Plants Extract as an Alternative Ink for Markers

Abstract

Do you even wonder how markers are made? Where do all of these colors come from? Many of the
colorful dyes we use come from plants. Could you create colored ink out from the plant extracts? Yes,
you can.

You can because plants have colored-molecule which is a molecule that reflects a certain color from the
Sun. Plants have pigments which are responsible for many of the beautiful colors we see in the plant
world and are materials that changes the color of reflected or transmitted light as the result of
wavelength-selective absorption. This physical process differs from fluorescence, phosphorescence, and
other forms of luminescence, in which a material emits light.

The purpose of this research is to the people produce their own ink marker and to identify the
difference of using plant extracts as a marker ink to the standard ink. This study shows that what we can
see in our environment and inside our home can be use an ingredient to produce ink for markers.

In this project, become a scientist and engineer through learning how to use the plant extracts as an
alternative ink for markers.

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

Markers play an important role in writing and in artworks in different ways. Markers are valuable and
productive to create various writings on objects with enormous creative and practical possibilities. Aside
from its use in writing, it is also used in labeling, poster creation and calligraphy. It is also important to
the students considering the advantages of technology. It helps them to do their reports and present it
as though power service interruption occurs. With infinite use of markers, many did not know that
markers have limitations. Usually, it is a problem for students, artists and calligraphers to supply ink for
the markers they are using. Typically, the inks used in most markers are made from synthetic materials
like the petroleum and chemical solvents. These kinds of materials are hazardous especially to the
health of the users and to the environment as well As been made into dyes, the Mayana (Coleus Blumei)
can be an alternative ingredient for ink instead of petroleum. The Mayana (Coleus Blumei) is a genus of
perennial plants native to tropical Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. It is composed of about
150 species under the Mint family of plants (Lamiaceae) and closely related to spearmint, peppermint,
basil, thyme, oregano and salvia and found all over in the Philippine archipelago. Mayana is use as
medicine in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) with verifiable texts mentioned from ancient Sanskrit
writings where it is used as a health tonic, treatment for heart problems, chest pains lung ailments,
digestive disorder and sleeplessness (insomnia). Recent scientific studies confirmed that coleus contains
a potent compound called forskolin that may have muscle relaxant properties and can dilate blood
vessels thereby has a capability to lower blood pressure (anti-hypertensive property). With dilated blood
vessels the heart works less to pump blood throughout the body. Coleus can provide health benefit for
patients suffering from cardiomyopathy. Mayana foliage is also rich in colored molecule which can
produce ink. The Alugbati is also known as Malabar Spinach, Ceylon Spinach or the red vine. The stem is
purplish (shade of red) and succulent with heart shape leaves. It bears green to dark red fruits. The plant
is also popular for its medicinal properties. Alugbati fruits are rich in colored molecule as well. In today's
modern world, almost every product has been commercial ized and people sought for products that are
more natural and cheaper instead. the creation of ink with alternative ingredient is a demand for the
students' artists, calligraphers as well as for the people. The researcher thinks that Mayana and Alugbati
have great potentials in having an alternative marker ink due to its advantages The researcher decided
to test its effectiveness as an ingredient for marker ink.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study attempted to determine the effectiveness of Mayana and Alugbati extract as an ingredient for
marker ink. Specifically, it aimed to answer the following questions: 1. Are Mayana and Alugbati ink
effective (refers to quality) in terms of the following:

a) Absorption

b) Stick Consistency

c) Color

2. Is there a significant difference between the Mayana and Alugbati ink and the standard or commercial
ink in terms of Color, Odor, and Absorption?

3. Is making alternative ink helps you to lessen your expenses? What will be its effect to the
environment?

HYPOTHESIS

The researchers theorized that through making your own marker ink by the use of plants you would be
able to lessen your expenses because plants specifically Mayana and Alugbati are rampant in our
community. It can't just prevent and cure ailments but it can also be made as an ink for markers. The
used plant source can also be use as a fertilizer when dried. Comparing to commercial marker ink,
Mayana and Alugbati ink can promote safety to the environment.

OBJECTIVES

The researchers aim to produce an ink out from Mayana leaves extracts and Alugbati fruits extracts ,The
researchers study the advantages and disadvantages in using commercial and plants ink for markers.
>The researchers examine what would be the effects of using the plant as source of marker ink to the
community, environment and mankind. The researchers aim to know the significance of color, odor,
stick consistency and absorption between the standard ink and Mayana and Alugbati ink.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is significant to the following:

(USER) This study would be very beneficial to the users of markers. This study provides many advantages
to them, such as they would have a more natural and cheaper way of having an ink for their markers
and lessen their expenses. This will also help to keep their health from toxins and bad odor
(ENVIRONMENT) This study will help to replenish the atmosphere and surroundings from getting
destroyed.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The study aimed to test the effectiveness of Mayana leaves extract and Alugbati fruits extarct as an
ingredient to produce a marker ink. This study limits its coverage on the discussion of marker ink
production and the impact of the Mayana and Alugbati marker ink in the environment and to the
people. The study focused on testing its effectiveness in terms of absorption, stick consistency, odor and
color.

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The following are the literatures that are related to the conduct of the study. Long before, ink is usually
made from natural products such as berries, barks and leaves extract. They have been used for centuries
to create numerous colors and when mixed to other substances can be an ink, dye or paint. Tea leaves
have been also used for centuries to make ink because of its various shades that create yellow, green,
brown or black ink. (Lopierre, Lopi. .) Plants that contain tanning color can be reliable for making ink. For
centuries, galls nestled from oak trees as primary ingredient to make a black ink. The rich tanning color
of dogwood and alder tee also results to natural inks. Galls and barks achieve nore intense, lasting inks
than most of the flower-based inks. Also, Egyptians achieved quality red ink with poppies. (.) According
to Helmenstine, any acidic fruit juice can be used to make an invisible ink when combined with vinegar
to make the ink last longer.

Robbins (2010) described marker pens as pens which have their own ink source and usually has a tip
made of absorbent and pressed fiber and was first created by Sidney Rosenthal in 1952. This marker pen
had been one of the commonly used writing instruments for about fifty years Ink, according to
Encyclopedia.com (2011), is a combination of a coloring agent, pigment and a liquid containing oils,
resins and chemical solvents. In the past, ink was fashioned from different colored juices, plant and
animal extracts. But today, synthetic materials are used in addition to these natural ingredients to
improve the quality of ink making; however, ink must have two basic components: the pigment coloring
and the vehicle, a liquid which allow the ink to be dispersed. In addition, according to the article found
in the Student's Encyclopedia, "The ink should make a clear permanent mark that when dry does not
fade from exposure to light or run from exposure to moisture. It should flow freely and dry quickly when
written in a surface and it must contain nothing that might damage either the pen or the paper."
Neumann's and Schluttig's definition of ink as cited in Lindquist, clearly stated the properties of ink that
would be helpful in having a good quality ink. The ink must be clear, filterable solution but not a
suspension, should flow easily from the pen and should not spread on paper. Since the ink is natural, no
mold must be seen on the solution and has no pronounced unpleasant odor. Likewise, it must have an
intense color which does not become paler nor bleach out entirely as it is used in writing. Furthermore,
Lindquist added that every good ink, whether writing, or combined writing and copying, should have
qualities that give writing that, after drying for eight days, is not removed by water or alcohol - even by
treatment for days -- to such an extent that it becomes illegible. (Lindquist, Evan. Old Ink.n.d..)

CHAPTER III: МЕТHODOLOGY

The study used the experimental method of research. The method is a highly controlled procedure in
which manipulated treatment or actions from a factor or condition, called the experimental variable
(the Mayana and Alugbati ink) were applied upon another factor or condition.This study also focused on
how the Mayana and Alugbati extract is capable of being utilized as ingredient for the marker ink.
Additionally, the Mayana and Alugbati extract was tested to determine its effectiveness and through
experiments, observations were gathered and utilized as a collective in making conclusions. The
experimental set-up consists of three (3) sub set-ups and the controlled set-up. Each set-up had
undergone the same process, same environment and same tests in order to avoid alteration and
confusion of observation. The set-up with three (3) replications was tested with the use of a
standardized the Waterproof Test. This study also used another method in data .gathering

LIST OF MATERIALS AND INGREDIENTS

A colorful spice, tea, plant, fruit, or vegetable (good sources should be rich in color and include, but are
not limited to: blueberries, cranberries, beets, yellow onion, red onion, turmeric, black tea, coffee).
Note: Be sure you have enough to cover the bottom of a saucepan. Cutting board (if you need to chop
your plant source into small pieces) Knife (if you need to chop your plant source into small pieces)
Saucepan Stove Water Bowl Strainer (if using a plant source that does not dissolve in the water) Large
glass jar (1), such as a canning jar that is about 6 2-7 inches tall Empty markers Newspapers to protect
your working area

PROCEDURE

1. Pick out a plant source to extract your ink from. Make sure you have enough of the plant source to
cover the bottom of a saucepan.
2. If your plant source is large, you will need to finely chop it into little pieces using your knife and
cutting board

3. Add the plant material to your saucepan and add just enough water to cover the plant source. If you
selected tea or a spice, add enough water so that it is floating or mixed into the liquid and not just
absorbing the water or turning into a paste.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer covered on the stove for approximately 15-20 minutes. The
pigment from the plant material will slowly begin to color the water in your saucepan ..Safety Notes: Do
not leave the plant-water mixture unattended on the stove. Remain nearby to make sure it does not
burn. It is also a good idea to do this in a well-ventilated area, or with the stove top fan running, in case
the cooking plants release bad-smelling fumes.

5. If the color of your water is too faint, you may want to concentrate the color by removing the lid of
the saucepan and continue boiling until enough liquid has evaporated, leaving behind a darker liquid.

6. When the color of the water is rich in color, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dye to
cool. If there are pieces of material in your saucepan, separate the dye into another bowl using a
strainer and set the bowl of dye aside If your plant source dissolved, just pour the liquid into a bowl and
set it aside.

7.Now that you have your homemade ink you are ready to put it in the marker.

(The color of the ink was too pale because it has too much water and least amount of mayana leaves
and alugbati fruits. The odor depends on the number of the leaves and fruits being boiled and
simmered. The absorption of the ink depends on the amount of the water mixed with the leaves and
fruits. The consistency of the ink differs to what thing it has been applied.)

CONCLUSION

We conclude that in order to create your own marker ink out from plants extract you need to balance
the amount of water and plant source for it to produce a natural odor and color; to avoid the spreading
of ink on the fabric or paper and to maintain the good quality of the marker ink. The Mayana and
Alugbati extract may not produce a strong tanning of color of ink like the commercial one but Mayana
and Alugbati ink don't produce strong odor and its stain whether on paper or fabric is just easy to wash
Furthermore, people will be able to save money for its ingredients and materials are just easy to find so
as the procedure is just easy to follow.

RECOMMENDATION

1.It is advisable to improve the color of the Mayana and Alugbati ink and know what ingredient can
improve the absorption of the ink, rate of the stick consistency and odor

2. The researcher advocates re-associating the difference between the two inks
using other tests in order to justify the result of this study. Furthermore, having a
good quality ink must be focused on before undergoing a series of test.

3. The researcher advises to conduct other parallel tests based on the

components of the standard ink and the Mayana and Alugbati ink.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Make Your Own Markers

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-
https://www.academia.edu/22466483/Plants_Extract_as_an_Alternative_Ink_for_Markers

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our parents for supporting us
financially, physically and emotionally. To our friends who are always there to cheer
us and help us to this journey. To our Science teacher, Mr. Sarongon for molding our
capabilities to stand on our own feet. Lastly to our Almighty God who guides us and
enlightens our minds and hearts to understand and make this project a successful
one.
 Glossary
Dyes-a natural or synthetic substance used to add a color to or change the color of something.

Extract-a preparation containing the active ingredient of a substance in concentrated form.

Molecule-a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical
compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.

Phosphorescence-light emitted by a substance without combustion or perceptible heat.

Luminescenes-the emission of light by a substance that has not been heated, as in fluorescence and
phosphorescence.

Emit-produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation).

Enormous-very large in size, quantity, or extent.

Synthetic-(of a substance) made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product.

Perennial-lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.

Basil-an aromatic annual herb of the mint family, native to tropical Asia.

Thyme-a low-growing aromatic plant of the mint family. The small leaves are used as a culinary herb and
the plant yields a medicinal oil.

Salvia-a widely distributed plant of the mint family, especially (in gardening) a bedding plant cultivated
for its spikes of bright flowers.

Sanskrit-an ancient Indo-European language of India, in which the Hindu scriptures and classical Indian
epic poems are written and from which many northern Indian (Indic) languages are derived.

Tonic-a medicinal substance taken to give a feeling of vigor or well-being.

Dilate-make or become wider, larger, or more open.

Coleus-a tropical Southeast Asian plant of the mint family that has brightly colored variegated leaves
and is popular as a houseplant.

Cardiomyopathy-chronic disease of the heart muscle.

Foliage-plant leaves collectively.

Rampant-(especially of something unwelcome or unpleasant) flourishing or spreading unchecked.

Tanning-(of a pale-skinned person or their skin) become brown or browner after exposure to the sun.

Paler-light in color or having little color.

Illegible-not clear enough to be read.

Approximately-used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate or exact; roughly.

Fumes-gas, smoke, or vapor that smells strongly or is dangerous to inhale.

Galls-the contents of the gallbladder; bile (proverbial for its bitterness).