3.

3 Materials, Tools and Equipment

3.3.1 Materials

Bamboo Leaves Ash

Bamboo leaves was obtained from Brgy. Cautod, Sta. Margarita, Samar. It was used as

one of the silica source materials.

Taro Leaves wax

Taro leaves was also obtained from Brgy. Cautod, Sta. Margarita, Samar. It was used as

one of the water repellent materials.

NaOH

It was employed to facilitate the silica extraction from BLA.

Citric Acid

It was used to treat bamboo leaves ash

Plywood

Plywood was bought from a construction materials shop in Calbayog City, Samar.

Water

In this study, tap water was used for all procedures requiring water, such as extraction

and treatment

3.3.2 Tools and Equipment

Weighing Scale
 An electronic/weighing balance in the laboratory was used in this study where it gives the

exact weight readings during the experimental process.

Sieve

To regulate the sample ashes' particle size distribution of BLA. Sieve no. 100 (0.150mm)

was used in this study.

Stirring Rod

Stirring rod has been utilized to mix materials with heat temperature.

Beaker

Beaker was used to measure the volume of taro leaves wax, citric acid, NaOH. It was also used

to mix the materials.

3.4 Mix Design Proportion

Table 3.1 Design Mixture

Mix Designation Taro Leaves Wax Bamboo Leaves Ash Paraffin WAx

1 5 ml 1 gram 100 grams

2 10 ml 2 grams 100 grams

3 15 ml 3 grams 100 grams

Table 3.2 Number of Samples for each Test

Capillary Water Absorption Water Contact Angle

Mix designation (CWA) (WCA) Total

coated uncoated coated uncoated

With Without

Adhesive Adhesive

1 3 1 3 3 1 12

2 3 1 3 3 1 13

3 3 1 3 3 1 14

Total number of samples 9

3.5. Preparation and Characterization Procedure of Hydrophobic Coating

Preparation of Taro Leaves Wax

The newly harvest taro leaves (Colocasia esculenta) was collected from Sta. Margarita,

Samar were rinsed three times using tap water to remove some contaminants that were present

on leaves. Leaves was cut into fragments. Filled a large pot with water and bring it to boil and

leaves were immersed completely in the boiling water. And, after 5-10mins the boiled taro leaves

was strained using cheesecloth to another clean container. Chilled for 10mins and after, a white

cloudy layer of wax was seen, collected and transferred to another container.

Preparation of Bamboo Leaves Ash

Harvesting bamboo leaves: selected fresh bamboo leaves from a healthy bamboo

plant, young and vibrant green in color tend to burn more easily. Bamboo leaves was rinsed three

times with tap water to remove any dirt, debris, or insects. After, the bamboo leaves were

sundried. Citric acid was applied to the dried bamboo leaves to start the hydrolysis of cellulose

and hemicellulose. Next step was burning the bamboo leaves in a clean metal container until it

turns to ash. Following that, the cleaned bamboo leaves ash underwent filtering, rinsing, and

drying. Silica was obtained by calcining the treated material. The ash obtained from the bamboo

leaves was then sieved using #100 sieve.

Preparation of Hydrophobic Coating Solution

Paraffin wax was melted in a large pot and bring into boil. While the wax is boiling

gradually add the collected taro leaves wax and the fine powdered bamboo leaves ash and slowly

stirred for about 8mins. After 8mins, the mixture was transferred into a clean container and let it

cooled. The hydrophobic coating solution was manually brushed on the wood. After the initial
coating layer sit, another top layer was brushed on. These brushing have to be done at least three

times.

Taro leaves Bamboo leaves

Wash with tap

water to remove
impurities

sundried
(Taro leaves)
Boiled for 10 mins

(Bamboo leaves)
Burned into ashes
Chilled and
collecting was

Silica extraction

Dispersed in a
melted Paraffin
wax

Hydrophobic Coating
Solution

Hydrophobic Coating Preparation