Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

Red onions, onion peel–based ink

Abstract

Red onions are common kitchen ingredients, but their peels are typically discarded as waste. However, this study aims to find a greater use of onion skin. Developing sustainable products such as onion peel–based ink is valuable, especially in the current condition of the planet, where climate change and chemical footprints are rampant. This study employs a comparative research design to evaluate the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and viscosity found in A. cepa L. (red onion peel-based) ink and commercial pen ink in order to determine if red onion peels-based ink can be a sustainable alternative to commercial pen ink. Samples of both the red onion peel-based ink and commercial ink were submitted to the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC) to conduct VOC testing and Dr. Mariano Que College of Pharmacy for Viscosity. PIPAC used gravimetric analysis to determine the amount of VOC, and the results were interpreted using descriptive analysis . The red onion peel-based ink contained of 91.4% (w/w), and the commercial pen ink contained 93.3% (w/w) indicating no significant difference between the two ink samples. Although not significant, the lower amount of VOC present in the red onion peels-based ink highlights of how biodegradable waste plays a role in sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives that contribute to less pollution and healthier living. The red onion peel–based ink had an average viscosity of 12.6 cP, compared with 3.225 cP for the commercial pen ink, indicating that the red onion peels-based ink is 4 times more viscous. Independent Samples T-Test (Welch’s T-Test) was used to determine whether difference was significant. Red Onion Peels-based ink is significantly more viscous than commercial pen ink. Due to that, it can influence the practical performance of the ink.

First Advisor

Pauline L. Cueno, LPT, MST

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