POSSIBLE QUESTIONS
1. What is the main purpose of this study?
Answer: The purpose of our study is to explore, discover and tests the effectiveness of
Alugbati fruit extract as an alternative organic ink for markers. Our study aims to provide
an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and non-toxic alternative to commercially available inks.
2. Why did you choose Alugbati (Basella Alba) fruit extract as the main component for the
ink?
Answer: We chose Alugbati fruit extract because it is rich in natural pigments called
anthocyanins, which can produce vibrant colors. These pigments are known for their
antioxidant properties, making them environmentally friendly and safer compared to
synthetic dyes. Additionally, Alugbati is easily accessible and grows abundantly, making
it a cost-effective resource for creating organic ink.
3. What makes Alugbati extract a viable alternative to synthetic ink?
Answer: Alugbati extract is viable as an alternative because it is organic, less toxic, and
biodegradable. Unlike synthetic inks, which often contain harmful chemicals, Alugbati-
based ink reduces health risks for users and minimizes environmental pollution.
Moreover, its natural pigments provide good color strength, and with proper formulation,
the ink can meet the necessary performance standards like durability and readability.
4. How do you ensure the ink made from Alugbati extract will be long-lasting and resistant
to fading?
Answer: To ensure longevity and fade resistance, we use stabilizing agents like vinegar
or ethanol to preserve the ink’s color. These components help maintain the pigment’s
stability and protect it from environmental factors like sunlight and moisture.
Additionally, combining the extract with other additives such as gum arabic enhances the
ink’s adherence and absorption on surfaces, improving its durability.
5. What methods will be used to test the effectiveness of the organic ink?
Answer: Our study will use experimental methods to create the ink and compare it to
commercial inks through tests on color intensity, drying time, and the odor of the
Alugbati ink.
6. What impact do you think this study will have on the environment?
Answer: I think our study has the potential to positively impact the environment by
reducing the use of toxic, synthetic chemicals in ink production. By offering a natural and
biodegradable alternative, it can help decrease pollution and the carbon footprint
associated with traditional ink manufacturing. Furthermore, using a renewable resource
like Alugbati can promote sustainable practices in everyday writing and art activities.
7. What are the expected benefits of using organic ink from Alugbati?
Answer: The expected benefits of our study will include reducing environmental
pollution from synthetic inks, providing a safer alternative for users, and promoting
sustainable practices.
8. How is the Alugbati fruit extract prepared for the study?
Answer: The Alugbati fruits will be collected, crushed using a mortar and pestle, and the
juice is extracted through straining. Glycerin, gum arabic powder, vinegar, salt, and
ethanol are added to improve ink viscosity, adhesion, and longevity.
9. What are the main components added to the Alugbati extract to make it functional as ink?
Answer: Glycerin acts as a humectant to keep the ink from drying quickly. Gum arabic
serves as a binder, and ethanol helps in preventing microbial growth. Salt and vinegar are
added as stabilizers and preservatives.
10. How will you ensure the accuracy of your comparative tests?
Answer: By conducting controlled experiments and using standardized testing
procedures to measure factors like color vibrancy, ink flow, and permanence.
11. What challenges do you anticipate in developing this organic ink?
Answer: Maybe the possible challenges to our study include achieving a consistent color
quality, preventing rapid degradation, and finding the right proportions of additives to
maintain ink stability.
12. How does Alugbati ink compare to commercial ink in terms of environmental impact?
Answer: Alugbati ink is biodegradable and made from renewable resources, making it
significantly less harmful to the environment compared to petroleum-based commercial
inks.
13. What prior research supports the feasibility of using Alugbati as an ink source?
Answer: Studies like Acopiado et al. (2019) and Singh (2019) have demonstrated the use
of natural pigments from Malabar spinach for making ink, highlighting their color
properties and chemical stability.
14. What safety considerations are taken into account during this study?
Answer: Using non-toxic, food-safe components ensures user safety. Additionally, the
handling of ethanol and other additives is done with caution to avoid exposure.
15. How long does the prepared organic ink last compared to commercial ink?
Answer: The study will determine the shelf life through experiments, but it is expected
that organic ink might degrade faster unless proper preservatives are used.
16. Can this organic ink be used in different types of markers?
Answer: Our study will experiment with refillable markers, but further research may be
needed to adapt the ink for different marker types.
17. Will the color of the Alugbati ink vary on different paper types?
Answer: Yes, the ink’s color may appear differently on various paper textures and
absorbency levels. The study will test on multiple surfaces to assess this variation.
18. How will the drying time of the ink be tested?
Answer: The ink will be applied on paper, and the time taken for it to dry will be
measured and compared to the drying time of commercial inks.
19. What is the role of gum arabic in the ink formulation?
Answer: Gum arabic acts as a binder that holds the pigment particles together and helps
the ink adhere better to surfaces.
20. How will you ensure the ink is smudge-resistant?
Answer: By testing the dried ink for smudging using standardized techniques and
exploring additives that improve water resistance.
21. What makes anthocyanins a suitable pigment for ink?
Answer: Anthocyanins from Alugbati fruit are known for their bright colors and natural
abundance, making them an ideal choice for creating vivid, eco-friendly ink.
22. How will the ink’s pH be balanced?
Answer: By using vinegar to lower the pH and salt as a stabilizer, ensuring the ink is not
too acidic or basic, which can affect color and longevity.
23. How will the public be informed about the study’s findings?
Answer: Through presentations, research papers, and possibly collaborations with
schools or environmental organizations to promote eco-friendly practices.
24. What impact could this research have on the ink industry?
Answer: If successful, this study could inspire commercial ink producers to consider
natural alternatives, reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.
25. What future research directions are suggested by this study?
Answer: Future research could explore using other natural pigments, improving ink
formulation for broader applications, and investigating long-term stability improvements.
