Use of Mangifera indica as a substitute for commercialized floor wax

Cruz, Bea Cassandra H.

Fabellon, Airish Nicole H.
Junio, Jonie S.
Rodriguez, Christopher P.
Torres, Mary Eliana T.
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

An individual wants to stay in a pleasant location, and the place must be clean for an
individual to feel at ease there. The floor is one of the most essential items to keep clean to
maintain a space’s cleanliness. And by that, people use floor wax to clean floors in buildings
such as schools and houses.
Floor wax is a solution that has been used by many individuals for centuries for floor care.
Floor wax preserves floors by preventing them from any damage or dirt, like stains, scratches,
scuffs, and dings. Additionally, it keeps the floor shiny. And it also provides slip resistance.
While there are still several conventional products on the market today, most consumers like
manufactured and synthetic floor waxes since they are relatively simple to apply. Floor waxes
are composed of synthetic materials or a mix of artificial materials and natural ingredients. The
most common ingredients used in commercial waxes include shellac, polyurethane, lacquer,
perchloroethylene, toluene, and phenol.
Mangifera indica, also known as mangoes, is a tropical stone fruit and member of the drupe
family. This is a fruit that comes with a fleshy outer section that is surrounded by its shell. It is a
native fruit of Southeast Asia and India. Mangos were first grown in India over 5,000 years ago.
The species name of the mango Mangifera indica, means “an Indian plant bearing mangos.” This
fruit is not only delicious, but it also gives us several health benefits. The vitamins, minerals, and
antioxidants in mangos can provide important health benefits, such as improved immunity and
digestive health. When people eat mangoes, peels are usually discarded after eating, many people
do not know that mango peels contain a high concentration of pectin.
Pectin is a carbohydrate found in fruits and is particularly rich in the rind of citrus fruits
and apples. It is a gelling agent and contributes to the solidification of jams. Most of the time, it
is a thickener used in cooking or baking. People also use pectin for high cholesterol, high
triglycerides, and to prevent colon cancer and prostate cancer. It is also used for diabetes and
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some people use pectin to prevent poisoning caused
by lead, strontium, and other heavy metals. Pectin was used for years in combination with kaolin
(Kao pectate) to control diarrhea. However, in April 2003, the FDA ruled that scientific evidence
does not support the use of pectin for diarrhea. Since April 2004, pectin has not been permitted
as an anti-diarrhea agent in over the counter (OTC) products. As a result, Kao pectate no longer
contains pectin and kaolin. Some people apply pectin to the skin to protect raw or ulcerated
mouth and throat sores. Sometimes, it is medicine. And surprisingly, it is also an effective floor
wax stabilizer. In line with this, this study aims to produce a less hazardous floor wax while still
giving the same benefits.

Statement of the Problem

Floor wax is incredibly beneficial and essential, prompting people not to mind its cons.
Floor waxes are toxic and poisonous. Among the worst chemical offenders commonly found in
commercialized floor wax are Cresol, which can cause liver and kidney damage if inhaled over
an extended period, and Formaldehyde, which has been linked to everything from asthma to
reproductive problems to cancer and other hazardous ingredients such as nitrobenzene,
perchloroethylene, phenol, toluene, and xylene. But aside from its harmful effects on humans, it
is also toxic to the aquatic environment. Commercial use of cleaning products such as floor
waxes can affect the outdoor environment and can lead to pollution and waste. Thousands of
chemicals from cleaning products are washed into streams and rivers. Some persist in the
environment and enter the food chain.
Thus, the researchers came up with ideas for methods to replace these dangerous
substances with leftover mango peels while still providing the same benefits. The study also
intends to address Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 14 of the United Nations Development
Program, which are related to life below water and good health and well-being, respectively. As
was already indicated, the main chemical offenders that have adverse effects on both people and
the aquatic environment are present in these industrial floor waxes.

By doing this study, the researchers aim to seek answers to the questions we prepared:
1. Is there a significant difference between the quality of commercialized floor wax and
mango floor wax in terms of:
 odor;
  shininess; and
 smoothness.

Hypothesis
H0: There is no significant difference between the quality of commercialized floor wax and
mango floor wax in terms of odor, shininess, and smoothness.

Conceptual Framework

PROCESSES OUTPUTS
INPUT
 Creating samples of  Mango floor wax
 The knowledge of the Mango floor wax.  To address two of the
researchers about the
 Conducting experiments Sustainable Development
study.
to determine if the odor, Goals of the United
 The information about shininess, and Nations Development
the problem. smoothness has a higher Program.
 The related literature
quality than the  To achieve the
commercialized floor replacement of the toxic
and background of the
wax. and poisonous effects of
study.
 Collecting data of how the commercialized floor
many mango peels are wax.
needed to produce  The process that will
Mango floor wax. surely lead to the creation
of Mango floor wax.

Figure 1.1 IPO of the study: “The Use of Mangifera indica as a substitute for commercial
floor wax”

According to figure 1.1, the researchers will use the input-output-process model as part of
the study. As an expected outcome, we will find out that we would be able to utilize mango peels
as a substitute for commercialized floor wax. In the input part of this conceptual framework, the
foundation of the study will be done by combining basic knowledge on the chemical components
of current commercialized floor wax that are being used in schools and houses through the
available related literature.
The processes of this study assuredly will undertake a series of tests to know if three
mango peels will be enough to produce floor wax. Likewise, it is also to determine if its odor,
shininess, and smoothness is comparable to the commercialized floor wax.
The output Mango floor wax along with the knowledge on how it addresses the Sustainable
Development Goals 3 and 14 of the United Nations Development Program is the main objective
of this project.
This study will entail the creation of Mango floor wax to replace the toxic and poisonous
effects of the commercialized floor wax. The conceptual framework that is being created by the
researchers will serve as a guide to the procedures required in the course of study.

Significance of the Study

The use of industrial floor waxes can have negative effects on people and is poisonous to
aquatic life. Organic floor wax should not contain hazardous chemicals, and so it is likely to pose
fewer health risks. They are also, typically, much safer, and more suitable for use around people
with weakened immune systems or health conditions. It is also less hazardous for the
environment. It does not contain chemicals that cause significant air or water pollution and are
often in recyclable or recycled packaging.
To the consumers and students, this study will help the health of the people who usually
use floor waxes to clean school and floor houses. Additionally, it will allow customers to save
money because they will not need to spend as much money on expensive industrial floor waxes
when they can produce their own from recycled mango peels.
To the community, this research will help reduce waste in the community and teach them
how to make their own floor wax from leftover mango peel.
To future researchers, the study will give additional information about natural cleaning
products. It can also be used as a reference for other researchers that tackle reusing mango peels
and creating more organic cleaning products.
Scope and Limitation
This study aims to find an alternative for commercial floor waxes. Floor waxes are
essential for cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of the floors, especially the new ones.
However, it contains chemicals that are toxic to the health of human beings and animals too.
Furthermore, this study aims to make a safer and more eco-friendly floor wax that will be
composed of mango peels and candle wax as an alternative to toxic commercial floor waxes.
In this study, the researchers will prove that the floor wax made of mango peels is as
effective as the commercial floor wax; the researchers will prove that a floor wax can keep the
cleanliness of the floor, make the floor shiny, and provide slip resistance despite being made of
just mango peels instead of chemicals. And the researchers will as well prove and explain its
benefits to the wellness of human beings and the environment. In addition, the researchers will
try the product on different floors and observe if there are differences.

Definition of Terms
Cresol - a chemical element that is found in many foods and in wood and tobacco smoke, crude
oil, coal tar, and in chemical mixtures used as wood preservatives.
Drupe family - in botany, simple fleshy fruit that usually contains a single seed
Formaldehyde - a colorless, flammable gas that has a distinct, pungent smell. Usually used in
floor waxes and other products at home.
Kao pectate - a medication used to treat occasional upset stomach, heartburn, and nausea.
Lacquer - a clear wood coating finish that dries via solvent evaporation.
Mangifera Indica - scientific name of mango
Nitrobenzene - an industrial chemical. It is an oily yellow liquid with an almond-like odor. It
dissolves only slightly in water and will evaporate to air.
Pectin - carbohydrate found in fruits
Perchloroethylene - also known as perc, is a colorless, nonflammable liquid solvent with a
sweet, ether-like odor. It is primarily used in industrial settings and for dry-cleaning fabrics and
degreasing metals.
Phenol - used primarily in the production of phenolic resins and in the manufacture of nylon and
other synthetic fibers. It is also used in slimicides (chemicals that kill bacteria and fungi in
slimes)
Polyurethane - refers to a class of polymers composed of organic units joined by carbamate
links.
Shellac - a preparation of lac dissolved usually in alcohol and used chiefly as a wood filler and
finish
Toluene - a colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent odor.
Xylene - used as a solvent in the manufacturing of chemicals, agricultural sprays, adhesives, and
coatings, as an ingredient in aviation fuel and gasoline, and can also be found in floor waxes.

CHAPTER II
METHODOLOGY
Materials
Commercialized floor waxes, use beeswax and vegetable wax, but for this product the
researchers used candle to serve as the wax. Together with it, mango peel was the other main
ingredient of their floor wax. Mango peels, which contain Pectin, granted slipperiness to the wax.
And to neutralize the smell of the product, the researchers mixed Calamansi extract with it.
Originally, they were not one of the ingredients, however, eventually, kerosene and cooking oil
were included due to failure in making the product soft. The substance was made less sticky and
softer using kerosene and cooking oil.
The researchers were able to conduct this experiment through the help of the following
equipment and tools:
Firstly, gas stove and casserole were used to melt candle wax. It was also where all the
other ingredients were mixed.
Secondly, a spoon, a measuring cup, and a dropper all worked as a measuring tool for the
ingredients. Getting the right measurements were crucial to this study.
And lastly, a can of tuna was recycled to be the container of the mango floor wax.

Procedure
To start the making of the product, the researchers prepared all the ingredients first. The
mango peels were removed from the mangoes and was kept in a container for a while. Then, the
stove and a large mixing pot were prepared.
 Next, the candles were melted until they turned into its liquid form, the candles were melted
over low heat. After the candles turned into liquid, the wicks were removed. Following that, the
mango peels were added and were left to the mixture for 15-20 minutes for it to thoroughly mix.
Later, two drops of calamansi extracts, a spoon of kerosene oil, and sixty milliliters of cooking
oil were also added to the mixture.
After 15 minutes, using a strainer, the liquid mixture was poured into the container. The
liquid mango wax was set aside to cool and solidify for 3-5 hours before being used in the
following stage of this research.

CHAPTER III
RESULTS
Data Gathered
INGREDIENTS MEASUREMENTS
Candle 1000 grams × 4 = 4000 grams
Mango Peels 8 mangoes
Calamansi Extract 2 drops
Cooking Oil 60 milliliters
Kerosene 15 milliliters
Figure 2.1 The final measurement of each ingredient.

Trial # Changes and Additions Result

Trial #1 Ingredients: 4 Candles, Failed: Cannot be used;
mango peels, calamansi overly firm.
extract.
Trial #2 Ingredients: 4 Candles, Failed: Cannot be used; still
mango peels, calamansi overly firm.
extract, 10 ml of cooking oil.
Trial #3 Ingredients: 4 Candles, Failed/Success: Can be used
mango peels, calamansi already, but still not soft
extract, 60 ml of cooking oil enough.
(50 ml was added.)
 Trial #4 Ingredients: 4 Candles, Success: Not as soft as the
mango peels, calamansi researchers desired, but even
extract, 60 ml of cooking oil, so, it worked perfectly.
15 ml of kerosene.
Figure 2.2 The result of each trial
As we can see on Figure 2.2, it was difficult for the researchers to balance the measurement of
the candle and the cooking oil and kerosene. The success of the experiment was extremely reliant
to the measurements of every ingredient. More candle and less cooking oil and kerosene would
cause a sturdy product. While using less candle and more cooking oil and kerosene would cause
an incredibly soft floor wax. Hence, the researchers did many trials before they achieved their
desired rigidity, while making sure the floor wax is effective. From the first trial to the last, the
researchers used exactly 4 candles, and the outcome always turned to be firm. With this, we can
conclude that four candles are greater than the 60 ml cooking oil and 15 ml kerosene. And to fix
this, the researchers could have added more kerosene. However, they worried about their wax
having a stronger odor. For that reason, they made their floor wax work while still being quite
sturdy. On a positive note, it worked effectively.

Observation
In this study, the researchers used the process of comparison in order to conduct an experiment
between the significant difference of mango floor wax and commercialized floor wax dealing
with the concepts of odor, shininess and smoothness.
According to the picture below, the researchers provided a stick as a separation of the conducted
experiment that occurred between the difference of mango floor wax and commercialized floor
wax. The said product was tested on the left side, while on the right side is where the
commercialized floor wax was tested.
In terms of odor, the wax produced was not odorless as the researchers desired. The amount of
candle used in the wax affected the rigidity of the product. For the researchers to soften the wax,
the researchers added cooking oil and a spoon of kerosene which affected the odor of the
product. Thus, it did not turn out odorless as the researchers’ objective. Yet, the odor of the wax
was not as strong as the commercialized floor wax. And it is still less hazardous.

Mango Floor Wax Commercialized Floor Wax

Moreover, a hand towel was used to observe which type of floor wax from the two is shinier as
soon as they are wiped from the floor. The researchers then discovered the effect of the mango
floor wax and the commercialized floor wax was almost identical in terms of shininess.

.
In addition, the researchers used the tip of their fingers to feel which type of floor wax has a
greater texture. Then, it was found out that the mango floor wax is smoother than the
commercialized floor wax. And even so, encountering hazards is nothing to be worried about,
because people will still get to avoid the risk of slipping if they keep the floor completely wiped
and dry - the same way the commercialized floor wax is used.
And to further test the effectiveness of their product, the researchers scratched the part of the
floor with the floor waxes and the part without any floor wax. The scratch was barely visible
from the floor with both the mango floor wax and the commercialized floor wax compared to the
part floor without any floor wax applied. Therefore, the researchers successfully made a less
hazardous floor wax which gives the same benefits a commercialized floor wax offer.