Gabriel L. Legaspi, Marco Juhann G. Ortega, Gabriel Antonio S. Prospero, Freya Yggdrasil Soltura, Samantha Q. Tachado
Edited by: STEM C Technical Committee
Buttercup! Blossom! There’s been a new mission from the Professor.
What is it, Bubbles?
It is something about coconut coir diapers. Here's a quick overview.
Okay. Let’s read it all together.
This research covers the development of a sustainable diaper out of coconut coir. Coconut coir is known to have properties that are suitable for a diaper such as its hydrophilic nature, good water retention and its great ability to absorb liquids. The research aims to assess whether the diaper satisfies the criteria set by the researchers in terms of durability and absorbency. Earlier research concentrated on the diaper's absorbent core using coconut coir; however, it did not disclose how to employ coconut coir in making not just the absorbent core, but also the whole diaper itself. The diaper underwent multiple tests such as the Gravimetric test and Rate of Absorption test and treatments alongside a commercial diaper to determine whether or not the prototype fits the ideal characteristics of a diaper. The conducted research revealed that the prototype was able to replicate the same qualities as the commercial diaper. The statistical analysis, using a t-test, resulted in no significant difference between the prototype and commercial diaper. The researchers recommend future researchers to further improve the characteristics of the diaper as the prototype is early in development.
This research covers the development of a sustainable diaper out of coconut coir. Coconut coir is known to have properties that are suitable for a diaper such as its hydrophilic nature, good water retention and its great ability to absorb liquids. The research aims to assess whether the diaper satisfies the criteria set by the researchers in terms of durability and absorbency. Earlier research concentrated on the diaper's absorbent core using coconut coir; however, it did not disclose how to employ coconut coir in making not just the absorbent core, but also the whole diaper itself. The diaper underwent multiple tests such as the Gravimetric test and Rate of Absorption test and treatments alongside a commercial diaper to determine whether or not the prototype fits the ideal characteristics of a diaper. The conducted research revealed that the prototype was able to replicate the same qualities as the commercial diaper. The statistical analysis, using a t-test, resulted in no significant difference between the prototype and commercial diaper. The researchers recommend future researchers to further improve the characteristics of the diaper as the prototype is early in development.
After reading that, we need to go to the coconut farm now.
Lets go, girls!
Now, what do we need to do?
To begin with, let's see if we can find coconuts. It’s split up time!
Okay. Let’s go!
You are Buttercup. You’re mission is to find coconuts for the invention.
“The Philippines, named as the fourth top waste generator in Southeast Asia..., is undeniably facing a problem on solid waste management.” (Rebuelta-Teh, 2022). Healthcare waste alone, generated from June 2020 to April 2022, weighed around 1,400 metric tons every day, according to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
Part of this healthcare waste is the tons of disposed diapers that remain intact an undecomposed even years after use; the reason behind such is the use of non-biodegradable materials. This, in turn, provides an opportunity to create biodegradable diapers with the use of organic natural fibers; the fiber in this case, after careful and thorough research, is coconut coir.
The research is aimed at developing a sustainable diaper made out of coconut coir that would fit a set of criteria. The criteria that the diaper will be tested for are its absorbency and durability. This research aims to answer the question “Will the diaper satisfy the criteria set by the researchers?” The research hypothesizes that the hydrophilic nature of coconut coir is one of the numerous benefits that make it a good material for a sustainable diaper - absorbing, on average, up to 56.0% of its weight (Mittal & Chaudhary, 2018). Consecutively, the treatment that will be done will further improve the efficiency of the diaper.
This study aims to develop and test a coconut coir-based diaper for absorption and mechanical durability. Analysis of the remaining characteristics of the diaper, such as antimicrobial activity, will be discussed further in separate studies. The study will be carried out in a scientific laboratory located in La Salle Green Hills due to its easy accessibility and its more professional tools and equipment specialized for testing.
In comparison to pre-existing research papers on coconut coir as an alternative fiber used in diapers, this study aims to utilize coconut coir fiber in the development of a biodegradable, disposable diaper as a whole, unlike previous papers that have only limited to the fiber’s use as a reusable diaper’s absorbent core (Kahar et al., 2019; Thilakavathi et al., 2021). Likewise, the biodegradability factor of coconut coir enables the diaper to act as a fertilizer after use.
“The Philippines, named as the fourth top waste generator in Southeast Asia..., is undeniably facing a problem on solid waste management.” (Rebuelta-Teh, 2022). Healthcare waste alone, generated from June 2020 to April 2022, weighed around 1,400 metric tons every day, according to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
Part of this healthcare waste is the tons of disposed diapers that remain intact an undecomposed even years after use; the reason behind such is the use of non-biodegradable materials. This, in turn, provides an opportunity to create biodegradable diapers with the use of organic natural fibers; the fiber in this case, after careful and thorough research, is coconut coir.
The research is aimed at developing a sustainable diaper made out of coconut coir that would fit a set of criteria. The criteria that the diaper will be tested for are its absorbency and durability. This research aims to answer the question “Will the diaper satisfy the criteria set by the researchers?” The research hypothesizes that the hydrophilic nature of coconut coir is one of the numerous benefits that make it a good material for a sustainable diaper - absorbing, on average, up to 56.0% of its weight (Mittal & Chaudhary, 2018). Consecutively, the treatment that will be done will further improve the efficiency of the diaper.
This study aims to develop and test a coconut coir-based diaper for absorption and mechanical durability. Analysis of the remaining characteristics of the diaper, such as antimicrobial activity, will be discussed further in separate studies. The study will be carried out in a scientific laboratory located in La Salle Green Hills due to its easy accessibility and its more professional tools and equipment specialized for testing.
In comparison to pre-existing research papers on coconut coir as an alternative fiber used in diapers, this study aims to utilize coconut coir fiber in the development of a biodegradable, disposable diaper as a whole, unlike previous papers that have only limited to the fiber’s use as a reusable diaper’s absorbent core (Kahar et al., 2019; Thilakavathi et al., 2021). Likewise, the biodegradability factor of coconut coir enables the diaper to act as a fertilizer after use.
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Prototype Photo
Prototype Photo
I. Research Design
To conduct this study, the researchers used a quantitative approach using the posttest-only control group design. Samples are divided into groups at random in the posttest-only control group design, with the experimental group receiving an intervention. Following the intervention, the outcome is assessed once to determine its effectiveness. In this research, the control group are diapers available commercially and the experimental group is the coconut coir diaper.
II. Data Gathering Procedure
A. Sourcing: The coconut coir was sourced from a farm in the Municipality of Amadeo, Cavite.
B. Sterilization and Softening: The coconut coir (mesocarp) was separated from the outer shell of the coconut (exocarp). Any unwanted material was then discarded Using a top load balance, 75 grams of coconut coir was measured inside a 4-liter beaker. Four liters (4L) of water was measured using a graduated cylinder and was poured into the beaker. The water was then boiled for 30 minutes over a hot plate. After the said amount of time, the water inside of the beaker was replaced. The boiling process was repeated thrice.
C. Antimicrobial Treatment: An antimicrobial solution was created using 1 liter of water and 1.3 mL of Benzalkonium Chloride; the concentration is in accordance with FDA guidelines. The coconut coir was soaked for 1 hour in the said solution. The coir was then strained from the solution and left to air dry.
D. Assembly: In the assembly of this diaper, a Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) was added to increase the absorbency of the diaper. Note that the ratio of coir to SAP was 60:40 (Itsubo et al., 2020). In a beaker, a mixture of calcium carbonate and sodium polyacrylate, forming a ratio of 3:10 respectively (Zhang & Yang, 2014), was mixed until relatively homogenous. A sheet of a coconut based inner lining sheet was laid on a flat surface. A portion of the powder mixture was then evenly sprayed over the surface of the sheet. A third of the coconut coir was then evenly laid on the powder coated sheet. The step was repeated two more times, afterwhich, the layers were covered with more sheets. The edges were stitched to seal the layers. This serves as the absorbent core. Finally, the absorbent core was stitched on the inside of a prepared diaper made with coconut fabric.
I. Research Design
To conduct this study, the researchers used a quantitative approach using the posttest-only control group design. Samples are divided into groups at random in the posttest-only control group design, with the experimental group receiving an intervention. Following the intervention, the outcome is assessed once to determine its effectiveness. In this research, the control group are diapers available commercially and the experimental group is the coconut coir diaper.
II. Data Gathering Procedure
A. Sourcing: The coconut coir was sourced from a farm in the Municipality of Amadeo, Cavite.
B. Sterilization and Softening: The coconut coir (mesocarp) was separated from the outer shell of the coconut (exocarp). Any unwanted material was then discarded Using a top load balance, 75 grams of coconut coir was measured inside a 4-liter beaker. Four liters (4L) of water was measured using a graduated cylinder and was poured into the beaker. The water was then boiled for 30 minutes over a hot plate. After the said amount of time, the water inside of the beaker was replaced. The boiling process was repeated thrice.
C. Antimicrobial Treatment: An antimicrobial solution was created using 1 liter of water and 1.3 mL of Benzalkonium Chloride; the concentration is in accordance with FDA guidelines. The coconut coir was soaked for 1 hour in the said solution. The coir was then strained from the solution and left to air dry.
D. Assembly: In the assembly of this diaper, a Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) was added to increase the absorbency of the diaper. Note that the ratio of coir to SAP was 60:40 (Itsubo et al., 2020). In a beaker, a mixture of calcium carbonate and sodium polyacrylate, forming a ratio of 3:10 respectively (Zhang & Yang, 2014), was mixed until relatively homogenous. A sheet of a coconut based inner lining sheet was laid on a flat surface. A portion of the powder mixture was then evenly sprayed over the surface of the sheet. A third of the coconut coir was then evenly laid on the powder coated sheet. The step was repeated two more times, afterwhich, the layers were covered with more sheets. The edges were stitched to seal the layers. This serves as the absorbent core. Finally, the absorbent core was stitched on the inside of a prepared diaper made with coconut fabric.
I. Instrumentation (Testing)
The test on absorbency is based on Juncker(2022); Gravimetric test (ISO 9073-2);Rate of Absorption Test (ASTM F 1319).
A saline solution was prepared consisting of 9 grams of table salt, 1 liter of water, and 5 mL of ammonia. This saline solution simulates a baby’s urine. The saline solution was poured into a basin big enough for a diaper to fit in. The dry diaper was weighed using a balance, making sure to record the findings. Afterwhich, the diaper was placed into the basin with saline solution and was left for 10 minutes. The diaper was then hanged for 2 minutes in order to allow excess liquid that was not absorbed to drip off the diaper. The wet diaper was then weighed using a balance, making sure to record the findings.
The values of the dry weight (initial) from the wet weight (final) were subtracted from each other. The answer equals the weight of liquid absorbed. The test on durability aims to test the diaper’s strength in both wet and dry conditions.
Two tables were placed parallel to each other, leaving a gap between them. A diaper was laid flat across the gap, making sure that the sides anchored on the table do not fall off. Weights were gradually added in equal amounts across the diaper's center gradually, making sure to distribute the weight evenly and to note the total weight in grams that was applied to the diaper. The diaper was then checked for any drooping or deformation and examined for any visible rips, tears, or structural issues. The same procedure was repeated for a wet diaper.
III. Statistical Treatment
A simple t-test was used to ascertain the relationship between two groups' means, as well as whether there is a substantial difference between them. In this research’s case, the two groups that will be compared are (1) the coconut coir diaper and (2) the diapers currently available commercially.
I. Instrumentation (Testing)
The test on absorbency is based on Juncker(2022); Gravimetric test (ISO 9073-2);Rate of Absorption Test (ASTM F 1319).
A saline solution was prepared consisting of 9 grams of table salt, 1 liter of water, and 5 mL of ammonia. This saline solution simulates a baby’s urine. The saline solution was poured into a basin big enough for a diaper to fit in. The dry diaper was weighed using a balance, making sure to record the findings. Afterwhich, the diaper was placed into the basin with saline solution and was left for 10 minutes. The diaper was then hanged for 2 minutes in order to allow excess liquid that was not absorbed to drip off the diaper. The wet diaper was then weighed using a balance, making sure to record the findings.
The values of the dry weight (initial) from the wet weight (final) were subtracted from each other. The answer equals the weight of liquid absorbed. The test on durability aims to test the diaper’s strength in both wet and dry conditions.
Two tables were placed parallel to each other, leaving a gap between them. A diaper was laid flat across the gap, making sure that the sides anchored on the table do not fall off. Weights were gradually added in equal amounts across the diaper's center gradually, making sure to distribute the weight evenly and to note the total weight in grams that was applied to the diaper. The diaper was then checked for any drooping or deformation and examined for any visible rips, tears, or structural issues. The same procedure was repeated for a wet diaper.
III. Statistical Treatment
A simple t-test was used to ascertain the relationship between two groups' means, as well as whether there is a substantial difference between them. In this research’s case, the two groups that will be compared are (1) the coconut coir diaper and (2) the diapers currently available commercially.
The researchers used a quantitative approach using the posttest only control group design. Through different procedures, the coconut coir diaper’s characteristics of absorbency and durability were tested against a diaper available commercially (Brand X).
The initial and final weights of the diaper alongside the amount of liquid absorbed is displayed in Table A. The liquid absorbed was determined by subtracting the initial weight to the final weight. The commercial diaper had lesser weight, but absorbed more liquid. This indicates that the prototype must undergo further testing to improve its absorbent capabilities.
Table B showcases the durability of the diaper both during a wet and dry state. The results display that the commercial diaper's durability did not differ from either physical state. Conversely, the prototype deteriorated in its tensile strength during a wet state, indicating that the outer lining of the diaper must be made to be hydrophobic.
Table C shows the one sample t-test results in (a) Absorbency, (b) Dry Durability, and (c) Wet Durability. Since all of the p values are more than 0.05, there is no significant dif erence between Brand X and the prototype. Thus, the prototype is on par with Brand X.
The researchers used a quantitative approach using the posttest only control group design. Through different procedures, the coconut coir diaper’s characteristics of absorbency and durability were tested against a diaper available commercially (Brand X).
The initial and final weights of the diaper alongside the amount of liquid absorbed is displayed in Table A. The liquid absorbed was determined by subtracting the initial weight to the final weight. The commercial diaper had lesser weight, but absorbed more liquid. This indicates that the prototype must undergo further testing to improve its absorbent capabilities.
Table B showcases the durability of the diaper both during a wet and dry state. The results display that the commercial diaper's durability did not differ from either physical state. Conversely, the prototype deteriorated in its tensile strength during a wet state, indicating that the outer lining of the diaper must be made to be hydrophobic.
Table C shows the one sample t-test results in (a) Absorbency, (b) Dry Durability, and (c) Wet Durability. Since all of the p values are more than 0.05, there is no significant dif erence between Brand X and the prototype. Thus, the prototype is on par with Brand X.
The research focused on assessing the viability of using coconut coir as a sustainable component of biodegradable diapers. The data and discussion shows that the coconut coir diaper nearly matched synthetic materials in terms of absorbency and durability; however, further experimentation and testing can help improve the quality of the diaper. Should future researchers want to develop the diapers in larger production sizes, taking note of its price and budget is crucial.
The research focused on assessing the viability of using coconut coir as a sustainable component of biodegradable diapers. The data and discussion shows that the coconut coir diaper nearly matched synthetic materials in terms of absorbency and durability; however, further experimentation and testing can help improve the quality of the diaper. Should future researchers want to develop the diapers in larger production sizes, taking note of its price and budget is crucial.
We did it!
Good job, you two! Let’s go to Professor now.
[1] Rebuelta-Teh, A. (2022, September 3). No time to waste: A collaboration. INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/156624/no-time-to-waste-a-collaboration
[2] Mittal, M., & Chaudhary, R. (2018). Experimental Study on the Water Absorption and Surface Characteristics of Alkali Treated Pineapple Leaf Fibre and Coconut Husk Fibre . International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 13(15), 12237–12243.
[3] Kahar, M. S., Khoiri, A., Kusumawati, I., & Mursidi, A. (2019). The effectiveness of coconut coir absorbent pow[d]er from Java, Kalimantan and Papua Land as substitute of baby diaper material through scientific approach. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1153, 012085. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1153/1/012085
[4] Thilakavathi, P., & Ramakrishnan, G. (2021). Development of Organic Cloth Diapers with Disposable Coconut Coir Fibre Lining. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 8(7), 4701–4705.
[5] Itsubo, N., Wada, M., Imai, S., Myoga, A., Makino, N., & Shobatake, K. (2020). Life cycle assessment of the closed-loop recycling of used disposable diapers. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 9(3), 34. https://doi.org/10.3390/resources9030034
[6] Zhang, W., & Yang, H. (2014, March 24). Disposable diaper recycling and applications thereof.
[7] Juncker, M. (2022, July 22). 3 ways to test the absorbency of different brands of diapers. 3 Ways to Test the Absorbency of Different Brands of Diapers. https://www.wikihow.health/Test-the-Absorbency-of-Different-Brands-of-Diapers
[1] Rebuelta-Teh, A. (2022, September 3). No time to waste: A collaboration. INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/156624/no-time-to-waste-a-collaboration
[2] Mittal, M., & Chaudhary, R. (2018). Experimental Study on the Water Absorption and Surface Characteristics of Alkali Treated Pineapple Leaf Fibre and Coconut Husk Fibre . International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 13(15), 12237–12243.
[3] Kahar, M. S., Khoiri, A., Kusumawati, I., & Mursidi, A. (2019). The effectiveness of coconut coir absorbent pow[d]er from Java, Kalimantan and Papua Land as substitute of baby diaper material through scientific approach. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1153, 012085. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1153/1/012085
[4] Thilakavathi, P., & Ramakrishnan, G. (2021). Development of Organic Cloth Diapers with Disposable Coconut Coir Fibre Lining. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 8(7), 4701–4705.
[5] Itsubo, N., Wada, M., Imai, S., Myoga, A., Makino, N., & Shobatake, K. (2020). Life cycle assessment of the closed-loop recycling of used disposable diapers. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 9(3), 34. https://doi.org/10.3390/resources9030034
[6] Zhang, W., & Yang, H. (2014, March 24). Disposable diaper recycling and applications thereof.
[7] Juncker, M. (2022, July 22). 3 ways to test the absorbency of different brands of diapers. 3 Ways to Test the Absorbency of Different Brands of Diapers. https://www.wikihow.health/Test-the-Absorbency-of-Different-Brands-of-Diapers
gabriel.legaspi110067, marco.ortega130441, gabriel.prospero220452, freya.soltura220854, samantha.tachado220790@my.lsgh.edu.ph // Mentors | Mr. Jose A. Bellesca III (Medical Technician & Chemist), Mr. Allan Robert T. Mosura (ABM-R Faculty, Research Adviser) , Mr. Jerico J. Echevarria (STEM Faculty, Research Adviser and Validator), Ms. Margarett Shelsa L. Banghulot (STEM Faculty, Capstone Adviser), Mr. Eduard Christian R. Papa (STEM Faculty, Research Adviser), Mr. Rowell J. Rosales (STEM Coordinator), Mr. Harold A. Diokno (ABM-R Coordinator), Mr. Cesar A. Gayoso (Laboratory Technician, Grades 11-12) // Parents | Marcos Francisco R. Legaspi & Marietta L. Legaspi, Jeanne Marie G. Ortega & Mark Ryan T. Ortega, Thea Prospero & Eratosthenes Prospero, Mary Macatangay & Jeffrey Macatangay, Daisy C. Querido & Samson P. Tachado
gabriel.legaspi110067, marco.ortega130441, gabriel.prospero220452, freya.soltura220854, samantha.tachado220790@my.lsgh.edu.ph // Mentors | Mr. Jose A. Bellesca III (Medical Technician & Chemist), Mr. Allan Robert T. Mosura (ABM-R Faculty, Research Adviser) , Mr. Jerico J. Echevarria (STEM Faculty, Research Adviser and Validator), Ms. Margarett Shelsa L. Banghulot (STEM Faculty, Capstone Adviser), Mr. Eduard Christian R. Papa (STEM Faculty, Research Adviser), Mr. Rowell J. Rosales (STEM Coordinator), Mr. Harold A. Diokno (ABM-R Coordinator), Mr. Cesar A. Gayoso (Laboratory Technician, Grades 11-12) // Parents | Marcos Francisco R. Legaspi & Marietta L. Legaspi, Jeanne Marie G. Ortega & Mark Ryan T. Ortega, Thea Prospero & Eratosthenes Prospero, Mary Macatangay & Jeffrey Macatangay, Daisy C. Querido & Samson P. Tachado
Gabriel L. Legaspi, Marco Juhann G. Ortega, Gabriel Antonio S. Prospero, Freya Yggdrasil Soltura, Samantha Q. Tachado
Edited by: STEM C Technical Committee