CHAPTER 1

THE PROJECT AND ITS SETTING

1.1. Introduction

In the present age, people need materials that can be functional to the work that

they are doing. People tend to stress themselves and need reminders to remind

themselves about the small and important things that need to be recognized. People also

need a thing that can capture their attention right away and notify them about a certain

thing. Corkboards are known for providing the needs of people, in school, homes and

any of the people's workplaces. Schools and businesses found cork boards and bulletin

boards as important materials to make their work more organized and easier to work on.

Pinning papers and notes in the corkboard using thumb tacks, push pins, sticky notes and

other materials that will notify and attract the person's vision. Cork boards are also used

in improving the quality and design of an area, hanging photos, frames, and attention

seeker boards. [1] The cork oak trees are the main components used for the production

of these boards. During cork harvest, the tree remains standing while large sections of its

outer bark— the cork itself—are cut and peeled from the tree. Cork oak is unique in its

ability to regenerate its outer bark. After a tree reaches 25 years of age, it can be stripped

of its cork once every 9 to 12 years without causing damage to the tree. A single cork

oak, which lives up to 200 years, can be harvested over 16 times. [2]

However, cork oak trees can only be found in southeastern Europe and in the

northwestern Africa in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.

1
 This limited natural resource, which requires a very specific environment has made it

into a lucrative business with little competition. This research paper was inspired by a

previous thesis done by one of the researchers. [3]

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of mahogany saw dust in the

production of pin boards.

Specifically, the researchers want to answer the following questions:

1. Is the use of mahogany saw dust affects the quality in terms of its water and fire

resistance and flexural strength as an alternative to cork oak in the production of pin

board?

2. Is there a significant difference between the water and fire resistance and flexural

strength of mahogany saw dust pin board to commercialized pin board?

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To determine the qualities produced by mahogany saw dust in terms of its water

and fire resistance and flexural strength.

2. To compare the properties and performance of pin boards made with mahogany

saw dust with the commercialized pin boards.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The common material used for making cork boards is the peelings of the

cork tree. But cork trees are hard to find, and they can only be seen in a few parts

of the world. This study intends to utilize mahogany saw dust in the production of

pin board since the material used will be found abundant. Thus, if this study will

be found successful, then it would be significant to the following:

2
 • Education industry. Through utilizing mahogany saw dust as an alternative to cork

oak peeling, the education industry will have less expenses.

• Community. This study will benefit the community because using mahogany saw

dust in making cork boards is more practical and thus locally made, this will lessen

the transportation cork peelings, which is a lot more expensive and makes the

whole product pricey for the community as well. It can also lessen the community's

solid waste because saw dust is often thrown away and people tend to not know

about what they can produce from it.

• Future Researchers. The information gathered from this study will serve as a basis

to the future researchers in conducting their study related to this topic.

1.6 Scope and Limitations

The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the use of mahogany

saw dust as a substitute to cork oak in the production of pin board. Comprehensive tests

(on the pinboards to guarantee they meet stringent quality standards. This includes

strength, durability, and other performance assessments. Researchers’ time span is limited

for they only have few days or weeks to examine this study as well as the production

process of mahogany saw dust pin board because the drying of the said product is time

consuming. The researchers will get mahogany saw dust from one of its members since

they have a business in the wood industry and will include the testing on its property

particularly water and fire resistance, and flexural strength.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Agglomerated Cork -The cheapest cork option and not very strong, more likely

to break when uncorking a bottle and giving a less reliable seal to the bottle.

3
 Binding Agent - A substance that holds other materials together, to form a whole.

Cellulose - A carbohydrate that is a polymer composed of glucose units and that is

the main component of the cell walls of most plants. It is insoluble in water and is used to

make paper, cellophane, textiles, explosives, and other products.

Corkboard - A lightweight, fire-resistant material made of compressed cork. A

bulletin board with a corkboard surface.

Cork oak - Scientific name: Quercus suber. A medium-sized, evergreen oak tree

in the section Quercus sect. Cerris. It is the primary source of cork for wine bottle stoppers

and other uses, such as cork flooring and as the cores of cricket balls. It is native to

southwest Europe and northwest Africa.

Cork particles - Used to create composition cork by binding cork particles with

different binders (polyurethane, melamine, rubber etc.) Durability. The ability to withstand

pressure or damage but still remains functional, without requiring excessive maintenance

or repair.

Flour - A food binder. It is the foundation of baked goods, adds texture, flavor,

volume, and firmness.

Gluten - Important in baking for it acts as a binding agent for the dough and holds

it together,

Mahogany - The characteristics of mahogany wood in terms of durability, rot

resistance and a reddish, warm color, make it a treasured choice for woodworkers.

Saw dust - is a by-product or waste product of woodworking operations such as

sawing, sanding, milling, and routing. It is composed of very small chips of wood. These

4
operations can be performed by woodworking machinery, portable power tools or by hand

tools.

5
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter of the paper presents the review of related literature and studies interlinked
to the topic.

2.1 SAW DUST

Saw dust, a by-product of cutting or grinding wood, was collected from a local

sawmill and sun-dried for 10 days to facilitate burning. The burnt sawdust was turned into

ashes through open combustion. Saw dust can be defined as a by-product of tools

pulverized wood. [4] It is made up of the particles of wood. It is also the by-product of

certain animals, birds and insects which live in wood, such as the woodpecker and

carpenter ant. These wood processing enterprises are commonly concerned with the

finished product and carefree about the vast quantity of wood dust (wastes) generated at

sawmills.[5] As a common by-product of sawmills, these wood shavings are recycled

particleboard, burned in a sawdust burner that creates ultrafine air pollutants, or exploited

to make heat for other milling operations. This show high availability of saw dust waste

in our environment today. [6] Sawdust, a byproduct of sawmills, is easily available and

affordable. It's eco-friendly as it naturally decomposes without harming the environment.

Researchers are interested in studying how sawdust, with its main components being

hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, can be used for adsorption. The chemical

composition influences its behavior, with hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin typically

making up 15-

35%, 35-60%, and 15-30% of sawdust, respectively. [7] Hemicellulose, a natural

polysaccharide, is the second most abundant renewable component of

lignocellulosic biomass, next to cellulose; its global annual production is

6
approximately 60 billion tons, hemicellulose is used in the production of various

materials (emulsifiers, films, and hydrogels, etc.) and fine chemicals (xylitol,

ethanol, and furfural, etc.) for food, medical, and energy storage applications. [8]

Lignocellulose is the structural component of plant cell walls. It consists of

tubular bundles of cellulose surrounded and interconnected by hemicellulose and

ultimately by lignin. The degradation of lignocellulose from common feedstocks

such as wood shavings and switchgrass has been the subject of significant

academic interest and commercial development. [9]

2.2 MAHOGANY

Mahogany is a large tree that can grow up to 60 meters tall and 4.5 meters in

diameter. It is a lowland tree that thrives best at a rainfall range of 1,500 mm to 5,000 mm

and tolerates dry season up to seven months. Mahogany is used in multi-storey systems

in the Philippines, boat and ship building, and pattern making. Logs are used in the

manufacture of veneers and for paneling. It is also used as shade for coffee and cacao.

The mahogany wood has the highest density compared to the other fillers. This density

causes the mahogany filler to be distributed and mixed evenly on the sample so that the

composite constituents can be compressed easily. If the wood density is low, it isn’t easy

to mix the constituent materials homogeneously. This condition can cause the composite

to have higher porosity. From this condition, it can be said that the density of wood will

significantly affect the resulting particleboard's porosity. The higher the density of wood,

the smaller the porosity of particle boards. The smaller the porosity, the higher the

particleboard density. [10]

7
2.3 WHEAT FLOUR AS BINDING AGENT

Wheat is commonly used worldwide, but due to increased awareness of celiac

disease and gluten intolerance, as well as a demand for healthier and diverse food options,

alternative crops are being explored for bread production. This study focuses on

predicting the suitability of rice, corn, buckwheat, amaranth, and soya for quality bread.

The rheological properties of these alternatives are compared to wheat flour, the standard

benchmark. The goal is to find alternatives that not only match wheat flour's properties

but also offer improved nutritional benefits. Using Mixolab measurements, the study

found that while the alternatives have different profiles compared to wheat flour, rice and

both types of buckwheat showed the most similar rheological behavior. However, it is

suggested that a combination of these alternatives could provide an optimal rheological

profile, offering similar properties to wheat flour with potential functional improvements

in the final bread product. [11] Wheat flour, comprising 63% starch, serves as a binding

agent. Native starch has lower binding capacity than gelatinized starch, which is achieved

through heat, moisture, and mechanical shearing in the densification process. Although

gelatinization aids in binding, incorporating wheat flour in this state proves challenging

when mixing with sawdust. To address this, the wheat flour and sawdust were mixed

before water addition. The effectiveness of various binders in bonding sawdust particles

is influenced by the components present in both the sawdust and the binder. Generally,

starch, lignin, and water-soluble fiber are considered effective binders. Starch, lignin, and

water-soluble fiber act as good binders. Protein also serves as a binder when in a

plasticized state, requiring high-temperature processing. Despite sawdust containing

around 40-50% cellulose and 30% lignin, the activation of lignin may not occur under

8
certain process conditions. As a result, it becomes necessary to externally add starch,

lignin, or water soluble fibers to enhance the bonding of biomass in the briquette. [12]

The binding activities of corn starch were tested, and it has been concluded that the

preliminary production of briquettes made from sawdust and cornstarch was achieved. It

has been deduced that the volume of binder, cornstarch, increased with the same amount

of sawdust, resulting for the performance of briquettes to increase as well according from

the results of the parameters evaluated. This shows cornstarch is a good binder. [13]

2.4 CORK BOARD (CORK OAK)

Cork products, especially Insulation Corkboard (ICB), play a crucial role in

construction with notable benefits. ICB is made using only superheated steam, generated

from cork waste produced during cork grinding and board finishing. No additional

materials, apart from cork, are introduced in the process. The cork resins used in

agglomeration make it a 100% natural and eco-friendly product. After use, ICB can either

be reused in similar applications due to its unchanged properties or ground into granules

for new purposes like thermal insulation or as an inert component in making lightweight

concrete and mortars. This demonstrates the sustainability and versatility of cork products

in construction. is a natural and sustainable material that has been used for centuries. It's

renewable, meaning we can keep using it without running out. A lot has been studied about

cork, and this review looks specifically at what cork is made of, how it feels and holds up

physically, its strength, and the things we can make from it and the leftover bits. It's like a

summary of what we know about cork from a scientific standpoint. [14] According to the

findings presented, analyzed, and interpreted by the researcher, it has been determined that

9
dried coconut leaves (Cocos nucifera) can be utilized as a primary material for

manufacturing cork boards. The optimal outcome was achieved through a combination of

100 grams of dried coconut leaves and 100 milliliters of cassava extract (used as a binder).

In comparison to commercially available cork boards, this study demonstrates notable

distinctions in terms of water absorption, density, and cost. The environmental impact of

this research is positive, as it contributes to the reduction of waste generated by dried

coconut leaves and minimizes air pollution resulting from their incineration. Moreover,

there is potential for business applications, offering an avenue for supplementary income.

[15] Rice hull, also known as rice husk, forms the outer protective coating on rice seeds

or grains, containing hard materials like silica, cellulose, and lignin. Often discarded as

waste in milling processes due to its abundance, rice husks are, nonetheless, commonly

repurposed as solid fuels, in loose form, briquettes, and pellets. Despite being considered

waste, its ease of collection and low cost make it a viable energy source for small-scale

applications such as brick production, steam engines, and gasifiers powering rice mills and

providing heat for rice dryers. Due to its fibrous nature, minimal energy input is required

to prepare rice husks for board manufacturing. This resource can be harnessed to produce

various types of boards, including particle boards, insulation boards, and ceiling boards.

This study aimed to look for alternative uses of rice hull which is usually wasted to

accumulate in milling houses. In this study rice hull was used as raw material for making

particle board bonded by foam polystyrene-gasoline mixture as adhesive. The burning

properties of gasoline depended on its composition. Additives were used in small turnout

to enhance the gasoline's performance. common additives present in gasoline were

antilock compounds and antioxidants or inhibiters. As revealed in Table 1, Treatment A

took the longest time to be ignited. This was because this treatment contained the greatest

10
volume of gasoline, therefore it also has more antilock compounds and antioxidants or

inhibitors.

[16] Pineapple peelings have been hypothesized to be a viable alternative to cork

oak in the production of pin boards because of its natural fiber and its cellulosic content

of 80%. This would lead to the durability needed in cork boards. The researchers will be

using a mixture of flour and water to bind the pineapple peelings into a cohesive board.

The flour and water mixture will aid in the permanence of the pin board, ensuring that it

will maintain its form and function. The researchers observed that the results are more

closely related to commercialized cork board, according to their recommendations. Which

made the researchers think that the procedure used in the previous project might be.The

researchers will collect all the materials needed which include the kitchen tools and raw

material. The materials needed for the experimentation are: 2,250 grams of mahogany

sawdust, 3 cup of water, 3 cup of flour, 14.5x10.5 inches rectangular pan, blender, sharp

scissors, thin wood, mixing bowl, pan, and baking sheet. For the raw material, which is

the pineapple peelings, the researchers will go to a public market and buy ½ sack of

pineapple peelings that are supposed to be thrown away. As a consequence of the

unreliable producers who are not unmindful about the adverse effect of too much logging,

our fellow countrymen in the rural areas anguished from the result of flashflood and

landslide. Since this alarming situation is now encountered, the researcher supervised an

experiment made for papaya trunk to generate the replacement source of bulletin board.

Which is affordable, practical, and durable. Based on the outcomes and discoveries, the

researcher determined that the two treatments (T1:700g, T2:500g) implemented in the

experiment exhibit a substantial disparity from the commercial product, particularly in

terms of durability and texture. The interpretation of the data involved the utilization of a
11
one-tailed F-test, revealing a significant distinction between the experimental bulletin

board and its commercial counterpart. The experimental bulletin board was compared to

commercial bulletin board in terms of durability and texture. The F-ratio result conducted

in the grams in terms of durability is 19.05 is greater than 3.98, therefore the Ho is rejected.

The F-ratio result in grams in terms of texture is 56.56 is greater than 3.98, therefore the

Ho is rejected. This indicates a definitive conclusion that the two treatments differ

significantly from the commercial product. The researcher, drawing from these results,

concluded that incorporating papaya trunk fiber yields an affordable, durable, and more

effective bulletin board compared to the commercial alternative. [17]

12
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

In this study, the researchers will use experimental design as a research

methodology for the researchers will manipulate the experiment variables, the treatment,

as well as the subjects. It will try to prove or disprove a hypothesis mathematically with

statistical analysis using different tools that will be used in treating the data the researchers

gathered from the different test. True experimental design is a research methodology

which is used to act as a final test of hypothesis and that best suits the

researcher’s study.

1.4 Hypotheses of the Study

Null Hypotheses (Ho)

1. The use of mahogany saw dust does not affect the quality in terms of its water

and fire resistance and flexural strength as an alternative to cork oak in the

production of pin board.

2. There is no significant difference between the water and fire resistance and

flexural strength of mahogany saw dust pin board to commercialized pin board.

Alternative Hypotheses (Ha):

1. The use of mahogany saw dust affects the quality in terms of its water and fire

resistance and flexural strength as an alternative to cork oak in the production of

pin board.

2. There is a significant difference between the water and fire resistance and flexural

strength of mahogany saw dust pin board to commercialized pin board.

13
 3.2 Theoretical Framework

This research focuses on the use of mahogany saw dust as a substitute for cork oak

in the production of pin board. The independent variables are the ratio (R1- 600g

Mahogany Sawdust, R2 - 800g Mahogany Sawdust, R3 - 1000g Mahogany Sawdust) in

the production of pin board, based on study of using papaya trunk in cork board where

they used 1/3 increment. The dependent variables are the quality of the pin boards between

the commercialized and experimental one. The quality of the pin boards will be tested in

terms of flexural strength, water resistance, and fire resistance. while the intervening

variable is the weather condition. The materials to be used for the experimentation are

mahogany saw dust, water, flour, rectangular pan, blender, thin wood

(as compressor), non-stick baking spray, and baking sheets.

• R1– 750g Mahogany Sawdust • Water Absorption

• R2– 750g Mahogany Sawdust Intervening Variables • Fire Resistance
Weather Condition • Flexural Strength

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Fig.3.1. Conceptual Framework

3.3 System Design

The standard dimensions of the rectangular cork board are length 14.5 in, and width

10.5 in. The Cork board was made by replacing cork oak tree with sawdust and flour as a

binding agent. The sample size would be 33 to accumulate close to accuracy results. Five

test specimens will be tested for water immersion number, a total of 15 test specimens will

be used since there are three treatments in the study. For flammability and flexural test,

each test will have 3 test specimens from each treatment. The sample size determination

is based on the widely used rule of thumb. [17]

14
 14.5 in

10.5 in

Fig.3.2 Dimensions of Cork board

3.3.1 Production of Pin Board using Mahogany Saw Dust

STEP 1 - GATHERING OF MATERIALS

The researchers will collect all the materials needed, which include the kitchen tools

and raw material. The materials needed for the experimentation are mahogany saw dust, 1

cup of water, 1 cup of flour, 14.5 in x 10.5 in rectangular pan, blender, thin wood, mixing

bowl, pan, and baking sheet. For the raw material, which is mahogany saw dust, the

researchers will go to one of the members lumber sawmill to collect it.

STEP 2 – SCREENING OF SAW DUST

To make sure that the collected mahogany saw dust had fine particles, the

researchers will screen it. By putting the mahogany sawdust on the screener to

separate the larger grade and smaller one.

STEP 3 - CREATING THE BINDING AGENT

In a pan, add 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of water, then mix until the

consistency of the mixture is glue-like.

15
STEP 4 - MIXING OF BINDING AGENT TO MAHOGANY SAW DUST

MIXTURE

In a pan, add the binding agent and mahogany saw dust mixture. Mix until

the binding agent is fully incorporated in the mahogany saw dust.

STEP 5 - MOLDING AND BAKING OF MIXTURE

The mixture will be placed in a rectangular pan (14.5 in x 10.5 in) which

is covered with a baking sheet. Then the researchers will press a thin piece of

wood on top of the mixture to compress and flatten the mixture. After

compressing, the mixture will be baked in the oven for 15 minutes over 100°C.

Remove the pan from the oven, check the mixture if it is baked thoroughly by

sticking a toothpick in the mixture. Then, flip the pin board, compress once again,

and bake for 15 mins over 100°C.

STEP 6- ADDING OF ANTI-MOLDING AGENT AND SUN-DRYING

After baking, spray vinegar on the surface of the front side of the pin board

using a spray bottle. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the pin board. After

spraying sun-dry it for 5 days, then flip the pin board, spray the other side and

sundry once again.

Table 3.1. Ratios of the Mahogany Saw Dust

RATIO MAHOGANY FLOUR WATER

SAW DUST (250 g/cup) (250 g/cup)

(25 kg/sack)

R1 750 grams 2 cup 2 cup

R2 750 grams 1 cup 1 cup

16
3.4 Instrumentation and Materials

3.4.1 Materials

Saw dust is a by-product or waste product of woodworking operations such as

sawing, sanding, milling, and routing. It is composed of very small chips of wood. Flour

a food binder. It is the foundation of baked goods, adds texture, flavor, volume, and

firmness.

Table 3.2. Materials to be used.

Materials Quantity Description

Mahogany Sawdust 2,400 grams

Flour 3 cups

Water 3 cups

3.4.2 Tools and Equipment

Rectangular metal pan placed in an oven and used for baking pastries such as

bread rolls, cookies, sheet cakes, Swiss rolls, and pizzas. Blender is the free and open-

source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging,

animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing

and game creation. Plywood. Plywood consists of thin wooden veneers bonded with an

adhesive on top of each other with the direction of the grain alternating at right angles in

each layer. The edges are smooth enough to leave plain, or you can cover them with a

thin strip of veneer or wooden lipping. Mixing bowls are mainly used for mixing

ingredients or whipping cream using a whisk. Personal protective equipment, commonly

referred to as “PPE”, is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards.

17
Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective

hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators, and full body suits.

Table 3.3. Tools and Equipment's to be used.

Equipment and tools Specifications

Rectangular pan Type: Aluminum

Uses: As a container for the

mixture.

Blender Type: Glass

Uses: To grind the semisolid

ingredients, such as

mahogany sawdust.

Thin wood Type: Wood

Uses: To compress when

molding corkboard.

Mixing bowl Type: Stainless steel

Uses: Mixing ingredients.

18
 Baking pan Type: Stainless steel

Uses: As a molder.

PPE (Personal Protective Uses: Protect the

Equipment) individual, such as apron,

safety goggles, gloves, and

protective mask.

3.5 Research Setting

In this project, the feasibility of mahogany saw dust in the production of pin boards

will be conducted at Lingasad, Polanco since it will be convenient for us because they

have a lumbermill there. The following test which are Water Immersion Number and

Flexural Strength Test will be conducted at DPWH as it has a laboratory which can

facilitate the proper result of the brick and the availability of a materials required for the

study can be easily acquired. The Flammability Test will be conducted at one of the

researchers’ homes since the materials are available and are easily acquired.

3.6 Data Gathering Procedures

3.6.1 WATER IMMERSION NUMBER OF PAPERBOARD

This test measures the amount of water in grams absorbed by a test piece of a given

size of the board including its resistance to the absorption of water through its cut edges

as well as transversely through its faces. The water resistance of the faces alone may be

measured by the Cobb test as describes in TAPPI T441 "Water Absorptiveness of Sized

19
(Non-Bibulous) Paper and Paperboard (Cobb Test)." The water resistance may be a

measure of the degree of sizing imparted to the board in its manufacture.

From each test unit of a sample obtained in accordance with TAPPI T400

"Sampling and Accepting a Single Lot of Paper, Paperboard, Containerboard, Related

Product," cut at least five test specimens, each larger than 6 in square. Condition the

specimens according to TAPPI T402 "Standard Conditioning and Testing Atmospheres for

Paper, Board, Pulp hand sheets, and Related Products." Cut the test Pieces to 6 in

square.

Weigh the test specimen to within 0.1 g. Submerge the specimen horizontally in 3

in of water in the container at 23+2*C. Hold the specimen submerged for 10 min or as

otherwise specified, by placing weights on two diagonally opposite corners, or by means

of a piece of wire screen. then, remove the specimen and quickly place it between two

sheets of the blotting paper. remove the surplus water by moving the metal roller once

backward and once forward over the pad without exerting any additional pressure in the

roller. remove the blotting paper and immediately weigh the specimen. Record the weight

and calculate the amount that has been gained in the specimen. Test at least five specimens

in this manner.

From each test unit, subtract the dry test specimen weight from the wet test

specimen weight. The weight difference in grams is the water immersion number for the

test specimen.

𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟

% 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑒𝑑 = × 100
𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

20
 3.6.2 FLAMMABILITY TEST

Flammability is the ability of a substance to ignite and sustain combustion when

exposed to a heat source. It is crucial to remember that almost all materials, including

metals, wood, and plastics, have some degree of flammability. Cork flammability was

tested using bench-scale flammability cone calorimeter compliant with the ASTEM E1354

standard. Using this method, samples were exposed to a conical shaped heater set at a fixed

heat flux level and combustion gases are extracted during tests through an exhaust hood

and duct. Various parameters of effluents were measured by sampling of gas and different

instrumentation inside the duct, and heat release rate was indirectly calculated using

oxygen consumption calorimetry. Other flammability parameters such as mass loss rate

and smoke density concentration were also measured during the test. The cone calorimeter

has a widespread application and authors refer. Samples were conditioned to a temperature

of 23±3˚C and relative humidity of 50±5% for 24 hours before tests. Every sample

weighted before each test, all four sides of samples (excluding top surface) were wrapped

using aluminum foil and placed on a ceramic fiber board in sample holder. This was to

minimize heat loss to surroundings from the sides and back faces of samples. All

instrumentation and analyzers were calibrated before tests to ensure accuracy of

measurements based on ASTM E1354 standard. Cone heater was calibrated for three heat

flux levels: 20- kW.m-2, 35-kW.m-2, and 50- kW.m-2set in these experiments using

Gordon heat flux gauge with uncertainty of ±0.3-kW/m2. Baseline values were recorded

for 60-s before placing sample under cone heater. Three flammability parameters of

interest were measured during the tests including time-to-ignition, heat release rate, and

21
smoke concentration. Three replicates were used for each test condition to ensure

repeatability and reproducibility of results.

3.6.3 FLEXURAL STRENGTH TEST

Flexural strength, or bend strength, is defined as a material's ability to resist

deformation under load. The flexural strength represents the highest stress experienced

within the material at its moment of rupture. It is measured in terms of stress.

A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is a type of mechanical testing

equipment that is utilized for determining the mechanical properties of various materials,

such as tensile strength, compressive strength, bending strength, and shear strength. The

UTM works by applying a controlled tensile or compressive load to the specimen being

tested and measuring its response. The sample is clamped securely into the load frame,

and the load is applied using a force measurement device The applied load was

displacement controlled (at a speed of 0.2 mm/min) so that the descending segment of the

load-deflection curves could be recorded. The span length (L) between the two supports

was 150 mm and the central span (pure bending) length was 50 mm. The deflection of the

ECC prism was monitored by a high-precision electronic dial indicator.

3.7 Analysis Procedure

3.7.1 T-TEST

The researchers will be using t-test method to judge the results of the experiment.

It is type of inferential statistic used to determine if two groups have a significant

difference. A t test takes a sample from each of the two problem sets and establishes the

problem statement by assuming a null hypothesis that the two means are equal.

22
 3.7.2 Standard Deviation

It is a statistical tool that measures the dispersion of data set relative to its mean.

The calculated standard deviation values were added and subtracted to the average to

determine which set of data are erroneous. Outliers or an erroneous data are unusual values

in the data set. Possible reasons for outliers are recording errors, unusual sampling and

laboratory procedures or conditions, or inconsistent sample turbidity.

The number of samples with the corresponding water absorption and its mean, the

fire resistance and its mean, flexural strength and its mean, will be the values that are to

be used to gather their standard deviation.

S=

Where:

S= sample standard deviation

x= sample mean

n= number of samples

23
3.8 Flowchart and Time frame

Start of the
Project

Procurement of
Materials

Equipment and Tools

Procurement

Mixing and Moulding

Materials

Are the
No mixture
properly dry?

Wait

No
Are the
Yes
mixture
properly dry?

Yes Remove the moulder

Water and fire resistance,

and Flexural Strength

Analysis of Collected Data

Recommendation
and Conclusion

End of the Project

Fig 3.3 Flowchart of Mahogany Saw Dust

24
 Table 3.4. Timeframe

The flowchart and timeline present the entire processes and duration of the

activities involved in the project. It shows how long each activity takes to complete the

project.

April 01-04, 2024: Procurement of materials such as mahogany saw dust, flour, and

water.

April 05-07, 2024: Equipment and tools procurement like mould, mixing shovel or hoe,

wheelbarrow or bucket, gardening gloves (optional), mixing tub, level surface for

curing the bricks, string line and level.

April 08-09, 2024: Creating binding agent for the mahogany saw dust to hold itself

together.

April 10-12, 2024: The mixture will be placed in a rectangular pan (14.5 in x 10.5 in)

which is covered with a baking sheet then will be baked in the oven for 15

minutes.

April 13-22, 2024: Adding anti-molder agent and sun drying where it will take 10 days

since it will take 5 days on each side of the board.

25
April 23-27, 2024: Several tests will be conducted including water and fire resistance tests

and flexural strength tests.

April 23-27, 2024: The results of the following tests will then be jotted down as this time

frame will also include data gathering.

April 23-27, 2024: From the results, the researchers will analyze the data gathered.

April 28–May 01, 2024: The researchers will then present the conclusion and

recommendations after confirming the feasibility of mahogany saw dust as a

substitute to cork oak in the production of pin boards.

May 02-04, 2024: Submission of final paper.

May 05-09, 2024: The researchers prepare for the final defense.

26
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 EXPERIMENTAL ATTEMPS

The following were attemps in making the mahogany saw dust as pin board. The

table below serves as references upon arriving on the appropriate method in making the

pin board as well as getting the appropriate ratio for this study.

No. Rating Reasons Image

- To much saw dust

1. Failed is used and less

flour and water

causes to not form

a proper pin board.

2. Barely Passing Improper Ratio

27
 3. Passed - Proper Raio

Table 4.1 Sample Rating

Upon having a successful attempt on making the pin board, the procedure and

mixture done in the third attempt were followed for the rest of pin board sample used in

the following test conducted in the study.

4.2 WATER IMMERSION NUMBER OF PAPERBOARDS TEST RESULTS

Fig 4.1 Water Absorption Test (Product) Fig 4.2 Water Absorption Test ( Commercial Product)

Ratio: 3 cups sawdust: 2 cups flour : 2 cups water

28
 Water Immersion Water Absorption

Number

Sample 1 100 g 50 g 50 %

150 g

Sample 2 100 g 50 g 50 %

150 g

Sample 3 100 g 100 g 50 %

200 g

Sample 4 100 g 75 g 75 %

175 g

Sample 5 100 g 50 g 50 %

150 g

Average 55 %

Table 4.2 Summary table of Water Absorption Test

Commercialized Pin Board

Sample 1 25 g 25 g 50 %

50 g

Sample 2 25 g 25 g 50 %

50 g

Sample 3 25 g 25 g 50 %

50 g

29
Sample 4 25 g 25 g 75 %

50 g

Sample 5 25 g 25 g 50 %

50 g

Average 55 %

Table 4.3 Summary table of Water Absorption Test (Commercialized)

Table 4.1 shows the computed data of the average water absorption percentage for

the researchers compared to the commercialized pin board available in the local market.

In which the researchers ratio has higher absorption rate than the commercialized

pinboard only sample 1 shows no sign of cracks among all the samples.

30
REFERENCE:

[1] Dena Fang, Effectiveness of Using Coconut Fiber Coir and Sawdust Wood Dust

as an Alternative Material in Ma, University of San Carlos - Talamban Campus,

Cebu City, 2021.

[2] Matt, Everything You Need To Know About Cork Oak Trees, California, San
Fran,Mass Producing Trees, Oct 4, 2022

[3] Megg Jernigan, Properties and Characteristics of Mahogany Timber, Florida

Gainesville, FL 32611, USA, International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild

Fauna and Flora, March 11, 2021.

31
[4] Festus Chukwudi Onyeka, Design and Production of Concrete Kerbs for

Pavement Construction Made with Saw Dust Ash as Partial Replacement of

Cement, Michael

Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Umuahia, Nigeria, September 2023.

[5] Daham Shyamalee, Evaluation of different binding materials in forming biomass

briquettes with saw dust, A.D.U.S. Amarasinghe, N.S. Senanayaka Department of

Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Open University of Sri Lanka,

Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, March 2015.

[6] Sushmitha Ramireddy G., Partial Replacement of Cement with Saw Dust Ash in

Concrete, Pulla Reddy Engineering College, Nandyāl, India, November 2023.

[7] Meez, E., Rahdar, A., & Kyzas, G. Z. (2021). Sawdust for the Removal of Heavy

Metals from Water: A Review.

[8] J. Rao, Z. Lv, G. Chen, and F. Peng, “Hemicellulose: Structure, chemical

modification, and application,” Progress in Polymer Science, vol. 140, p. 101675,

May 2023, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101675.

32
[9] M. Z. H. Kazmi, A. Karmakar, V. K. Michaelis, and F. J. Williams, “Separation of

cellulose/hemicellulose from lignin in white pine sawdust using boron trihalide

reagents,” Tetrahedron, vol. 75, no. 11, pp. 1465–1470, Mar. 2019, doi:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2019.02.009.

[10] Mariel Montano, Patrick David Arboleda, Gillian Yap, John Andre Nucum,

Unraveling viscoelastic properties of Philippine Mahogany and manufactured

acoustic guitar for improving acoustic performance of materials, University of the

Philippines Diliman, Philippines, October 7 2023.

[11] Hadnađev, T. D., Torbica, A., & Hadnađev, M. (2011). Rheological properties

wheat flour substitutes/alternative crops assessed by Mixolab. Procedia Food

Science, 1, 328–334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profoo.2011.09.051

[12] Chealsea Quinee Calma, Therese Celine C. Cura, Kirk Luois F. Makabuhay, Ian

Justin Manansala, Kelly Shane D. Sevilla, Princess Nicole Villasanta,

Effectiveness of Utilizing Rice hull as Cork board and Constarch as its Binder,

July 21, 2019.

[13] Emanuel M. Fernandes, Vitor M Correlo, Cork: Properties, capabilities and

applications, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal, March 2005.

33
[14] Jhie Anne M. Austria, Utilization of Dried Coconut (Cocus Nucifera) Leaves in
Making Corkboard, March 2018.

[15] Chealsea Quinee Calma, Therese Celine C. Cura, Kirk Luois F. Makabuhay, Ian

Justin Manansala, Kelly Shane D. Sevilla, Princess Nicole Villasanta,

Effectiveness of Utilizing Rice hull as Cork board and Constarch as its Binder,

July 21, 2019.

[16] Colocado, Phoebe Julia Marticio, Viktor Harold Esquillo, Raziel Anne Molina,

Mhar Louis Lanuzga, Shena Sumaya Miguel, USE OF Ananas comosus

(PINEAPPLE) PEELING AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO Quercus suber (CORK

OAK) IN THE PRODUCTION OF PIN BOARD, De La Salle University –

Dasmariñas City of Dasmariñas, Cavite, 2020

[17] Jasper Ian M. Aquino, Mary Joy L. Tibay, Myrasel B. Badua, Papaya Trunk Carica
as Bulliten Board, Lyceum Northwestern University, Tapuac District, 2400
Dagupan City. September 1, 2018

34