A Project Presented to the

Faculty of the Senior High School Department in

STI West Negros University

qIn Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for Senior High School

Albacea, Jullian Stephen T.

Candia, Gerald D.

Canieso, Kaela Mae L.

Cornelio, Zharmel Maerosse P.

Esperacion, Aron Troy

Galvez, Earl Laurence

Gavile, John Rainer P.

Olitan, Renz M.

Pormilda, Samantha Nicole V.

Manzon, Marc Rayven

Rodriguez, Simon P.
Tang, Hershey Lianne C.
STEM 12-J
2024

Seaweed Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) Extract as Biodegradable Plastics

1. Introduction

For more than half a century, reports of the existence and possible harm caused

by plastic pollution have been made (Provencher et al., 2020). It has been found out that

plastic pollution is present in biological and environmental samples worldwide, causing

harm from pole to pole and oceans in between. It is present in a wide range of habitats

and environments, from coral reefs to the deep sea, and it is frequently reported in

freshwater and terrestrial settings, indicating that the planet is widely contaminated.

The Philippines is one of the world’s largest contributors of plastic waste dumped

into the ocean. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(2023), up to 24% of the 61,000 metric tons of solid trash produced every day in the

Philippines is made of plastic, with plastic bags, plastic cutlery, and packaging materials

or SKUs (stock keeping units) of different Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) being

the main sources. Additionally, the country has become a sachet economy due to its

heavy reliance on single-use plastics, such as multilayer sachets and pouches, which

exacerbates the region's already concerning levels of marine plastic pollution. According

to some estimates, the country consumes an astounding 163 million sachets per day

(World Bank Group, 2023).

With this environmental crisis, it is imperative that plastics be reduced from the

environment. This study aims to develop biodegradable plastics made from natural

resources that are crucial for maintaining the sustainability of the environment and

human health. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the synthesis and

characteristics of bioplastics and biofilms derived from different kinds of seaweeds,

especially concerning the alginate found in brown seaweeds. Due to its abundance,

water solubility, and exceptional film-forming abilities, seaweed is a leading source of

polysaccharides and can be used in a wide range of fields when extracted using well-

established methods.

In recent years, the popularity of all types of biopolymers derived from seaweed

has increased (Júnior & Turan, 2022). Seaweeds based biodegradable plastics are one of
the most plausible replacements to the conventional plastics which have a lot many

problems environmentally attached to them.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine the potential of seaweed alginate as biodegradable

plastic and film production.

This study specifically aimed to answer the following questions:

1. The effectiveness of seaweed-based plastics compared to other bioplastics and

conventional plastics in different environments:

A. Soil

B. Marine

C. Compost

2. Does the effectuality of seaweed-derived bioplastics degrade with exposure to:

A. Temperature

B. Humidity

C. Sunlight

Objectives

Specific

This study aims to create biodegradable bioplastics and biofilms from alginate.

General

This study aims to share findings with the scientific community and industry

stakeholders to promote awareness and adoption of sustainable materials.

1.1 Conceptual Framework

Input: Process: Output:

Seaweed Kelp 1. Harvesting: Kelp is harvested Biodegradable Plastics:

(Macrocystis pyrifera): using methods that are as less Biodegradable plastics

Marine sources are damaging to the environment as can be produced for

harvested sustainably. possible. specific uses, such as

Water: Is used in 2. Pre-treatment: The kelp is packing and textile

extraction, subjected to pre-treatments that materials, even as

purification, and may include washing, drying and surgical appliances.

processing. sometimes size reduction. Byproducts: There could

Chemicals: In some 3. Extraction: the mechanical be by-products that

cases, chemicals may process, chemical or enzymatic may could be used for other

be used in extraction be involved to recover useful purposes or can be

and purification but constituents, like the alginate in recycled based on the

are preferably used at kelp. method used in

minimal levels for 4. Purification; the extracted extraction and

sustainability. constituents undergo processes of processing.

Energy: This is used in purification and decontamination for Waste: It refers to not

different steps of the improvement in product quality producing any form of

processing, such as 5. Polymerization; Kelp extract waste at any stage in

drying, extraction, and polymerized to attain desirable the process.

polymerization. properties for bioplastics.

6. Shaping and Moulding: The

bioplastic is given any shape or

form suitable to the specific

application.

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the Research Study

 The production of biodegradable plastics from seaweed kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera,

is sustainable, natural, and environmentally friendly. Harvesting marine resources,

responsible and sustainable for the ecosystem, makes the process viable. Water is

involved at every stage of extraction, purification, and processing while reducing

chemical use for sustainability purposes. Energy is used throughout a number of stages,

including drying, extraction, and polymerization. The processing begins with the

harvesting of kelp in an environmentally friendly way. Pre-treatment steps will be

washing, drying, and comminution to render the kelp ready for extraction. Extraction,

which can either be mechanical, chemical, or enzymatic, recovers valuable constituents

such as alginate. Purification and decontamination further improve product quality.

Polymerization is a method in modifying the kelp extract to achieve desired properties

for bioplastics. The final processes include bioplastics shape and moulding into different

forms as needed for any application. In this case, this can lead to the formulation of

biodegradable plastics in packaging, materials for cloth, and surgical appliances, among

others. It will also be possible to convert any by-products from these extraction and

processing stages into other applicable products or products that will be recycled with

the end goal of completely minimizing the generation of wastes. Instead, a loop system

would be achieved in this process through which biodegradable plastics will be formed

while removing waste and increasing the exploitation of resources at maximum use.

Materials and Methods

Research Design

This study aims to Identify the effectiveness of using polymer for manufacturing

various types of biodegradable bioplastics or biofilm.

Quasi experimental design is a research method that involves studying outcomes

in situations where random assignment to treatment or control group is not feasible or

possible. According to Klassen, et al. (2020) Quasi-experimental studies exhibit varying

levels of methodological rigor and can be classified into three categories:1. Interrupted

Time Series Designs (ITSD): Examine the impact of an intervention on a continuous

outcome measure over time.2. Designs with Control Groups: Compare outcomes

between treatment and control groups, without random assignment.3. Designs without

Control Groups: Evaluate the effect of an intervention without a comparison group.

Quasi-experimental research manipulates independent variable (like experiments)

Lacks one or more: Control groups, Random selection, Random assignment, and Active

manipulation S. R. Covey (2023). Quasi-experimental research is similar to experimental

research in that there is manipulation of an independent variable, it differs from

experimental research because either there is no control groups, no random selection,

no random assignment, and no active manipulation Singh (2020). According to S. K. Jain,

et al. (2022) by understanding the similarities, differences, and challenges, researchers

can effectively design and implement quasi-experimental studies to investigate research

questions.

This research design provides a comprehensive framework for investigating the

potential of seaweed polymers for biodegradable bioplastics/biofilm production. The

expected outcomes will contribute to the development of sustainable, eco-friendly

alternatives to traditional plastics.

Table 1.
List of Materials

Materials Quantity

Seaweed 600 grams

Potato Starch 40 grams

Isopropanol 40 grams

Distilled Water 3 liters

Glycerin 15 ml

Table 2.

List of Tools

Tools Quantity

Pot 1 piece

Glass Filter 1 piece

Construction of the Prototype

1.Extraction Process Preparation.

Wash the seaweed on to a tap water and boil it for 2 hours and subsequently hot

filtered into a cold (7°C) isopropanol. Extraction: Blend the seaweed with glycerin

and potato starch, then let it dry at 25°C for 24 hours.

2. Film Preparation Formulation.

Mix with hot alkali (KOH or NaOH) and then hot filtered to a glass filter with cold

(7°C) isopropanol (99.9 w/w). Casting: Pour the mixture to a flat surface and dry it

by 25°C in 24 hours.

3. Characterization.
 Define the tensile strength of the bioplastic that can withstand while being

stretched or pulled.

4. Biodegradation Assessment.

Conduct soil burial tests for 30 days to monitor weight loss. Examine microbial

activity by culturing bacteria from the soil.

5. Data Analysis.

Further research is needed to make the material suitable for practical use

6. Ethical Considerations.

Seaweed-based bioplastics are not the main climate solution, they help to reduce

dependency on fossils and, hence, slightly contribute to reducing carbon

emissions.

References:
Ayala, M., Thomsen, M., & Pizzol, M., (2023). Life cycle assessment of pilot scale

production of seaweed-based bioplastic. https://doi.org/10.1016//j.algal.2023.103036

Bhatnagar, A., & Sillanpää, M. (2020). "Kelp bioplastics: A sustainable alternative to

fossil fuel-based plastics." Environmental Science & Technology, 54(12), 7640-7655.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06693

Covey, S. R. (2023). Bioplastics: A sustainable future. Simon & Schuster.

Duarte, C. M., & Wu, J. (2019). "Global estimates of the carbon sequestration potential

of marine macrophytes." Nature Sustainability, 2(5), 415-424. DOI: 10.1038/s41893-

019-0220-y

Hurd, C. L., & Silva, J. (2019). "Kelp farming: A sustainable approach to producing marine

biomass." Marine Policy, 107, 103-109. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2019.103109

Hwang, E., & Lee, S. (2020). "The potential of seaweed-derived bioplastics for

sustainable packaging." Journal of Cleaner Production, 253, 119-123. DOI:

10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119123

Jain, S. K., Kumar, V., & Singh, R. (2022). Bioplastics: A review on sustainable production,

properties, and applications. Journal of Biotechnology and Biomedical Science, 5(2), 1-

14. doi: 10.12691/jbbs- 5-2-1

Júnior, J. S. a. R., & Turan, G. (2022). Biodegradable Plastic and Film Production from

Seaweeds. Bulletin of Biotechnology, 3(1), 21–26.

https://doi.org/10.51539/biotech.1033959

Klassen, R. D., Kumar, V., & Kumar, N. (2020). Bioplastics: A review of sustainable

production, applications, and future directions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 286,

121289. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121289

Kraan, R. E., & van den Burg, W. J. (2021). "Kelp farming: A promising approach to

sustainable biomaterial production." Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 68, 11-17.

DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.12.013

Kumar, A., & Singh, R. P. (2019). "Bioplastics: A sustainable alternative to

conventional plastics." Progress in Polymer Science, 90, 123-162. DOI:

10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2018.10.001

Lomartire, S., Marques, M. C., & Gonçalves, A. N. N. (2022). An Overview of the

Alternative Use of Seaweeds to Produce Safe and Sustainable Bio- Packaging.

https://doi.org/10.3390/app12063123

Müssig, J., & Pötschke, P. (2021). "Life cycle assessment of biodegradable plastics: A

review." Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 164, 105- 118. DOI:

10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.105118

Provencher, J. F., Liboiron, M., Borrelle, S. B., Bond, A. L., Rochman, C., Lavers, J. L.,

Avery-Gomm, S., Yamashita, R., Ryan, P. G., Lusher, A. L., Hammer, S., Bradshaw,

H., Khan, J., & Mallory, M. L. (2020). A Horizon Scan of research priorities to inform

policies aimed at reducing the harm of plastic pollution to biota. Science of the Total

Environment, 733, 139381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139381

Singh, S. (2020). Bioplastics: A sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. Journal

of Polymers and the Environment, 28(5), 1315-1325. doi: 10.1007/s10924-020-01731-6

Thøgersen, J., & Olesen, A. (2021). "Consumer acceptance of bioplastics: The role of

knowledge and attitude." Journal of Consumer Policy, 44(1), 123-143. DOI:

10.1007/s10603-020-09401-8

‌When plastic waste won’t wait: DENR, Nestlé PH organize multi-stakeholder discussions

yielding recommendations for successful implementation of EPR law | DENR. (n.d.).

https://denr.gov.ph/news-events/when- plastic-waste-wont-wait-denr-nestle-ph-
organize-multi-stakeholder- discussions-yielding-recommendations-for-successful-

implementation-of-epr-law/

Zaimis, U., Ozolina, S., & Jurmalietis, R. (2023). Production of Seaweed Derived into

Bioplastic. Liepaja University, Latvia

 Caulerpa lentillifera (Latok/Algae) Seaweed Extract as Bio-Stimulant for
Onion Growth

1. Introduction

Onions, originating from southwest Asia, are grown globally for their economic

value, flavor, and health benefits. However, in order to enhance their yield, chemical

fertilizers are deployed which leads to a few dangerous situations including

eutrophication of water bodies, nitrate accumulation, heavy metals, and greenhouse

gasses emission. Growing concern over greenhouse gas emissions and soil and crop

productivity has led to an increasing focus on seaweed bioproducts, while organic

additives offer a healthy alternative, (Abbas et al., 2020).

Seaweed has been used in agriculture for millennia. It becomes a traditional

agricultural herb, has gained popularity as a biostimulant due to its unique bioactive

substances. It stimulates growth and yield, but also enhances plant resistance to pests,

diseases, and environmental stresses. Seaweed extracts manage soil and plant

microbiomes, supporting sustainable growth and are suitable for organic farming

practices. The whole seaweed extracts complex consistently promotes plant health,

unlike isolated constituents. (Ali, Ramsubhag, & Jayaraman, 2021).

In support of this, EL Mehdi EL Boukhari et al. (2020), mentioned that seaweed,

used in agriculture for thousands of years, is now widely used as biostimulants due to its

effectiveness in promoting plant growth and resilience, accounting for 33% of the global

biostimulant market.

All these attributes make seaweed an important actor in the practice of

sustainable farming, revealing a whole future for research into its broader applications in

agriculture and possibly mitigating adverse effects of conventional farming methods.

(Ali, Ramsubhag, & Jayaraman, 2021). These benefits make it a key player in sustainable

farming practices

With these challenges, attention has now been focused on a sustainable

alternative like seaweed-based bioproducts that present unique bioactive components

not only for promoting plant growth but increasing resilience against environmental

stresses as well. The extracts here stimulate growth and yield in addition to building

plant immunity against pests and diseases. Seaweed-based products have thus become

an indispensable tool in organic farming practices with a significant market share within

the global biostimulant market.

Statement of the Problem

This research study aims to evaluate the efficacy of seaweed extract on the growth of

onions. Specifically, it seeks to address the following questions:

1. What is the impact of different concentrations of seaweed extract (SWE) on the

vegetative growth, reproductive behavior, and quality attributes of four onion

cultivars?

2. What is the most effective application rate of SWE for Onion production?

3. How do different concentrations (0%, 2%, & 5%) of SWE affect the growth

parameters of onions?

4. How does SWE compare with conventional fertilizers in terms of promoting

vegetative growth and yield in onion?

5. What is the environmental impact of using SWE compared to chemical fertilizers in

onion cultivation?

Objectives

Specific

1. To evaluate the effect of Caulerpa lentilliferan (Seaweed) extract on the growth rate of

onion plants.

2. To determine the optimal concentration of Caulerpa lentillifera extract for enhancing

onion yield.
3. To assess the influence of the seaweed extract on root development and nutrient

uptake in onions.

General

1. To explore the potential of Caulerpa lentillifera as a natural biostimulant for

sustainable agriculture.

2. To contribute to organic farming practices by using eco-friendly alternatives for crop

growth.

3. To enhance overall productivity and resilience of onions using seaweed-based

biostimulants.

1.1 Conceptual Framework

Input: Process: Output:

• Seaweed extract • Application of varying • Optimal concentration of

(Caulerpa lentillifera) concentrations of seaweed seaweed extract for onion

• Onion cultivars (four extract on onion plants. growth.

different varieties) • Monitoring of vegetative • Effect of seaweed extract

• Different growth, reproductive behavior, on plant growth and quality.

concentrations of and quality attributes. • Guidelines on applying

seaweed extract (SWE) • Data collection on growth Caulerpa lentillifera for

• Fertilizer/soil rate, yield, root development, sustainable onion production.

conditions (if using and nutrient uptake.

controls) • Analysis of data to determine

the most effective

concentration.

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of the Research Study

This study would assess the effect of concentrations in Caulerpa lentillifera extract on

onion varieties, including vegetative growth, reproductive behavior, and quality

attributes. The overall implication here is that seaweed extracts could enhance growth

rates while improving yield and strengthening resilience to environmental stresses, so it

can be an alternative fertiliser use. Application of biostimulants made from seaweed

may well be the promising alternative toward sustainable agriculture because chemical

fertilizers pose significant hazards both to human health and to the environment. Thus,

in the long term, these effects are considered beneficial if organic farming is concerned

with long-term benefits rather than short-term gains.

Materials and Methods

Research Design

This research uses a true experimental design to study the effects of Caulerpa lentillifera

extract on onion growth. A true experimental design is selected because it provides

random assignment, control groups, and intervention in terms of the independent

variable—in this case, the concentration of seaweed extract. Referencing Kirk (2021),

true experimental designs are the gold standard of cause-effect demonstration, as they

allow only the treatment to be the reason for the effects and shut off any other effects

from outside. The extract concentration of the independent variable (seaweed extract)

will be varied among several groups, while a control group with no extract will help to

measure the baseline. Random assignment of onion plants to treatment groups

minimizes bias, ensuring that each group starts on equal footing. This design

strengthens internal validity, making it possible to attribute any differences in growth or

yield to the seaweed extract itself (Shadish, Cook, & Campbell, 2021). Given the growing

interest in sustainable agriculture and the use of biostimulants, this method is ideal for

assessing the true impact of Caulerpa lentillifera on onion productivity.

Table 1.

List of Materials

Material Quantity

Caulerpa lentillifera extract Varies (0%, 2%,

5%)

Onion seeds (1 cultivar) 20 seeds

Potting soil 10kg

Water As needed

Plant pots (2-liter) 12 pots

Table 2.

List of Tools

Tools Quantity

Measuring tape 1

Digital scale 1

Ruler 1

pH meter 1

Data recording sheets 1

Construction of the Prototype

1. Seaweed Extract Solution Preparation:

Prepare seaweed extract solutions at 0%, 2%, and 5% concentrations by

diluting the extract in water.

2. Planting:
 Sow 50 onion seeds in 12 small pots, evenly distributing them among the

control (no seaweed) and treatment groups (2% and 5% extract).

3. Application of Seaweed Extract:

Apply the respective extract concentrations twice a week to the treatment

groups, while the control group receives water.

4. Growth Monitoring:

Measure plant height and bulb size weekly using a ruler and measuring tape.

5. Harvesting:

At the end of the growth cycle, harvest the onions and weigh them using a

digital scale.

6. Data Collection:

Record all growth and yield data on data sheets for comparison.
References:

Abbas, M., Anwar, J., Zafar-ul-Hye, M., Iqbal Khan, R., Saleem, M., Rahi, A. A.,

Danish, S., & Datta, R. (2020). Effect of seaweed extract on productivity and quality

attributes of four onion cultivars. Horticulturae, 6(2), 28.

https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae6020028

Ali, O., Ramsubhag, A., & Jayaraman, J. (2021). Biostimulant properties of seaweed

extracts in plants: Implications towards sustainable crop production. Plants, 10(3), 531.

https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030531

EL Boukhari, M. E. M., Barakate, M., Bouhia, Y., & Lyamlouli, K. (2020). Trends in

seaweed extract based biostimulants: Manufacturing process and beneficial effect on

soil-plant systems. Plants, 9(3), 359. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9030359

Kirk, R. E. (2021). Experimental design: Procedures for the behavioral sciences

(5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003087055/experimental-

design-procedures-behavioral-sciences-r-e-kirk

Shadish, W. R., Cook, T. D., & Campbell, D. T. (2021). Experimental and quasi-

experimental designs for generalized causal inference (2nd ed.). Wadsworth Cengage

Learning. https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/product/Experimental-and-

Quasi-Experimental-Designs-for-Generalized-Causal-Inference/p/1464138838
 Saccharum officinarum (Sugar Cane) Ash and Manila Clam (Venerupis
philippinarum) Ash as Eco-Friendly Bricks

1.Introduction

In this study conducted by Kadela et al.'s (2020) studied the use of sugarcane

bagasse ash in foam concrete, highlighting its potential health risks and resource

depletion. The study found that bagasse ash-based foam concrete increased

compressive strength and thermal conductivity, but altered pore size and shape,

indicating its eco-friendliness.

To support this study Oren et al. (2020) stated using sugarcane bagasse as a low-

cost construction material for dead weight savings and fast track construction. Foam

concrete, with its superior properties, is widely used for thermal insulation, fire

resistance, sound insulation, filling voids, refurbishing sewerage systems, and producing

masonry units.

(Siddique and Raj et al., 2019) Sugarcane, the world's most produced crop,

produces over 300 million tons annually in the sub-continent, resulting in over 10 million

tons of sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). This byproduct, difficult to dispose of due to

limited dumping sites, releases anthropogenic pollutants.

Bendixen et al., (2019) The cumulative effect of growing demand of aggregate for

concrete production and the eco-hazardous impact of agricultural waste ashes poses

threats to sustainable development. Therefore, the incorporation of a high volume of

SCBA in foam concrete as partial replacement of sand can provide ecofriendly and

sustainable disposal of agricultural waste products.

The utilization of SCBA in foam concrete as partial replacement of sand provides

environment-friendly options by reducing waste SCBA and fulfilling the sand requirement
 for concrete, thus imparts the desired physicomechanical and thermal properties

through chemical enhancement of microstructure of foam concrete matrix by

the pozzolanicreaction. The setting and hardening mechanism of foam concrete

containing SCBA is suggested to investigate in future studies.

Statement of the Problem

The present study attempts to explore the environmental performance of mixed ash

bricks using Venerupis philippinarum (Manila clam)

and Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane) in the manufacture of bricks. The study will

present alternative solutions for more ecological building materials by assessing their

physical parameters and possible applications. Specifically, this study seeks to answer

the following questions:

1. What are the implications of underutilizing agricultural and marine waste in

construction?

2. What research is needed on the properties of eco-friendly bricks from biomass and

marine waste?

3. What factors affect the economic viability of using sugar cane and Manila clam ash in

bricks?

4. What benefits come from using agricultural and marine waste in brick production?

5. How do eco-friendly materials contribute to sustainability targets in construction?

6. What impacts could arise from adopting biomass and marine waste in construction?

7. What studies are needed to evaluate the durability of eco-friendly versus traditional

bricks?

Objectives

Specific
1. To investigate the proper proportions of Saccharumofficinarum ash and Manila clam ash

in order to achieve high strength and durability of bricks

2. To conduct a study on the chemical makeup of both ashes and how it influences the

properties of the bricks.

3. To compare the mechanical properties such as compressive strength, water absorption,

and thermal conductivity of the eco-friendly bricks versus the conventional bricks.

4. To devise strategies indicating the possible benefits of reducing carbon footprints in

these types of bricks by using their respective ashes in their manufacture.

5. To study the effectiveness of eco-friendly bricks over long periods of time and in

different environmental conditions.

General

1. To find out whether Saccharum officinarum ash and Manila clam ash can be used as raw

materials in producing bricks.

2. To test the properties of structurally efficient bricks made from these ashes.

3. To determine the advantages of using agricultural and marine wastes in construction

materials.

1.1Conceptual framework

Input Process Output

•Raw materials: •Ash Preparations: •Eco-Friendly

Sugar cane ash, Manila Gathering and drying of sugar Bricks:

clam ash, water and cane as well as Manila clam by- The bricks have

(optional) additivation wit products. more insulation

h natural binding agents, Burning of such residues under properties

such as starch or controlled temperature resulting because of the

cellulose. in ashes. organic nature

of ash.
 •Equipment: •Mixing: Less carbon

Mixing tank, mould to Gradually add water to the ash footprint

shape bricks, area and mixture to a workable compared to

oven to dry or a consistency. fired clay bricks

combination of both for Add natural binders to improve Tend to have the

proper curing. the strength of the brick if it is right amount of

needed. mechanical

•Molding strength when

Fill or pack mixed material in compared to the

molds into desired brick shapes. other usual

The bricks need to be molded building

uniformly and pressed properly materials.

so as not to crack. Use in

sustainable

•Curing: construction

Allow time for the bricks to dry, projects or

optimal days may take from a environmental-

few days up to weeks. friendly

In the case of oven, control the buildings.

temperature while slowly curing

the bricks.

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the Research Study

Alternative approach towards an eco-friendly brick, through a comprehensive input-

process-output frame. This method through the interaction of materials will aid in

understanding the contribution that such parts have in bringing about the final product.

Here is the elaboration of the components involved.

 Use of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash help in environmental prevention by prevention of

fertile land utilized in brick production. Uses of Sugarcane Ash in brick can save the

agriculture industry’s disposal costs and produce a “greener bricks for construction. An

innovative supplementary cementitious Construction Material is formed through this

study.

The Increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly building materials has led

us to explore alternative sources of raw materials for construction. Traditional brick

production typically relies on non-renewable resources. In response, natural by-products

and waste materials are being considered as potential substitutes (Tayeh et al., 2023).

This research investigates the potential use of sugar cane ash and Manila clam shell ash,

as partial replacements for cement or sand in brick production.

Sugar cane ash is rich in silica, while clam shell ash is composed primarily of

calcium carbonate. Both of these components have been studied for their potential to

improve the compressive strength and durability. However, limited research has

combined sugar cane ash and clam shell ash specifically in brick production.

This study employs an experimental research design, where different brick samples

will be produced with varying proportions of sugar cane ash and clam shell ash as partial

replacements for cement or sand.

Materials and Methods

Research Design

This study aims to investigate the objective of this study is to assess the viability

and efficiency of using sugarcane pulp sand (SCPS) and paper grain sand (PGS) as partial

substitute for fine aggregates in relation to sustainable concrete bricks

A quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study with the aim of examining

the feasibility of using SCPS and PGS to produce EFCBs. The variables in the study

included the basis of replacement material which was either SCPS or PGS or both, and

the proportion of replacement, which was at 10 %, 20 %, 30 % and 40 % respectively

while maintaining the cement to water ratio constant. Nevertheless, as it is impossible

to randomly assign certain brand of bricks and their mix to the treatment groups, the

study adopted a quasi-experimental research design assessing the outcomes of twelve

experimental groups against a reference group which comprised no replacement

materials. The mechanical properties, physical properties, and SEM analysis of the

microstructure of EFCBs were taken into account to evaluate the extent of the impact of

SCPS and PGS, while the lack of random sampling may introduce some confounding

factors.

Table 1.

List of Materials

Materials Quantity

Sugarcane Pulp Sand (SCPS) ½ sack

Paper Grain Sand (PGS) (25kg)

Cement ½ sack

Fine Aggregates (25kg)

Coarse Aggregates 1 sack (50kg)

water 1 sack (50kg)

½ sack

(25kg)

50 kg

Table 2.

List of Tools
 Tools Quantity

Pan Mixer 1

Brick Mold 1

Scale 1

Sieve 1

Measuring Tape / Ruler 1

Construction of the Prototype

1. Brick Mix Design.

Thirteen cement brick mixes were prepared: control mix without the use of waste

materials, and twelve mixes containing different proportions of SCPS, PGS and

combined SCPS+PGS at 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% weight replacement.

2. Mixing Procedure.

The ingredients were dry batched then water was gradually introduced into the

mixer and mechanical mixing was done in a pan mixer for a certain period of

time. Slim brick specimens were prepared in the laboratory utilizing molds of 250

mm in length, 120mm in width and 60mm in thickness. including a control mix

without waste materials and 12 mixes with varying ratios of SCPS, PGS, and

SCPS+PGS (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight). The ingredients were dry-mixed,

followed by gradual addition of water and mechanical mixing using a pan mixer for

a specific duration to ensure a uniform consistency.

3. Brick Specimen Preparation.

Brick specimens were cast using molds measuring 250 mm × 120 mm × 60 mm.

4. Testing Procedure:

a. Mechanical Properties: The pullout strength was determined in accordance with

ASTM C67 as well as 28 days water curing.

b. Physical Properties: The tests on the specimens were on bulk density apparent

porosity, water absorption and unit weight were done according to ASTM C20.
 c. Microstructure Analysis: SEM analysis was employed to evaluate the

microstructure and the morphology of the interfacial transition zones of the brick.

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