DOLORES NATIONAL HIGH

SCHOOL
Dolores, Eastern Samar
COGON GRASS (Imperata cylindrica)
ASHES AND USED OIL AS SHOE
POLISH

AYANNA ALEXI C. OCFEMIA ANA LINA G. VERANA

Researcher
Research Adviser
 ABSTRACT

This study intends to test the feasibility of

cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) ashes as shoe
polish. This study was done to somehow lessen
the problem on global crisis. There were two
experimental set-ups treated in this study that
were compared and tested to commercial polish
that served as the control set-up. The shininess
and smoothness of the two set-ups and control
set-up were tested and rated by thirty evaluators
who were chosen randomly.
 ABSTRACT
Then the results were treated using t-test for
two independent samples to determine its
difference. Results showed that there was no
significant difference between the control set-up
and the first experimental set-up which is
composed of 25g cogon grass ashes and 75ml
used oil. Finally, results revealed that the t-test
value of these criteria was lesser than the t-tabular
value implying that the mixture of cogon grass
ashes and used oil is
 ABSTRACT
better than the commercial shoe polish in terms
of its shininess and smoothness. The cost-benefit
analysis for the manufacture of the first
experimental set-up showed that it is
economically beneficial and helpful not only to
students who are not well-off but to anyone who
is industrious and patient enough in making the
said product, than the control set-up or the
commercial shoe polish. Therefore, cogon grass
ashes mixed with used oil is an efficient material
in making a homemade shoe polish.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Weeds, especially the cogon grass grows all

around the world, including the country of the
Philippines. Imperata cylindrica or cogon grass
is known for its massive spread over large areas
of the subtropics. It is especially seen in the
researcher’s place, Dolores, Eastern Samar.
This weed type has been here for decades and
adapts well to its sustainable tropical climate.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Cogon grass ruins agricultural areas because

of its quick growth rate. The abundance of this
grass can also affect the nearby people with
living and farming situations. So, the researcher
made a useful product out of the said grass.
This study was conducted not just to produce a
cheaper shoe polish for all but also to lessen the
outgrowing number of cogon grass in the
community.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
It is hoped that new uses of the previously
distaste of cogon grass might help improve the
lives of the people living in Dolores, Eastern
Samar through a more informed understanding of
an abundant biological resource.
As an answer to the worldwide problem, the
researcher looks for an alternative use of Cogon
grass which is the main ingredient in the
production of shoe polish.
The study, therefore, was conducted in order
to test the feasibility of cogon grass ashes mixed
with used oil as shoe polish.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
To see and identify the mixture which will provide the best shoe
polish, the researcher prepared three set-ups and all of which
undergone the same applications to same surfaces.
Set-ups Observations Remarks
A The solution has produced the shiniest Can be a best substitute for
and smoothest effect on the shoes. the commercial shoe polish.
B The solution has produced a shinier and Can be a substitute for the
smoother effect on the shoes. commercial shoe polish.
C The solution has produced a shiny and The solutions with the cogon
smooth effect on the shoes. grass ashes are better that
the commercial one in terms
of its shininess and
smoothness
 Shininess and Smoothness test result

The set-ups were evaluated by thirty

(30) panelists using the following scale:
 5- Excellent shininess and smoothness
4- Very shiny and smooth
3- Average shiny and smooth
2- Slight shiny and smooth
1-Not shiny, not smooth
Discussions

  Since the tcalc is lesser than the ttab, the null

hypothesis was accepted. There is no significant
difference between the mean of cogon grass shoe
polish and the commercial shoe polish.
Cogon grass shoe polish is as effective as the
commercial shoe polish in terms of its shininess
and smoothness.
CONCLUSION
The general objective of this study, which is to
determine the feasibility of cogon grass ashes as
an alternative shoe polish was proven. Based on
the findings and actual observations made from
the two set-ups (Set-ups with cogon grass ashes
and used oil), the researcher found out and
arrived at a conclusion that a mixture of cogon
grass ashes and used oil can be a good and
effective substitute of commercial shoe polish.
 
 Specifically, the following conclusions were drawn:
1.) cogon grass ashes mixed with used oil can be
utilized as an alternative shoe polish;
2.) 25g Cogon grass ashes and 75ml used oil is the
appropriate measurement of each ingredient that
provided the best results in terms of its shininess
and smoothness;
3.) there was no significant difference between the
quality of commercial shoe polish and Cogon
grass ashes with used oil; and
4.) the homemade shoe polish is far cheaper,
economical and practical to use than the
commercial shoe polish.
 METHODOLOGY
Gathering and Preparing
Draw the conclusion
of materials

Interpret and Analyse

Sun-dry then burn the
the Data
cogon grass
 

Collect the Cogon grass Prepare the tables

ashes
Treat the Data
Weigh the Cogon grass  
ashes and measure the Test the product 
used oil
Filter the mixture using
Boil the used oil coco cloth

Remove from fire, set

Add the cogon grass ashes
aside and let it cool
to the boiling used oil
Stir the mixture
continuously until the
particles are dissolved
 REFERENCES
 
Books
• Briggs, D.E.G. (1999), “Molecular taphonomy of animal and plant cuticles:
selective preservation and diagenesis”, Philosophical Transactions of the
Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 354 (1379): 7-17,doi:
10.1098/rstb.1999.0356.
• Holloway, PJ (1992). “The chemical constitution of plant cutins”.
• Montagnaro and Santoro. 1999. “Reuse of coal combustion ashes as dyes and
heavy metal adsorbents: Effect of sieving and demineralization on waste
properties and adsorption capacity”. New Guinea. Science issue.
 
Websites
• http://journals.royalsociety.org/index/7tty8kmoy9padf1x.pdf
• http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-
Service/Our-Forests/Forest-Health/Invasive-Non-Native-Plants/Cogon-
Grass)
• (https://www.scribd.com/document/88726985/Shoe-Polish)
• (http://icgreentech.com/all-about-motor-oils/)
• (http://gregchapman.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/used-oil-and-its-
THANK YOU!!!!