Effectiveness of Limonine

The Effectiveness of Using Limonene as a Substance by Means of Decomposing Polystyrene (Styrofoam)

Researchers:
Group 1
Ablaza, Jennifer
Bacallan, Rain
Bautista, Janessa
Bolito, Gael
Camacho, Lara
Castañeda, Kristine
Cord-Cruz, Negene
Sanchez, Nicole
IV-(6) Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for Physics and Research Class in the High School Department
St. Theresa’s College, Quezon City

16 February, 2012
APPROVAL SHEET

In partial fulfillment of requirements for Physics and Research Class in the High School Department of St. Theresa’s College this reserch paper entitled “The Effectiveness of Using Limonene as a Substance by Means of Decomposing Polystyrene (Styrofoam)” has been prepared and submitted by JENNIFER ABLAZA, RAIN BACALLAN, JANESSA BAUTISTA, GAEL BOLITO, LARA CAMACHO, KRISTINE CASTAÑEDA, NEGENE CORD-CRUZ and NICOLE SANCHEZ of IV-(6) Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

MS. JOAM C. VILLAVERT
Adviser

____________________________________________________________________________
PANEL

Mr. Louie Dasas Ms. Kristina Reyes
Member Member

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirement in Physics and Research Class.

Acknowledgement

ABSTRACT

Our environment is currently facing several issues regarding waste disposal. Some takes a long time for it to decompose. Polystyrene or commonly known as Styrofoam takes hundreds of years to decompose, therefore it contributes to the pollution here in our planet. This study attempts to find a solution in order to lessen the time for it to dissolve completely without harming the environment. With the use of limonene, a substance made of methanol mixed with peelings from citrus fruits and its juices, the researchers tested its effectiveness by dropping certain amount of it to the polystyrene within six weeks. The researchers used the peelings from citrus fruits like lemon, orange, calamansi and lime and observed if the polystyrene would react through dissolving. The researchers found out that the limonene is an effective way and can really help dissolve the polystyrene . Among the four citrus fruits that were used, the lemon was the most effective. The lemon was able to dissolve most of the polystyrene and showed the greatest change in terms of its length, width and height. It means that the lemon has a higher capacity in dissolving the polystyrene more than the others. Even though the lemon showed the greatest change, some of the citrus fruits were also able to dissolve the polystyrene . This proves that the limonene is an effective way of dissolving the polystyrene . The limonene is a useful way to help lessen and prevent the worsening problems that can harm our environment.

Table of Contents

Title Page 1
Approval Sheet 2
Acknowledgement 3
Abstract 4
Table of Contents 5
Chapter I 6
Chapter II 10
Chapter III 16
Chapter IV 20
Chapter V 23
Bibliography 25
Appendices 26

Chapter I
INTRODUCTION

This chapter contains a brief introduction about this research. It gives a short background about the study and the importance of this study in our environment. It also states the problem that the researchers wanted to find an answer, as well as the scopes and limitations that were used during the experiment period.

Background of the Study

Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam is a petroleum-based plastic made from styrene monomer. It is used in manufacturing plastics, rubber and resins. It is said to be the 5th largest creator of hazardous waste in 1986 and according to The National Bureau of Standards Center for Fire Research of the United States of America, it releases 57 chemical byproducts during the combustion of polystyrene foam. During its process, it pollutes air and creates large amount of liquids and solid waste. It can also affect the human nervous system which can cause depression, fatigue and weakness. It is also learned that polystyrene were once made out of Chlorofluorocarbons which made a great damage on our ozone layers.

This experiment aimed to lessen the polystyrene in our planet by dissolving it using a natural substance called limonene which exists in two isomeric forms (compounds with the same molecular formula—in this case, C10H16—but with different structures) instead of acetone. Limonene is not readily available; hence, the researchers extracted it from citrus fruits like lemon, orange, lime and calamansi. It is a natural product which has a high intensity of hydro-carbon that allows it to dissolve polystyrene. It has many different uses such as solvent for cleaning purposes, biofuel and used to dissolve polystyrene . It is said that polystyrene cannot be really recycled or decompose naturally. Thus, it can harm human beings when used as food containers and can be a big problem in the worsening effect of pollution in the environment and in the solid waste management.
Through this experiment, the researchers believe that we can lessen polystyrene in a natural way and eco-friendly manner. We can use limonene as an alternative way to dissolve it without damaging our environment. Since limonene is a natural product found on citrus fruits, no harmful chemicals that were used in this experiment. The procedure is simple and can be done by teenagers but should have guidance by adults. This simple act of helping the environment can go a long way. Statement of the Problem

Is limonene substance made from peelings of lemon, orange, calamansi and lime effective as a dissolving agent for polystyrene?

Significance of the Study
Nowadays, many environmental problems are becoming an issue. One of which is recycling some materials that are not to be broken down easily and may cause pollution if disregarded. Specifically, polystyrene recycling is a cause for concern around the world. It is still evidently used all over the world for various purposes but after consuming it, people are having difficulties to melt down or decompose polystyrene in a natural way because this material is hardly biodegradable. This implies that it can almost last forever. Additionally, it is illegal to burn polystyrene or destroy it by using acetone because this would yield harmful chemicals and will only deteriorate environmental conditions. Therefore, a more effective way to recycle this material is greatly needed. Limonene, an extract from essential oils of citrus fruits can dissolve polystyrene without causing any detrimental effects in the environment. This experiment, The Effectiveness of Using Limonene as a Substance by Means of Decomposing Polystyrene, will help the environment to easily reduce and recycle products that are not earth-friendly. The researchers aimed to discover a new and faster way of recycling polystyrene to take part in lessening environmental issues. The researchers also intend to know if with the use of natural materials like limonene would be able to lessen or diminish polystyrene in a way that would not be harmful to the environment. In addition to that, the researchers wanted to contribute in stopping issues that our world is currently facing such as global warming. The main purpose of this sudy was to take part in saving our planet and also to have alternatives that won 't be expensive and at the same time will be beneficial to all especially our Mother Earth.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The scope of this research revolved on the effectiveness of using limonene as a substance in dissolving polystyrene. The researchers used limonene and polystyrene as the main instrument for this experiment. The polystyrene is a foam more commonly known as Styrofoam. The limonene is a substance believed to be helpful and more environment-friendly in melting these polystyrene. This substance is originally made from methanol; and peels of the lemon were mixed to make limonene. However, in experiments, limitations are inevitable. The researchers decided to use only four citrus fruits as mediums of the limonene substance. These were lemon, orange, lime and calamansi. They used one kind of polystyrene with the same sizes and similar mass which helped in having precise data in the effectiveness of each limonene substance in melting these polystyrene. This experiment allotted exactly six weeks from the day the Limonene were first dropped on each of the polystyrene to see if any changes have occurred.

Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter will concentrate on the main variables of this experiment namely, Limonene and Polystyrene (styrofoam). Aside from the this, it will also include information cited from dictionaries, books and previous experiments that paved way to enrich this research and be of help in answering the research problem.

Limonene
As we all know, our planet is currently facing different issues. One of which is the environmental issue of recycling reusable materials. The Effectiveness of Using Limonene as a Substance by Means of Dissolving Polystyrene (Styrofoam) supports this issue to help in finding for a solution to our rising problem because it proves that we can create such things that will not only benefit us humans but also our home planet, Earth. It shows that making polystyrene can cause pollution in the atmosphere, land and water because of the solid and liquid wastes it consumes. And the many wastes it consumes, the bigger the damage of our ozone layers can have. It can also have an effect to humans like depression, fatigue and weakness. So in this experiment, all of us can use other alternative yet simple ways to lessen the use of polystyrene and other materials that may harm the environment.

One of the major materials needed in this experiment is the Limonene. Limonene is a liquid hydrocarbon with citrus scent. It is also known to be a renewable solvent in cleaning products. Limonene is any of three isomeric terpenes, CH, present in many plant products such as lemon peel, orange oil, pine needles, and peppermint. It is used as a solvent, wetting agent, and dispersing agent and in the manufacture of resins. Limonene may also be found in aromatherapy oils of lotions. Limonene belongs to group of hydrocarbon compounds known as monoterpene.

The dissolving of polystyrene was first discovered by the Sony Research Center that with the oil of orange peels, it is very effective to melt and make the polystyrene a very strong kind of glue.
In this experiment, limonene was used as the instrument in order to dissolve the polystyrene. During the experiment period, the researchers dropped 5 ml of the limonene sample each day. The researchers tested which kind of limonene had the fastest time in dissolving the polystyrene. There were 4 kinds of limonene containing different extracts of citrus fruits which comprises of lemon, orange, lime and calamansi.

This experiment aims to give an alternative solution to the rising problems of our planet. Limonene could help a lot especially in the problem of dissolving polystyrene. Someone might think that the peels of these fruits are just wastes but they are wrong. These peels can give a big help to save the worsening environment by reusing the peels, thus will lessen the wastes we are making and by using them, polystyrene will have lesser time for it to decompose. According to de Taverra (2000) the following fruits contain different acidity levels—lemon has an acidity level of 1.44, orange has 3.5, calamansi has 2.08 and lime is between 2-2.35.

Polystyrene
Styrofoam or in more accurate terms, polystyrene foam is a light-weight material with very strong insulation properties. It is a common plastic product used in all types of products from cups, plates, to different packaging materials people use. Additionally, it is widely used today because of the cheap cost of producing this material.

Polystyrene has a number of functional uses. For instance, it can be molded into many shapes to protect fragile products from damage when shipped. In fact, it is one of the lightest packaging materials in the world. Due to its lightweight properties, it 's also an effective insulator in roofs and slabs. Aside from having strong insulating properties, polystyrene is also known to be a highly buoyant material. This implies that it floats very well in water and is often a major material for life rafts, canoes and kayaks. Many individuals usually agree to use polystyrene due to its resistance to moisture and molds, affordability and ability to be reused. This material eliminates the need to purchase other packaging materials for delivery and business.
Unfortunately, this durable, highly resistant material takes a hundred years before being fully biodegraded. In fact, it can almost last a lifetime because it doesn 't weaken even due to sunlight exposure. Even 500 years from now, the cup of drink you used will be appearing in a pile of landfill mainly because the materials that make up polystyrene take an incredible time to break down in the environment and this is where problems arise. Polystyrene is one of the factors that cause serious soil pollution, as it does not decompose in a natural way. Due to the big amount of space that it consumes, landfill sites continue to pile up thus becoming an instrument to damage the environment. During the experiment period the polystyrene was tested by dropping limonene on it. Every other day, the dimensions were being measured by the researchers. They also observed its physical aspect and compared each polystyrene with one another.

Conceptual Framework

Research Hypothesis
Ho= There was no significant difference among the different sources of limonene in dissolving polystyrene.
Ha= There was a significant difference among the different sources of limonene in dissolving polystyrene .

Definition of Terms
Polystyrene - is a petroleum-based plastic produced from styrene is light in weight and moisture-resistant material with exceptional insulation properties. It is composed of more than 90 percent air which implies that this foam is remarkably weightless. Most people know it as Styrofoam, which is actually the trade name of a famous polystyrene foam product. It is used in all types of products from cups used for eating to packaging materials that keep your things safe during shipping. Also, it’s a liquid hydrocarbon that is manufactured from petroleum the chemical industry.

Limonene - is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon and a colorless liquid found in the essential oils of pine and citrus trees such as grapes, lemon, calamansi, lime and oranges. Indeed, limonene forms 98% of the essential oil found from orange peel. It is also used to odorize industrial household products.

Chapter III
METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains the procedures and the step-by-step process on how the experiment was conducted by the researchers. It explains how the materials were used and its purpose during the experiment period and how the data is needed in order to arrive at the results that were gathered by the researchers. The polystyrene (Styrofoam) and limonene were also introduced to give its purpose, use and effect in the entire duration of the experiment.

Research Design The experimental design applied in the study of using Limonene as a substance in dissolving Polystyrene (Styrofoam) was the Control group design. In this research design, parallel experiments were set-up except that there was an experimental group which included the treatment. The control group was composed of the polystyrene alone, received no treatment over the same period of time as the experimental group. This helped the researchers compare the difference between the effect of limonene from different citrus fruits as the said treatment on the polystyrene and polystyrene without receiving any treatment at all.

The controlled group comprised the polystyrene alone which did not receive any treatment at all. The sample in the controlled group had the same components, structure and time allotment as of the sample on the experimental group and received the same tests. The only difference is that, the sample in the experimental group will receive treatment that will cause an effect on it.

The experimental group comprised the sample in which the treatments were all be tested and four different treatments that came from citrus fruits like calamansi, orange, lime and lemon. Primarily, the treatments used to dissolve the sample and those treatments were processed with other substances which made it more convenient to be used in dissolving the sample. It was administered equally and in the same manner. The samples were given a specific and equal amount of treatment to be able to know which treatment can dissolve the most number of samples. The results varied due the components that came from the different citrus fruits. At the end of this experiment, the researchers were able to know which of the four different treatments most likely dissolved the most number of samples. And also, they were able to compare the sample which did not receive any treatment at all to the sample who received treatments.

Sample
Polystyrene or more noted as Styrofoam is widely used by a lot of people everyday from plates and cups to other packaging uses. It is also used to protect fragile materials inside packages. Polystyrene is very easy to make and a lot of pieces can be made everyday. Which means also a lot of pieces of polystyrene can be thrown everyday. Styrofoam is one of the causes of soil decomposition because it doesn’t decompose in a natural way. A lot of people and establishments minimize the use of polystyrene because of the harmful effects it does to the environment.

The researchers used polystyrene to prove that limonene can really dissolve it. The polystyrene’s dimension were 4.5cm in width, 5.5cm length and 0.5cm thick. One Polystyrene was used as part of the control group which did not receive any treatment. As for the experimental group, the four other polystyrenes were poured with limonene extracts of different fruits.

Instrument
The researchers wanted to look for possible solutions in order to lessen the worsening problems of the number of polystyrene produced in our planet which greatly affects our environment. In this experiment, the researchers tried to find out whether limonene, which comprises of different fruit extracts, had the capability of dissolving polystyrene. Given the chance to conduct this experiment, the researchers used limonene as an instrument to see its effectiveness on the sample.

There were four limonene substances involving in this experiment. The researchers tried to find out which substance had the greatest effect on the polystyrene, consisting the rate of time and how much it could dissolve a polystyrene given a certain amount of limonene, which is 5ml per day.

In this experiment, they used limonene as the material for dissolving. This was poured down to the polystyrene in order to test whether it can dissolve or not. With this, they would be able to prove which of the four substances greatly affects the polystyrene.
The total cost for the experiment was Php200.00. The researchers considered this practical because besides buying fruits that they needed, they also sought help from other people by collecting peelings from those who usually eat those kinds of fruits. With this, they did not only saved a big amount of money but also helped the environment by reusing the peeling which are often times thrown by the people. The researchers did not consider the use of gasoline despite the fact that it is cheaper and could dissolve polystyrene faster because it is highly flammable and might cause accidents during the experiment period. Gasoline also release a very strong smell which is harmful to the health of the researchers. It also contributes to the worsening problems of the environment.

Data Analysis Procedure
The researchers showed and calculated all the data gathered during the whole duration of the experimentation. The ANOVA test was used in this experiment because there are more than two variables that are being tested. Thus, the results of the ANOVA test that the researchers conducted to compare and know if there is a significant difference on the effectiveness of limonene as a substance from citrus fruits in dissolving polystyrene are stated here. The critical region was determined by computing the degrees of freedom between and within the variables. The researches rejected Ho and accepted Ha was made to prove that the fruits did really made certain changes in the structure of the polystyrene (styrofoam) and that there are factors that can prove that there is really a difference between the variables. The effects of the different citrus fruits in the polystyrene are shown. It is shown how helpful citrus fruits such as lemon, calamansi, orange and lime as an alternative way in reducing polystyrene.

Chapter IV
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

This chapter presents the data analysis and interpretations of the researchers regarding the use of limonene and its effectiveness as a substance that can help dissolve or decompose polystyrene or commonly known as styrofoam. Moreover, it presents the different aspects that can prove that there is really a significant difference between the variables that were used in this experiment that caused relative changes in its area composed of the length, width and height of the polystyrene.

After several weeks of experimentation, the researchers finally arrived with the results. Table 1.1 table shows the data gathered of each polystyrene after a week. Here, one can see the changes of each polystyrene and their manner of how they react with the fruit peeling. Styrofoam A used lemon, B used orange, C used calamansi, and D used lime. Styrofoam E on the other hand was the controlled variable used by the researchers in the experiment

Table 1.1 Data on the effectiveness of limonene as a substance in dissolving polystyrene.

After six weeks of experimentation, the researchers have found that all of the substances used resulted to a significant effect in the process of melting the polystyrene. Each substance had different amount of changes to each polystyrene. Among the four variables that were used in dissolving the polystyrene, the lemon showed the greatest change in terms of its area composed of the length, width and height. It showed that the lemon is the most effective substance that can help dissolve the polystyrene among the different citrus fruits that were used. Even though the lemon showed the greatest change, some of the citrus fruits were also able to dissolve the polystyrene itself.

In order to find out if the research is feasible enough, the researchers decided to make use of ANOVA or also known as F-test. This statistical tool will give values that will determine whether they will accept or reject Ho. ANOVA was used since were many variables within the experiment were observed.

Table 1.2 ANOVA on the effectiveness of limonene as a substance in dissolving polystyrene.
Source of Variation df SSq
MSq
Between Groups
25
40.95
1.64
Within Groups
4
55.28
13.82

In this experiment, the researchers rejected Ho and accepted Ha which means that there was a significant difference on the effectiveness of limonene as a substance from citrus fruits in dissolving polystyrene. This only proves that the limonene is an effective and useful way of dissolving the polystyrene to help lessen the worsening problem that it can cause our environment.

Chapter V
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the conclusions and main recommendations of the researchers based on the analysis presented in the previous chapter. More specifically, it deals with the answer to the research question regarding the effect of limonene as a substance by means of decomposing polystyrene or more commonly known as styrofoam.

Conclusion

After numerous weeks of conducting the experiment, the researchers have proven that there is a significant difference among the sources of limonene in dissolving polystyrene. Based on all the data gathered, it is clear that polystryene reacts with the substance, limonene. Each sample of polystyrene besides from the controlled one, has gradually dissolved therefore showing a significant effect. This concludes that the substance limonene from fruit peelings of citrus fruits can be an instrument in lessening the waste, specifically styrofoam, in the environment.

Among the fruits with limonene content, lemon has given the most significant effect on the polystyrene. The limonene from this fruit had yeild a higher capacity of dissolving polystyrene more than the others. Additionally, it proves that the experiment conducted by the researchers is feasible and truly successful.

Recommendation
From these conclusions a possible course of action may be identified. One is to explore further on the varying concentration of limonene. Other samples may include different amounts of methanol or different percentage of limonene from citrus peelings. Due to lack of time, the researches weren 't able to test different concentrations of the limonene. Through this recommendation, one may identify which among all samples will yield the most effect on the polystyrene (styrofoam).

Bibliography

De Tavera, T.H. Pardo.2000. Plantas Medicinales de Filipinas. Filipinas Heritage Library, Philippines

Limonene(2012). In Encylopedia Brittanica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/341539/limonene

Limonene. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limonene

Pacebutler Recycling.2006. Top Ten Styrofoam Recycling Tips. Retrieved from http://www.pacebutler.com/blog/styrofoam-recycling-tips/

Styrofoam(2012). In Encylopedia Brittanica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/570392/styrofoam

Thomas, A.F.2001.Limonene. Retrieved from http://www.sciencemadness.org/scipics/Nicodem/Limonene.pdf

Appendices

Figure 1. Citrus fruits, the source of limonene

Figure 2. Limonene from different citrus fruits. (From Left to Right: Calamansi, Lime, Orange, Lemon)

Figure 3. Methanol

Figure 4. Set A (Polystyrene with Limonene from Lemon peelings),
Set B (Polystyrene with Limonene from Orange peelings)

Figure 5. Set C (Polystyrene with Limonene from Calamansi peelings),
Set D (Polystyrene with Limonene from Limepeelings)

Figure 6. Set E (Controlled Variable)

Bibliography: De Tavera, T.H. Pardo.2000. Plantas Medicinales de Filipinas. Filipinas Heritage Library, Philippines Limonene(2012) Styrofoam(2012). In Encylopedia Brittanica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/570392/styrofoam Thomas, A.F.2001.Limonene