Feasibility of prussian blue powder as pigment for whiteboard marker free essay sample

Communication is a vital activity performed by human. Writing the message is the easiest as well as most effective way to do it. In this case, use of effective writing material such as ink is crucial. Nowadays, ink is used along different medium of vessel, whether a quill, a pen or a marker. One of many type, is used on white resin boards called whiteboard ink or erasable ink. It is a type of ink that can be erased or removed even after it is written on a smooth surface like plastic or resin but becomes permanent on paper. Whiteboard ink is very useful but it is also expensive and can be only availed at large supply store and supermarkets. In addition, some people who use whiteboard markers complain of the strong odor associated in the ink which is equipped with different unknown chemicals. Other study also reveals that fumes from whiteboard markers when inhaled and abused leads to intoxication and sometimes addiction. On the other hand, some whiteboard ink causes problem in clean up since other ink brand is difficult to remove and leave stains on the resin board. But despite such concerns, continued patronage of such product is inevitable. To address such concerns, the researchers opted to determine the feasibility of using less expensive and potentially less toxic materials as substitute for ink for whiteboard marker. The researchers decided to focus on using Prussian Blue powder (PBP) or â€Å"TINA† as source of pigment for whiteboard marker ink in the conduct of the study. Statement of the Problem This study aims to determine the feasibility of using Prussian Blue (PBP-TINA) as main ingredient in whiteboard marker ink. Specifically, the study answers the following questions: 1. Is the Prussian Blue powder (TINA) an effective source of whiteboard marker ink in terms of the following: a. Color test (stability and visibility) b. Eraser test (ability to be erased) c. Odor test d. Fluidity or texture test (does it scatter, is it absorb by the board? ) e. Drying time (rate of evaporation) 2. What significant change in properties of prepared Prussian Blue Powder (PBP) ink was observed on the following concentration used: a. Acetone-based PBP ink b. Alcohol-based PBP ink c. Alcohol-Acetone-based PBP ink 3. Is there a significant difference in the effectiveness of Prussian Blue powder (TINA) and the commercial whiteboard marker in terms of: a. Color test (stability and visibility) b. Eraser test (ability to be erased) c. Odor test d. Fluidity or texture test (does it scatter, is it absorb by the board? ) e. Drying time (rate of evaporation) Significance of the Study This study hopes to benefit the following: USERS/CONSUMERS: To provide individuals like teachers, students, office-workers and the likes who use whiteboard marker an alternative source of whiteboard marker ink which is more cost effective, less toxic and easy to access/readily available within the household. ENVIRONMENT/HEALTH To produce a less toxic and environment friendly source of whiteboard marker ink. RESEARCHERS To provide information that can be further improve by other researchers in the future and will add factual concepts that may serve as basis for review of literature. ECONOMY To create an ink that may be used in whiteboard marker that may be reproduced and tested for potential market. Scope and Limitations of the Study This study utilized the use of Prussian Blue powder (PBP) or â€Å"TINA†, lampblack alcohol and acetone as ingredients for the production of whiteboard marker ink. The researchers limits the study on the discussion of the effectiveness of prepared Prussian Blue powder (PBP) or â€Å"TINA† ink as compared to commercial whiteboard ink in terms of color test, eraser test, odor test, fluidity test, drying time, shelf life. The researchers test the ink’s effectiveness through the use of Pilot WKB marker and/or Artline EK-509AKL refillable whiteboard markers as the vessel of the ink for the duration of one week. The researchers randomly selected 8 Secondary Level Teachers which comprises twenty percent (20%) out of 38 teachers from Paliparan II National High School-Congressional Annex as respondents who will test the effectiveness of Prussian Blue powder (TINA) ink. The teacher will evaluate the ink’s effectiveness with the help of researcher constructed checklist-survey questionnaire composed of twenty-four (24) questions paired with descriptors. The study was conducted at P2NHS-Congressional Annex for the school year 2013-2014. Ink formulation, experimentation and data gathering was accomplished in the duration of two months. CHAPTER II CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK This section presents the related literatures, related studies, research paradigm and definition of terms specifically used in the study. INK Ink is a liquid or paste mixed with pigments, either from synthetic or natural pigment, and is used to color a surface to produce an image, text or design. Since ink allow written language easier to read by providing a more a vibrant and clear image or text compared to pencil it also preserve these characters through time which made ink as a useful tool for record keeping and history recording. Ink is usually composed of complex mediums, which consist of solvents, pigments, dyes, resins, lubricants, solubilizers, surfactants, particulate matter and many other materials. These materials greatly affect or control the ink’s characteristics such as flow and thickness of ink as well as its appearance when it dries. WHITEBOARD MARKER Whiteboard marker also called as dry-erase or non-permanent marker is a writing tool that uses an erasable ink. It is made to be used on slick, non-porous writing surface, for temporary writing with overhead projectors as well as whiteboards and the likes. Whiteboard markers are permanent, however, if used on any surface that absorbs liquid such as paper and cloth. It was invented by Jerry Woolf and later patented by Pilot pen in 1975. One main advantage of this marker is that it less likely to cause allergic reaction compared to use of chalk. Whiteboard marker also come in different colors to promote creativity among users. WHITEBOARD INK Whiteboard ink also known as dry-erase or erasable ink is a mixture commonly composed of alcohol (SD alcohol-40, isopropanol, diacetone, etc. ) and resin. This ink resembles a permanent marker as it also serves the same purpose, except that whiteboard ink is erasable or can be removed when used on a nonporous surface. Concerns on the toxicity of whiteboard ink are based from the formula of a specific brand. The most dangerous versions contain the solvents xylene and toluene. Alcohol based markers can be dangerous, but are generally not as toxic as one made with xylene. Eventually, prolonged exposure and inhalation of alcohol or whiteboard ink fume can cause respiratory problem and can cause neurological problem such as poor memory and slow thinking, damage to heart, lungs and kidneys. You can be also addicted to it or even cause â€Å"sudden sniffing death syndrome†. Several ink manufacturers are now developing ink materials which contain natural ink pigment and ink solvents which are known to be less toxic compared to the synthetic materials found on commercial ink. PRUSSIAN BLUE (TINA) Prussian Blue also commonly known as Berlin Blue, Ferric ferrocyanide, Parisian Blue among others, is a dark blue color that is artificially produced in 1706 by a paint maker Diesbach in Berlin and It was named after in 1709 by its first traders, â€Å"Preu? isch blau† and â€Å"Berlinisch Blau† due to its characteristic blue color. It is one of the many first pigments made synthetically and accidentally. Chemically, it has an idealized formula of Fe7(CN)18 or C18Fe7N18 or [Fe4[Fe(CN)6]3] and carries an IUPAC name of iron (II,III) hexacyanoferrate (II,III). It was known to be formed while experimenting with the oxidation of ferrous ferrocynide salts which was accidentally contaminated by potash that instead of producing red pigment, a relatively long lasting and less expensive source of Blue pigment. This substance appears in blue opaque crystals or microcrystalline fine blue powder, it is relatively insoluble but tends to form a colloidl that can pass through fine filters The use of Prussian Blue was popularized by the blue colored uniforms of soldiers, which was very common during World War I. Although, Prussian Blue was no longer the main source for blue color pigment it is still widely used in many purpose such as pigment enhancer on paints, bluish and black inks, laundry bluing, â€Å"traditional blue† in blue prints, because it is easily made, cheap, non-toxic, and intensely colored. It was also known to be used as an antidote for certain kinds of heavy metal poisoning e. g. cesium and thalium, particularly on Goi? nia incident, . Related Studies ___________( ) conducted a study about using Papaya fruit (Carica papaya L. ), mango fruit (Mangifera indica) and Achuete (Bixa orellana) as substitute pigment source for highlighter ink. The inks were rated based on consistency, color and odour and texture after being marked. The study concluded that the test ink can compete with commercial ink in terms of all characteristics, except for the mango and papaya ink which fail to compete in terms of color. ___________( ) of Grade 9 Lapu-Lapu tested the feasibility of using charcoal and used engine oil as alternative whiteboard marker ink. The findings showed that the prepared ink from charcoal and engine oil when compared to commercialized whiteboard marker ink do not share any similarities but more of differences such as color, intensity and erasing quality of the ink on the whiteboard. ___________( ) of Naga City Science High School tested the effectiveness of Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) bark extract to produce a permanent marker ink. The study further prove ___________( ) conducted a study/experiment of making ink from teabags. The research results prove that tea has potential use as pigment in ink. In addition, addition of vinegar and corn starch to the prepared tea-bag solution helps improve the inks color and fluidity. ___________( ) Research Paradigm Figure 1. The process followed in the conduct of the study. Definition of Terms For better understanding, the following terms used in the study are operationally defined: Prussian Blue Powder ink (PBP ink) refers to prepared whiteboard ink made from Prussian Blue powder (TINA) mixed with lampblack and alcohol and/or acetone. Commercial whiteboard ink (CW ink) or Commercially available marker ink refers to commercially available whiteboard ink, this may be Pilot or Artline erasable marker ink. Whiteboard/ board refers to the surface where the ink is tested refers to the board built with white, smooth, glossy surface made from steel and melamine resin Marker refers to whiteboard marker or erasable marker Synthetic ink pigment refers to ink made from synthetic or chemical based pigment Natural ink pigment refers to ink made from pigment from naturally existing pigment or sources like tree barks or fruit extract Toxicity refers to the hazardous or harmful effect of a certain substance to human and environment Vapor / vapour refers to the smell or odor produced by the marker Image refers to the text, graphics or line produced on the whiteboard using the PBP ink and CW ink Porous refers to a material that absorbs liquid Nonporous refers to a material that doesnot absorb liquid Texture refers to the appearance of the ink after it dries Color refers to intensity of color of the ink Drying time refers to rate of evaporation or how fast does the ink dries up when used on the board Erasability refers to the rate of how easy/fast ink can be erased or removed on the board Ink stability refers to the ink’s shelf life and/or ability of the ink to be stored without losing its ink capability DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE The data of this study were collected through the use of a directly administered survey check-list questionnaire equipped with twenty-four (24) questions all pertaining to the effectiveness and feasibility of using Prussian Blue powder (TINA) ink as alternative pigment for whiteboard ink. The survey was created using suitable questions modified from related research and individual questions formed by the researchers. The questionnaire will be given before and after use of the PBP ink. CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY Research Design True Experimental Process The researchers conducted series of experiments to produce ink using Prussian Blue powder (TINA), Lampblack and alcohol in two varying concentration. Comparative Analysis through Survey Questionnaire The researchers conducted a survey to assess the effectiveness of the prepared PBP ink compared to CW ink. The respondents rated the ink in terms of color, odor, texture, drying time and cost. Rating scales followed in the survey were one (1) as the lowest factor and (6) as the highest. Sample The researchers utilized Prussian Blue Powder (PBP) or â€Å"TINA†, lampblack (charcoal), ethyl and/or isopropyl alcohol and acetone in varying concentration in the preparation of PBP ink. The respondents were randomly chosen from a pool of teachers from Paliparan II National High School-Congressional High School (PAL2NHS-CNHS Annex). Sampling Technique The researchers utilized random sampling method through fish ball draw in choosing respondents from the list of teachers of Paliparan II National High School, subject area and time of class was not taken as point for comparison. Research Instruments The researchers develop and utilize the use of Survey – Checklist Questionnaire in rating the performance of the prepared ink from Prussian Blue powder (PBP-Tina) ink. Sample Research Instrument FEASIBILITY OF PRUSSIAN BLUE POWDER (PBP) or â€Å"TINA† AS PIGMENT FOR WHITEBOARD INK This research instrument was constructed with the sole purpose of guiding the respondents in rating the performance of the prepared ink from Prussian Blue powder (PBP-Tina) ink. This research instrument is composed of twenty-four (24) questions paired with descriptors that will test the following parameters: a. Effectiveness of Prussian Blue Powder (PBP) or Tina as substitute pigment for white board marker. b. Effectiveness of Prussian Blue Powder -based ink (PBP ink) as whiteboard marker. c. Effectiveness of Prussian Blue Powder (PBP) compared to commercially available whiteboard marker. Part 1. Effectiveness of Prussian Blue Powder (PBP) Ink: Rating Scales or Descriptors: 5 = Very satisfactory 4 =Satisfactory 3 = Fair 2 = Poor 1 = Needs improvement To the respondents: Check the descriptors that suit best your answer. Parameters: Descriptors A. Color Stability and visibility 5 4 3 2 1 a. 1. Does PBP ink visible to the viewer when used to write on the board? sa. 2. Does PBP ink color remain vivid or intensely colored over period of time? (rate the level of color intensity of PBP ink) a. 3. Note problems or issues encountered related to PBP ink color not mentioned above: B. Eraser Test 5 4 3 2 1 b. 1 Does the PBP ink can be easily erased or removed from the board? (refers to the ease of removal of PBP ink on the board) b. 2. Does the PBP ink leave ink marks or residual marks (shadows, lines or ghost marks) after it was erased on the board? b. 3. Note problems or issues encountered related to PBP ink erasability not mentioned above: C. Odor Test 5 4 3 2 1 c. 2 Does PBP ink produce any annoying smell or odor when being used? (Rate PBP odor based on its strength) c. 2 Does PBP ink smell or odor tolerable? c. 3. List down any problems related to PBP smell or odor not mentioned above: D. Fluidity or Texture Test 5 4 3 2 1 d. 1 Does the marker filled with PBP ink writes smoothly on the board? (rate ink base on ease of writing on the board) d. 2 Does the PBP ink produce a smooth lines or strokes of ink on the board? d. 3 Does PBP ink scatter, blot or run when used to write on the board? d. 4 List down problems encountered on the fluidity and texture of PBP ink not mentioned above: E. Drying Time (Rate of Evaporation) 5 4 3 2 1 e. 1 Does PBP ink dries up easily after it is used to write on the board? (rate based on how fast PBP ink dries up) e. 2 List down any problems encountered on the drying time of PBP ink not mentioned above: Part 2. Comparison between Prussian Blue Powder (PBP) ink and Commercially available Whiteboard marker (CW-marker): Using the CW-marker as your basis for comparison describe the PBP ink performance based on the following parameters: To the respondents: Check the descriptors that suit best your answer. Rating Scales or Descriptors: 5 = Very satisfactory 4 =Satisfactory 3 = Fair 2 = Poor 1 = Needs improvement Parameters 5 4 3 2 1 1. Color Test a. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP-ink fare in terms of Color Stability. b. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP-ink fare in terms of Color Visibility. 2. Eraser Test a. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP-ink fare in terms of Ease of erase ability. b. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP-ink fare in terms of Residual marks. 3. Odor Test a. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP ink fare in terms of Odor intensity b. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP ink fare in terms of Odor tolerability. 4. Fluidity Test a. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP ink fare in terms of Ease of writing. b. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP ink fare in terms of Line produced by ink. c. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP ink fare in terms of Blot formation 5. Drying Time (Rate of Evaporation) a. Compared to CW-ink rate how does PBP ink fare in terms of Drying Time Part 3. Comments and Recommendations: