Makahiya (Mimosa pudica) Leaves Extract as

Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

National Capital Region

Division of Malabon City

Malabon National High School

M. Naval St., Hulong Duhat, Malabon City

Researchers:

Bacong, Ernest John Perdigon

Briguel, Shaine Mheriz Tumulak

Fernandez, Gale Ann Santiago

Project Adviser:

Mark Jason Naval Collantes

Physical Science –Team Category

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Number

Abstract ……………………………………………………………….. 3

Introduction ……………………………………………………………. 4

Materials and Methods ………………………………………………… 5

Presentation and Interpretation of Data ………………………………. 10

Results …………………………………………… 11

Discussion ……………………………………………. 17

Conclusion ……………………………………………………………… 18

Recommendations ………………………………………………………… 18

Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………. 18

Bibliography………………………………………………………………… 20

Appendices …………………………………………………………………. 22

2
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

ABSTRACT

Makahiya plant is known as a troublesome weeds but it contain tannic acid which is
alternative for fluorocarbon. This toxic compound is usually used in commercialized rust remover
that is very harmful to human’s health. The purpose of the study was to test the feasibility of
Makahiya (Mimosa pudica) leaves extract as a corrosion eliminator for Cast Iron. The leaves of
Makahiya plant was collected and brought to the Botany Department for plant identification. The
chopped Makahiya leaves were dried with 65̊ C in the drying oven and 2 hours for sun dry. The
samples were sent in the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Research Center for the Natural and
Applied Sciences (RCNAS) for the ethanoic extraction and rotary evaporation. Each concentration
has a various amount of Makahiya extract. For Concentration A - 9mL water and 10% extract,
Concentration B - 7mL water and 22.22% extract, Concentration C - 5mL water and 28.5% extract
and Concentration D has 0mL water and 100% extract. The rusted screws were completely soaked
from the concentration for A, B, C and D, vinegar and the commercialized rust remover for three
trials each. The Makahiya extract with different concentrations offered favorable results in terms
of time of rust removal and physical properties of Cast Iron screws. There is a significant difference
on the results in different replicates with varying concentrations of the extract. Makahiya leaves
extract is feasible as an alternative corrosion eliminator for Cast Iron.

INTRODUCTION

3
 The Earth itself is composed of many elements, with about 80% of being metals (Waldman,
2015). They have been widely used by man since ancient times due to their natural properties.
Cast Iron is a type of metal which is commonly used for household purposes. Rust can form very
quickly when a cast iron is exposed in sea water. Rust remover, is a breakthrough to eliminate the
rust from iron and steel. It immediately transforms rust into a gray or black iron phosphate, which
interrupts the rusting process.

Makahiya plant possesses antioxidant and antibacterial properties due to 75% tannic acid,
a specific form of tannin shown in chemical analysis. Tannic acid is used in the conservation of
ferrous (iron based) metal objects to passivate and inhibit corrosion. Tannic acid reacts with the
corrosion products to form more stable compound, thus preventing further corrosion from taking
place. It is also known as an alternative for fluorocarbon which is used in commercialized rust
remover that is very harmful to human's health (Galgano, 2016).

The study aims to test the potential of Makahiya (Mimosa pudica) leaves extract as
corrosion eliminator for cast iron. The researchers want to compare the ability of the extract to
remove the rust against the vinegar and the commercialized remover and determine the time it
takes to eliminate the corrosion in the cast iron.

The project was only focused in Makahiya leaves extract's antioxidant capacity to be used
as an alternative corrosion eliminator. The study was conducted in Chemistry Laboratory of
Malabon National High School (MNHS) Malabon City. The study took two months for prior
procurement, experimentation and testing to be done.

Through this study, the researchers would be able to determine the extract from Makahiya
leaves as rust remover for Cast Iron. Makahiya plant is a troublesome weed in tropical crops but
contains tannic acid that is alternative for fluorocarbon used in making commercialized rust
remover. This plant was also proven as antibacterial which can use against the growth of bacteria
that causes tetanus. Commercial rust removers are water-based and contain other chemicals. Some

4
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

rust removers contain fluorocarbon which can lead to a very serious burn injuries and difficulty in
breathing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A. Procurement of Materials
Materials were obtained from Malabon City. The Makahiya plants were gathered along the
sidewalks and some garden within the area. Afterwards, the collected Makahiya were brought to
the Botany Department, National Museum for plant identification. The Cast iron screws, distilled
water, vinegar and commercialized rust remover for testing were purchased from a hardware and
market along Hulong Duhat, Malabon City.

Figure 1. Gathering of materials

5
B. Drying of Leaves
The researchers collected the leaves from Makahiya plants and undergone drying process
using a hot air oven in the chemistry laboratory of Malabon National High School with a
temperature of 65˚C for two hours each session and another two hours for sun dry.

Figure 2. Drying of Makahiya leaves

C. Ethanoic Extraction
The dried Makahiya leaves were chopped into smaller pieces then sent to the University of
Santo Tomas (UST) Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) for the
ethanoic extraction and rotary evaporation.

Figure 3.Preparation for ethanoic extraction

D. Rusting Process

6
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

A mixture of 20mL Hydrogen Peroxide (agua oxigenada) and 34.12 g iodized salt were
used to oxidize the cast iron screws and to induce rusting. The metals were soaked completely for
three days.

Figure 4. Mixture of Hydrogen Peroxide and iodized salt

E. Preparation of Concentration
Each concentration given a various amount of Makahiya leaves extract. Distilled water was
used to dilute the extract. For Concentration A - 9mL water and 10% extract, Concentration B -
7mL water and 22.22% extract, Concentration C - 5mL water and 28.5% extract and Concentration
D has 0mL water and 100% extract.

Figure 5. The concentrations with various amount of extract

F. Testing
Time of Rust Removal

7
 The rusted screws were completely soaked from the concentration for A, B and C, pure
extract for D, vinegar and the commercialized rust remover for three trials each. The timer was
used to record the time it takes to eliminate the rust.

Figure 6. Soaking of cast iron screws in the concentrations and controls

Quality Control Test

After the metals’ immersion to different extract concentrations as well as in the vinegar
and the commercialized rust remover, their physical quality such as the texture and their mass
before, during and after conducting the test were recorded.

Figure 7. Texture analysis and mass determination

Humidity Test

8
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

The screws were placed in a room where they are exposed with humidity. The aim of this
test is to determine the ability of the Makahiya leaves extract to prevent the metals to induce
rusting. The initial and final masses were recorded after a week. A mobile application called Color
Analysis was used to observe the color of the screw before and after the test. The researcher took
a picture of each metal and the name of the color and the number of percentage was revealed right
after.

Figure 8. Color analysis

INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

9
Table 1. Proportion of each Concentration

Concentrations Water (mL) Extract (mL) Percentage

A 9 1 10%

B 7 2 22.22%

C 5 2 28.57%

D 0 4 100%

Table 1 shows the varying concentrations of each set-up. Concentration A has 9 mL water
and 1 mL extract for a total of 10 mL that is 10% extract. Concentration B has 7 mL water and 2
mL extract for a total of 9 mL that is 22.22% extract. Concentration C has 5 mL water and 2 mL
extract for a total of 7 mL that is 28.57% extract. Concentration D has 0 mL water and 4 mL extract
for a total of 4 mL that is 100% pure extract.

Table 2. Mass of Cast Iron Screws Before and After Testing

10
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

Trials
Variables
1 2 3

Initial Time of Mass Final Initial Time of Mass Final Initial Time of Mass Final
Mass Rust After Mass Mass Rust After Mass Mass Rust After Mass
(g) removal (g) After (g) removal Immersion After (g) removal Immersion After
(minute) Humidity (minute) (g) Humidity (minutes) (g) Humidity
Test Test Test
(g) (g) (g)
Commercialized 2 1.37 2 1.9 2 1.44 1 1.8 2 1.69 2 1.8
Rust Remover
Vinegar 2 11.09 2 1.9 2 15.13 2 1.9 2 8.78 2 1.9

10% Makahiya
Extract 2 4.25 2 1.9 2 4.30 1 1.9 2 4.18 2 1.9

22.22% 2 3.54 2 1.9 2 4.04 1 1.9 2 4.77 2 1.8

Makahiya
Extract
28.5% 2 3.70 2 1.9 2 2.31 2 1.9 2 6.05 2 1.9
Makahiya
Extract
100% Makahiya 2 2.91 2 1.9 2 3.03 2 1.9 2 3.48 2 1.9
Extract

Table 2 shows the mass of the cast iron screws before and after being immersed to the
extract. It also includes the final mass which was gathered after the humidity test. It shows that
little change occurs to the mass of each screw as the rust was removed.

Table 3.Properties of Cast Iron Screws

11
 Variables Average Time Color Analysis Texture
of Immersion
to Extract Dominant Color Percentage
(minute)
Commercialized Rust Remover 1.5 Ash Grey 26.36% Smooth

Vinegar 11.67 Ash Grey 27.16% Rough

10% Makahiya Extract 4.24 Ash Grey 32.86% Rough

22.22% Makahiya Extract 4.11 Platinum 34.30% Smooth

28.5% Makahiya Extract 4.02 Lavender Grey 31.94% Smooth

100% Makahiya Extract 3.14 Pastel Grey 40.68% Smooth

Table 3 shows the average time it took for visible changes to be observed. Properties
observed were the dominant color of the screws and their percentage as well as the texture of the
screws.

Graph 1.Mass of Cast Iron Screws

2.5
2
Mass (g)

1.5
1
0.5
0 Initial Mass
Immersion Mass
Final Mass after Humidity Test

Variables

Graph 1 shows the mass of cast iron screws among different variables. It shows that little
changes occur to the mass of the screws.

Graph 2.Average Time of Immersion

12
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

14
Time of Immersion (mins)

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Variables
Commercialized Rust Remover Vinegar
10% Makahiya Extract 22.22% Makahiya Extract
28.5% Makahiya Extract 100% Makahiya Extract

Graph 2 shows the average time of rust removal necessary to obtain visible results. Vinegar
took the longest time while the commercialized remover was the shortest. The Makahiya extract
concentrations offered favorable results as shown in the graph.

Statistical Treatment of Hypothesis (Time of Rust Removal)

I. Problem: Is there a significant difference in the time of rust removal test of the treated replicates
to the control?
II. Hypothesis:
Ho= There is no significant difference in the time of rust removal test of the treated replicates to
the control.
Hi= There is a significant difference in the time of rust removal test of the treated replicates to the
control.

13
 Treatment Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 RT (RT)2
Commercialized rust remover 1.37 1.44 1.69 4.5 20.25
Vinegar 11.09 15.13 8.78 35 1225
10% Extract 4.25 4.3 4.18 12.73 162.05
22.22% Extract 3.54 4.04 4.77 12.35 152.52
28.5% Extract 3.7 2.31 6.08 12.06 145.44
100% Extract 2.91 3.03 3.48 9.42 88.74

Table 4 shows the total sum of the recorded time of each concentration. It also includes
the square of the total time of each treatment, which was used in the statistical computation of the
data.

Statistical Computation: ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE (ANOVA)

A. SSʙᴛ= (XA2+XB2+XC2+XD2+XE2+XF2)
r
- [ XT2
N
]
SSʙᴛ= 20.25+1225+145.44+152.52+162.05+88.74
3
=1794 86.04
-
3 18
=598-4.78
SSʙᴛ=593.22

(Trial (Trial (Trial

Concentration 1) 2) 3)

14
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

B. Commercialized rust
remover 1.88 2.07 2.86
Vinegar 122.99 228.92 77.09
10% Extract 18.06 18.49 17.47
22.22% Extract 12.53 16.32 22.75
28.5% Extract 13.69 5.34 36.6
100% Extract 8.47 9.18 12.11

SSᴡᴛ=1.88+2.07+2.86+122.99+228.92+77.09+18.06+18.49+17.47+12.53+16.32+22.75+13.69+
5.34+36.6+8.47+9.18+12.11 = 626.82
- (20.25+1225+162.05+145.44+152.52+88.74)
3
=1794 =598
3
=626.82-598
SSᴡᴛ =28.82

C. SST= SSBT + SSWT

=593.22+28.82

SST =622.04

D. DFBT= t-1
=6-1
DFBT=5

E. DFWT=t(r-1)
=6(3-1)
DFWT=12

15
F. DFT= DFBT + DFWT
=5+12
DFT=17

G. MSBT= 593.22

MSBT=118.64

H. MSWT= 28.82
12
MSWT=2.40

I. Fcalc= 118.64
2.40
Fcalc=49.43

J. Ftab= 3.11

Source of Degrees of
Sum of Squares Mean Square Fcalc Ftab
Variance Freedom
Between SSʙᴛ=593.22 MSBT=118.6 Fcalc=49.4
DFBT=5 Ftab= 3.11
Treatments 4 3
Within SSᴡᴛ =28.82 DFWT=12 MSWT=2.40
Treatments
TOTAL SST =622.04 DFT=17

16
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

DISCUSSION

After several tests, the results showed that Makahiya leaves extract can perform well as an
alternative rust remover. The time of rust removal showed that the capability of commercialized
rust remover was uncontested but the result acquired for Makahiya leaves extract was comparable.
The data showed that the fastest average time it took for the extract to eliminate rust was 3.14
minutes while the commercialized rust remover’s average time was 1.5 minutes. The result can be
observed in the study entitled “The Feasibility of Molasses (Saccharum officinarum L.) as an
Alternative Rust Remover on Metal Surfaces” by Adin Azarraga in 2015.

The mass of the cast iron screws are almost the same and has a very light differences
occurred. This shows that similar to known rust removers, the Makahiya leaves extract has little
to no effect on the metal’s mass. Similar to commercialized rust removers, certain concentrations
of the extract is capable of preventing the reoccurrence of rusting on the metal once it has been
removed. The concentration that was 10% Makahiya extract showed a similar effect to that of
vinegar, where the rust returned after being exposed to air and humidity for a week. This shows
that higher concentrations of Makahiya extract is capable of not only removing the rust but also
prevent it from returning.

Color analysis showed that the base color is almost the same among the screws but varies
in terms of the percentage of the dominant color. This shows that the extract like other known rust
removers, is capable of retaining some of a metals original color.

CONCLUSION

17
 The tests and results presented have proven that Makahiya leaves extract can be an
alternative rust remover. Concentration D with 100% Makahiya extract gave the favorable result
among the other concentrations.

RECOMMENDATION
After obtaining the results and conclusion of the study, the researchers came up with some
recommendations and advices that will soon be beneficial for the future researchers. For the
variables used, it will be a help if other types of metal will be used to test the product. This will
give way for them to be able to see the capacity of the plant extract as an alternative rust remover.
Cast iron was not the first choice of the researchers. There are other types of metal which may be
used for the study. As for the extract, it must remain pure as it is for a more favorable result. To
test the product, they can use other variables such as what is used by the researchers which is the
vinegar and commercialized rust remover. The extract should be obtained in a greater amount to
attain more concentrations and variations of data. The future researchers should take note that
putting the data in quantitative form can give clearer results. Each result of the testing should be
recorded in order to come up with an accurate representation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Research work demands a collaborative effort of several authorities and experts on the
focused fields as well as the teachers and staffs or archives. The researchers wish to express their
deepest gratitude and appreciation to the following persons who contributed to the successful
completion of this undertaking research project.
Dr. Ma. Victoria R. de Gulan, Principal IV of Malabon National High School for her
untiring support and her expert advices in the development of this research study.
Mrs. Anacoreta R. Trogo, Science Coordinator for incomparable support for the
development of this research and for her professional assistance in the competition of this research
has gone through.
Mr .Mark Jason Collantes, the project adviser for his valuable assistance and expertise in
the field of research that contributed a lot for the proponents.

18
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

The researcher’s family and friends for their great support and deep understanding as well
as in financial support for the laboratory and experimentation expenses.
Lastly, our God Almighty for keeping the researcher safe and make this investigatory
project proven.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Electronic Sources

19
 Anonymous. Mimosa pudica. (March 2008). Retrieved from
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/makahiya-plant/. July 31, 2017

Anonymous.Rust Converters. (August 2013). Retrieved from

https://www.theruststore.com/Rust-Converter-FAQs-W48.aspx. July 31, 2016

Galgano, Monica. Learning in Plants. (March 2016). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi

.nlm.nih.gov/pmc /articles/PMC4814444/. August 1, 2017

Maltby, Susan L. WD-40 Specialists. (November 2005). Retrieved from

https://www.wd40specialist.com /products/rust-remover/. August 2, 2017
Waldman, J. Rust- the longest war. (2015). Retrieved from www.edu.rust.oxidation.com. August
2, 2017

Moussaoui,Tarek. Tannins vs. Tannic acid. (February 2016). Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate. net/post/Tannins_vs_tannic_acid. August 2, 2017

Anonymous. Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (Agua Oxinada). (2016). Retrieved from

https://philmedicalsupplies. com/product/hydrogen-peroxide-3-agua-oxigenada-500ml/
A. Sarada Rao, et.al. Evaluation of Environmentally Benign New Chemical Rust Removing Agent
– Hydroxy Ethane Diphosphonic Acid (HEDPA). (December 2012) Retrived from
http://www.theijes.com/papers/v1-i2/Q01201130119.pdf . October 4,2017

Alonsabe, Melvin D., et.al. Calamansi (Citrofortunella Microcarpa Bunge) and Lemon
Grass (Andropogon Citratus Dc Stapf) Extracts And Organic Vinegar (Acetic Acid): Alternative
Solution as Cleaning Agent Against Rust (Ferric Oxide). (2013). Retrived from
http://www.jblfmu.edu.ph/?q=Calamansi%20%28Citrofortunella%20Microcarpa%20Bunge%29
%20and%20Lemon%20Grass%20%28Andropogon%20Citratus%20Dc%20Stapf%29%20Extrac
ts%20And%20Organic%20Vinegar%20%28Acetic%20Acid%29%3A%20Alternative%20Soluti
on%20as%20Cleaning%20Agent%20Against%20Rust%20%28Ferric%20Oxide%29. October
4,2017

20
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

Azarraga, Adin. The Feasibility of Molasses (Saccharum officinarum L.) as an Alternative

Rust Remover on Metal Surfaces. (2015). Retrived from https://prezi.com/eviv5mpctro1/the-
feasibility-of-molasses-saccharum-officinarum-l-as-an-alternative-rust-remover-on-metal-
surfaces/?webgl=0. October 4,2017

Book Source
Amador-Vegas, Domingues. (2014). Plant Ecology. Leaf folding response of a sensitive
plant behaviora. United States

Appendix 1. Plant Identification

21
Appendix 2. UST Certification

22
Mimosa pudica (Makahiya) Leaves Extract as
Corrosion Eliminator for Cast Iron

23