The Potential of dragon fruit extract as an Alternative

Ink for Ballpen

Independent variable: Dragon fruit extract

Dependent variable: The effectiveness of dragon fruit extract as a natural

alternative ink, specifically in terms of readability, drying time, and

permanence .

The controlled variables for this study may include:

Type of ballpen: We will use the same type of ballpen for all experiments to

eliminate any differences in performance due to variations in pen design or ink

flow.

Paper type: We will use the same type of paper for all experiments to

eliminate any differences in ink performance due to variations in paper quality

or texture.

Dragon fruit extract source: We will use the same source of Dragon Fruit

extract for all experiments to eliminate any differences in ink performance due

to variations in extract quality or composition.

Extraction method: We will use the same extraction method for all

experiments to ensure consistency in the concentration and purity of the

Dragon Fruit extract.

Ink formulation: We will use the same formulation for all experiments to

ensure consistency in the composition and concentration of the ink.

Ink volume: We will use the same volume of ink for all experiments to ensure

consistency in the amount of ink deposited on the paper.

Target: Student, teachers and local producer of dragon fruit

 Chapter 1

Introduction

A. Background of the study

Nowadays, the ballpoint pen has always had a part in our lives, and it is

often needed when we do our work, especially for students, who need it when

they have schoolwork such as drawing or writing. A ballpen is, as the name

implies, a pen with a ball at its tip that rotates when dragged across the writing

surface, leaving behind ink from the pen reservoir. Ink is a fluid or paste of

various colors that is used for writing, printing, and drawing. These synthetic

inks achieve amazing colors but are also a threat to our environment and

human health. Consumers are becoming more aware of the effects that

everyday chemicals have on the environment and their own health, and

natural ink is the best option for this condition. Using natural inks can play an

important role in minimizing pollution and risk to human health. (Sadi, Foisal,

and Nahar 2016; Saleh, El-Baset, and El-Badry 2013). These natural inks are

non-toxic, non-allergic to the skin, non-carcinogenic, easily available, and

renewable (Okonkwo et al. 2019). However, due to the advent of synthetic ink

and its better fast properties in comparison to natural dyes, the use of natural

ink has suffered drastically. In the present scenario, there has been a rise in

consumer concern over the eco-friendliness and sustainability of the products

they use, for which natural inks are again experiencing a slight rise in

popularity. The desire of individuals for natural ink is growing as a result of

their concern about reducing environmental pollution and, hence, avoiding

chemically more harmful synthetic ink and compounds. Furthermore, dragon

fruit is a plant that is common across Asia but uncommon in Western

countries. It is a tropical fruit found in places such as the Philippines, Malaysia,

and Thailand. It belongs to the Cactaceae family of climbing cacti. It is known

as "Lady of the Night" because its flowers only bloom at night. Dragon fruit

may grow in both dry and wet environments. Dragon fruit contains enough

natural anthocyanin dyes, which are dyes that have the function of giving red

color and have the potential to become natural dyes for food. As a result,

research about The potential of dragon fruit extract as an alternative ink for

ballpoint pens was conducted. This research aimed to determine the

effectiveness of dragon fruit extract as a substitute for ballpoint pen ink in

terms of readability, drying, and permanence.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of dragon

fruit extract as an alternative to ballpoint pen ink in terms of readability, drying,

and permanence. By doing so, the study hopes to contribute to the growing

interest in eco-friendly and sustainable products while also providing a

potential dye to customers that demand an ink that is good for the

environment and human health.

 B. Statement of the problem

This study aims to answer the following questions about Dragon fruit extract

as an alternative ballpen ink.

Are there significant differences between the ink made out of dragon fruit

extract from the traditional ballpen ink in terms of:

a. readability

b. drying time

c. permanence

1. Is the extract of dragon fruit succesful enough to be used as alternative

ballpen ink?

2. Is dragon fruit extract a sustainable and reliable ingridient in making

alternative ballpen ink?

C. Statement of the hypothesis

HA: There is a significant effect of dragon fruit extract as a potential

alternative for ink.

HA: If dragon fruit extract is used, then it will have a significant effect as a

potential alternative for ballpoint pens.

HA: If the natural alternative ink is effective for ballpoint pens, then it is a

dragon fruit extract.

D. Objectives of the Study

1. To determine the effectiveness of dragon fruit extract as an alternative

ballpen ink, specifically in terms of its ability to write smoothly and legibly on

paper.
2. To assess the sustainability and reliability of using dragon fruit extract as an

ingredient in making alternative ballpen ink, by examining its availability, cost,

and environmental impact.

3. To compare the readability of dragon fruit extract ink and traditional ballpen

ink, by evaluating the clarity and consistency of the writing.

4. To measure the drying time of dragon fruit extract ink and traditional

ballpen ink, by observing how long it takes for the ink to dry completely on

paper.

5. To assess the permanence of dragon fruit extract ink and traditional ballpen

ink, by determining how well the ink resists fading and smudging over time.

E. Significance of the Study

Students: Since they're one of the major users of Ballpen it is beneficial for

them, especially when they're working on their schoolwork such as writing and

drawing without minding about hazardous chemicals because it is a natural

ink which is good for their health.

Teachers: They're also one of the major user ballpoint pens for their teaching

and checking material. It is significant in writing their lessons why this study is

beneficial for them since the ink is part of their lives and it would be better if

they use ink that provides them with a low cost all-natural alternative ink.

Local Producers of Dragon Fruit: This could help local producers earn more

money as the demand for Dragon Fruit increases.

Future Researchers: The outcome of this study will be used as a baseline for

them to conduct a similar study using different materials to validate the results.
 F. Scope and limitation/delimitation of the Study

Scope of the study

This study will focus on the readability, drying time, and permanence of the

dragon fruit extract as an alternative ballpoint pen ink and other benefits of

using dragon fruit as an alternative ball pen ink. This study will be done with

cluster sampling to select respondents in Grade 9 as our population and

divide it into sections such as the following: Narra, Acacia, Molave, Yakal,

Eucalyptus, and Mahogany. The researcher then randomly select five

students from each section as a respondents.

Limitations and delimitations of this study

1. Sample Size: The sample size used in the study may not be large enough

to provide a comprehensive understanding of customer demand for dragon

fruit extract.

2. Generalization: The research results may not be generalize to other

countries or regions due to cultural and environmental differences.

3. Product Type: This study only focuses on customer demand for dragon

fruit extract, and does not include other products that may use dragon fruit as

an ingredient.

4. Color Preference: The study only examines customer demand for the

orange-red color that dragon fruit extract can provide, and does not explore

other color preferences.

5. Demographic Factors: The study only focuses on customer demand for

dragon fruit extract and does not take into account demographic factors such

as age, gender, and income.

6. Method of Data Collection: The study uses a survey as the primary

method of data collection, which may limit the amount and type of information

that can be obtained from respondents.

G. Definition of Terms

The following terms were the one used in the study are defined for common

understanding:

Anthocyanin dyes: dyes that have the function of giving a red color and are

found in certain plants, including dragon fruit.

Dragon Fruit: a reddish-pink fruit found abundantly in tropical countries such

as the Philippines.

Emulsifier: An additional agent used to mix or combine two liquids that

disperse, like oil and water, to ensure consistency in the composition and

concentration of the dragon fruit extract ink.

Extract: A concentrated form of a substance made through the process of

exerting force and straining the dragon fruit extract.

Ink: is a dyed liquid used for writing, drawing, highlighting, or printing.

Sustainability: The ability to maintain the color over a long period of time.
 Scientific method

1. Define the problem: The problem is to determine whether Dragon Fruit

extract can be used as an alternative ink for ballpen.

2. Conduct background research: Conduct research on the properties and

composition of Dragon Fruit extract. Also, research on the properties of ink

and the requirements for an effective ink.

3. Formulate a hypothesis: Formulate a hypothesis based on the research

conducted.

4. Design an experiment: Design an experiment to test the hypothesis. This

may include selecting the appropriate materials, preparing the Dragon Fruit

extract, and testing the extract as an ink in a ballpen.

5. Collect data: Record the results of the experiment. This may include the

quality of the ink, how long it lasts, and how it compares to traditional ink.

6. Analyze data: Analyze the data collected and determine if the hypothesis

is supported or rejected.

7. Draw conclusions: Based on the results of the experiment, draw

conclusions about whether Dragon Fruit extract can be used as an alternative

ink for ballpen.

8. Communicate results: Communicate the results of the experiment

through a report or presentation, including the methodology, results, and

conclusions.
 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of

the Philippines Diliman, dragon fruit extract contains high amounts of

betacyanin pigments, which can be used as natural colorants for food, textiles,

and other materials. This suggests that dragon fruit extract has potential not

only as an ink for ballpen, but also in various other applications. Moreover, the

study found that the color stability of the betacyanin pigments is dependent on

pH, temperature, and light exposure, which means that the ink's color can be

manipulated to achieve the desired hue and saturation by adjusting these

variables (Luz, 2015).

Another study conducted by researchers from Thailand investigated

the use of natural dyes from dragon fruit peel as an alternative to synthetic

dyes in textile dyeing. The study found that the natural dyes produced from

the dragon fruit peel were able to color cotton fabrics with good colorfastness

and washfastness properties. This suggests that dragon fruit extract has

potential not only as an ink for ballpen, but also as a natural dye in textile

dyeing. Furthermore, the study also found that the use of natural dyes can

help reduce the amount of synthetic dyes that are harmful to the environment

and human health (Dharmawan et al., 2017).

However, a study conducted by researchers from Indonesia found that

natural dyes extracted from fruits and vegetables tend to fade faster than

synthetic dyes, which suggests that the longevity of the ink may be limited,

especially when exposed to sunlight or other environmental factors. Therefore,

it is important to consider the formulation of the ink and the environmental

conditions in which it will be used (Suryani, 2017).

In conclusion, the limited literature on the use of dragon fruit extract as

an alternative ink for ballpen suggests its potential as a natural colorant.

However, further research is needed to determine its optimal formulation and

to evaluate its durability and colorfastness properties. The potential benefits of

using dragon fruit extract as an alternative ink extend beyond ballpen ink and

include natural colorants for food, textiles, and other materials, as well as the

reduction of synthetic dyes harmful to the environment and human health.

References:

Dharmawan, J., Kiatkamjornwong, S., & Chomnawang, M. T. (2017). Natural

dyes from dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel as an alternative to
synthetic dyes in textile dyeing. Journal of Natural Fibers, 14(1), 1-12.

Luz, C. L. (2015). Natural colorants from dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus)

peel and their potential applications as colorant in food and textile industries.
International Journal of Engineering Research and General Science, 3(2), 1-8.

Suryani, A. (2017). Natural dyes from Indonesian indigenous plants as

alternative to synthetic dyes. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 909(1),
012003.