.

However, the water absorption and thickness swelling was found to be improved which is

lower than fibreglass composite. This indicates, KRF were more waterproof than

fibreglass.SEM studies were carried out to evaluate the microstructure of KPF composites. 

Jong-Tae Chung (2013), Hollow carbon fibers with a high adsorption capacity for the

removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution were produced from Ceiba pentandra (L.)

Gaertn. (kapok). Steam was used for the oxidation and modification of the carbon surface.

Compared to the kapok-derived carbonized hollow carbon fibers (KCHCF) without activation,

the kapok-derived activated hollow carbon fibers (KAHCF) according to steam activation times

showed a higher surface area (600∼800 m /g) and larger hollow pore volume. The adsorption
2

capacity of methylene blue on KAHCF according to temperature and solution pH showed the

best fit with the Langmuir isotherm model.

 Preethi, Swati Sharma, et.al (2014), added that Ceiba pentandra is a tropical tree of the

order Malvales and the family Malvaceae, which originated in tropical India, is found
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

widespread in several plantations in Southeast Asia. Kapok is the most used common name for

the tree and may also refer to the cotton obtained from its seed pods. Pressed seed oil can be

derived from the seeds of the kapok tree. The oil has a yellow color and a pleasant, mild odour

and taste. Kapok oil has some potential as a bio-fuel and in paint preparation. The removal of

heavy metal contaminants from aqueous solutions is one of the most important environmental

concerns because metals are bio-refractory and are toxic to many life forms. The high cost of

commercially available activated carbon limits its use as an adsorbent in developing countries.

Hence, there is a growing need to prepare activated carbon from cheaper and locally available

bio-waste materials. Kapok fibers revealed that activated carbon prepared from the hulls of C.

pentandra has good capacity for the absorption of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu. Natural kapok fibers were

compared with the activated carbonized kapok fibers to adsorb standard heavy metals

(chromium and cadmium).

Hollow carbon microtubes, with tunable porosity and surface chemistry, are highly

desired for advanced energy conversion and storage applications. Although most natural fibers

possess a hollow tubular structure, their original morphology is easily destroyed when they are

carbonized directly due to the pyrolysis reactions. In this study, using kapok fiber as a

precursor, hollow carbon microtubes were obtained by pre-stabilization and subsequent

carbonization–activation in the presence of (NH ) HPO . During structural evolution from an

4 2 4

organic biomass fiber to a hollow carbon fiber, (NH ) HPO  acts not only as a porogen and
4 2 4

nitrogen/phosphorus source for in situ activation and doping but also as a crosslinking agent for

chemical stabilization. The material exhibited good electrochemical performance in an organic

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

electrolyte when evaluated as a supercapacitor electrode due to highly accessible surface area, 

convenient ion diffusion, and electron transfer. 

LOCAL LITERATURE

According to the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), kapok

(Ceiba pentranda) is a soft and slender deciduous tree that can grow up to five meters in height.

It is known for bearing pods that contain a large portion of a cotton-like fiber. It is for this

reason that kapok is also called silk-cotton tree in other parts of the world. 

Kapok fiber has many other uses besides making pillows and cushions. Similar to

cotton, another obvious use is in the production of fiber. It may also be used as a substitute for

medical cotton. A less obvious use of kapok fiber is in the production of life-saving devices

such as life buoys and life belts. 

Mario Tamayo, PLDT and Smart senior vice president and head of technology, said the

deployment of carbon fiber would support the telco’s LTE and 5G rollout.

He said carbon fiber towers are especially advantageous in metro areas where the

demand for LTE network expansion and new 5G rollouts require lighter tower solutions that

can carry equipment to serve at full capacity.

Carbon fiber towers are significantly lighter than steel towers, easier to transport and

install, are made of non-corrosive materials, and require almost no maintenance. The telco said

these towers are ideal to be deployed on rooftops and coastal sites. Carbon fiber towers are also

expected to reduce PLDT and Smart’s impact on the environment, contributing less carbon

dioxide and occupying less land area, translating to more efficient land use.
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the various methodologies that will be used by the researchers in

gathering data and information which are relevant to the study. It includes research design,

research locale, respondents or participants of the study, the sampling procedure, researcher

instrument to be utilized, data collection procedure, data analysis and statistical treatment of the

information that will be gathered from the chosen respondents.

Research Design

This research study is a quantitative research design specifically experimental as it

relies on statistical analysis to prove or disprove a hypothesis. It is a method by which the

researchers may employ one or more variables, controls, or measures any change in other

variables.  In addition, the testing of effectiveness will be determined by assessing the

significant differences of Ceiba pentandra fiber in terms of three treatments. 

Research Locale

This study will be conducted  in Claveria and Sanchez Mira, Cagayan where both

municipalities are near the ocean that is composed of a large population of fishermen, and in

general, municipalities that consume carbon fiber in various industries such as automotive and

sports goods.
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Respondents of the Study

         This study is composed of 40 respondents from Claveria and Sanchez Mira, Cagayan  to

assess the potential outcomes of Ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative carbon fiber.

Sampling Procedure

         This study will use a probability sampling method. Cluster sampling allows for creating

clusters with a smaller representation of the population being assessed, with similar

characteristics. In connection to this, the researcher will utilize the cluster sampling technique

where the researcher will divide a large population up into smaller groups known as clusters,

and then select randomly among the clusters to form a sample.

Research Instrument

         The survey questionnaire involves collecting data in order to answer the research

question. The researchers will use survey questionnaires to know and then to assess the

potential outcomes of Ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative carbon fiber. It aims to assess its

significant difference in structural material for various applications in the fishing and various

industries.

The main instrument used in this study is a survey questionnaire--linkert scale which is

developed by the researchers. To improve the validity of the questions, the tools will be

checked by at least 5 experts in the field. Then, upon receiving the approval of the research

proposal, the researcher will review to follow the proper ethics of the school premises and
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

proceed to work on the data gathering. Moreover, the data collection tool will be tested for

internal consistency (reliability) using Cronbach’s alpha test.

Data Collection Procedure

         To assess the acceptability of Ceiba pentandra fiber, the product will be assessed and

evaluated by the respondents. Our respondents have direct involvement with the subject matter

we are about to assess, to focus on our research objectives. The researchers will provide the

questionnaires to be filled up according to the respondents’ own observation. After the

respondents answer the questions, the researchers will collect it  in preparation for the

interpretation of data. The researchers will be keeping the respondents’ input for confidentiality

and use them only for research purposes.

Data Analysis

         The  percentage, weighted mean, and standard deviation will be used to assess the

acceptability of Ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative carbon fiber in terms of their durability,

rigidity, dimensional stability, heat resistance,  and water resistance.

ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) test will then be used in determining the significant

differences between the experimental treatments. The collected data will then be analyzed,

tabulated and interpreted by the researchers using computer software.

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

         The point linkert scale chart below will be used in determining the assessment of the

respondents on their observation of the Ceiba pentandra fiber.

Table 1: for Durability

Point Range Descriptive Value

5 4.20 - 5.00 Highly Acceptable

4 3.40 - 4.19 Moderately Acceptable

3 2.60 - 3.39 Acceptable

2 1.80 - 2.59 Fairly Acceptable

1 1.00 - 1.79 Poorly Acceptable

Table 2: for Heat Resistance

Point Range Descriptive Value

5 4.20 - 5.00 Highly Acceptable

4 3.40 - 4.19 Moderately Acceptable

3 2.60 - 3.39 Acceptable

2 1.80 - 2.59 Fairly Acceptable

1 1.00 - 1.79 Poorly Acceptable

Table 3: for Water Resistance

SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Point Range Descriptive Value

5 4.20 - 5.00 Highly Acceptable

4 3.40 - 4.19 Moderately Acceptable

3 2.60 - 3.39 Acceptable

2 1.80 - 2.59 Fairly Acceptable

1 1.00 - 1.79 Poorly Acceptable

Research title: ACCEPTABILITY OF CEIBA PENTANDRA FIBER AS AN

ALTERNATIVE CARBON FIBER PRODUCTION
Date: ________________
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Name: ________________________________(Optional) Age: __ Sex: ___

Objective: The main objective of this observation is to determine the acceptability of ceiba
pentandra fiber as an alternative carbon fiber production . Your answers will be used for
research purposes only and shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Direction: Instruction: Kindly rate the Acceptability of ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative
carbon fiber production.Put a check mark (√) in the appropriate box for your answer. Please be
guided by the scale below for your rating.

5 - Highly Acceptable
4 - Moderately Acceptable
3 - Acceptable
2 - Fairly Acceptable
1 - Poorly Acceptable

1. The level of acceptability of using ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative carbon fibber in
terms of:

INDICATORS 5 4 3 2 1
DURABILITY
a.) Carbon Ceiba pentandra fiber
possesses a high tensile strength.
b.) The quality of Ceiba pentandra
fiber has an acceptable thickness to
protect the exterior/interior skin
c Ceiba pentandra fiber is well
made.
d.) Ceiba pentandra is corrosion
resistance.
e.) Ceiba pentandra fiber is long-
lasting.
HEAT RESISTANCE
a.) Ceiba pentandra can resist heat.
b.) Ceiba pentandra won’t melt
under exceedingly high
temperature.
c.) Ceiba pentandra can withstand
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

fire.
d.) Ceiba pentandra does not burn.
e.) The glossy finish Ceiba
pentandra can fade if exposed to
UV light.
WATER RESISTANCE
a.) Ceiba pentandra fiber resistance
can remain unchanged when
immersed in water.
b.) Ceiba pentandra fiber is an
effective impermeable barrier to
water.
c.) Ceiba pentandra can last in
water.
d Ceiba pentandra is a good water-
proof effect.
e.) Ceiba pentandra is not
susceptible to moss when immersed
in water

2. The acceptability of ceiba pentandra fiber as an alternative carbon fiber.

Statement 5 4 3 2 1
a.) The ceiba pentandra fiber is
sustainable which is easily
SANCHEZ MIRA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

available in nature.
b.) The sustainability of ceiba
pentandra fiber can lead to
upsurge its application in various
manufucturing sectors.
c.) The acceptability of ceiba
pentandra fiber can be a
reinforcement for carbon fiber
production.
d.) The ceiba pentandra fiber
requires low maintenance.
e.) The ceiba pentandra fiber is
easy to use.
f.) The ceiba pentandra fiber
minimizes expenses.
g.) The ceiba pentandra fiber is
convenience.