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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
Due to the modernization of our country, there were new things that are
added in the basic necessities of an individual, one of this is fuel. Since fuel
is bought in a high price, some people cant afford it. To resolve this
problem, we need to find abundant and renewable source of fuel that is
low cost. The project entitled Ethanol Production from Banana Peelings
was made to help solve this problem. This project will give us knowledge
on how to make ethanol from banana peelings that is renewable, easy to
make, eco-friendly and can be afforded in a low price.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
This study is done to give importance to banana peelings. The research
wanted to produce Ethanol out of Banana Peelings. Since banana peelings
are also wastes, they can be a problem to our community. Some may step
on them, and may have slipped. This is true. Banana peels may cause
accidents as well as pollution. But, we can change this into a positive
outcome. We, researchers, wanted to make Ethanol using banana peels. In
this way, through the use of our knowledge in chemistry, we can
contribute in lessening the burden brought about by pollution. We also
wanted to know the effectiveness of the banana peelings as Ethanol as
well as the properties contained in the banana peel that can be used for
Ethanol production.

Statement of the Problem
This study only focuses on the potential of Banana Peelings as an Ethanol
fuel and answers the question generally:
Can Ethanol be produced from Banana Peelings?
Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:
What properties does Banana Peelings contain for the production of
Ethanol?

HYPOTHESIS
Probably, Ethanol can be produced from banana peelings.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This project plan is important because it reveals the potential of banana
peelings to produce Ethanol. It is significant for us to know the ways on
how we can lessen pollution by means of recycling. This can be an eye-
opener to many individuals who has a problem in the price increase of
commercial fuels. This can serve as an idea for them to conserve energy
and start recycling.
Likewise, this study can give all of us knowledge on how to make ethanol
fuel out of banana peelings.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This investigatory project only focuses on the potential of banana peelings
to produce ethanol. Only the banana peelings will be used for the project.
We wont be using other possible sources of biomass for ethanol.




REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Here is an excerpt by Dr. Zan Smith in his article, Feasibility of Biomass
Fuel Briquettes from Banana Plant Waste. The following information had
added some information that we need to apply in making the ethanol.

The Banana Plant, Simply Amazing
In addition to being a ubiquitous fruit many enjoy, the banana plant has a
long list of amazing qualities for which many wonderful products result.
The sap is used to dye cloth, produce indelible inks and assist with the
production of antibacterial soap and gel. The superior strength of the fibers
has a long list of applications in the textile fabrics and the paper pulp
industries. Unfortunately, the very qualities that contribute to making this a
unique plant also work against its successful use as a biomass fuel.

Banana peels are used for polishing silverware, leather shoes, and the
leaves of house plants. Researchers found that minced banana peel could
quickly remove lead and copper from river water as well as, or better than,
many other materials. A purification apparatus made of banana peels can
be used up to eleven times without losing its metal-binding properties. The
banana peels are very attractive as water purifiers because of their low
cost and because they don't have to be chemically modified.

CHAPTER 2
METHODOLOGY
We used the following materials and ingredients in making our product:
Banana Peelings
Hot water
Yeast
Stirring Rod
Beaker
Funnel
Plastic Container with lid
Mortar and Pestle
Filter Paper
Procedure:
The banana peelings were collected after the consumption of its flesh.
These peelings were then finely chopped and macerated. The peelings
together with the yeast were put into the beaker with hot water. The
mixture was slowly stirred using the stirring rod. Then it was transferred to
the plastic container with the lid loosely affixed. This was done so that it
will allow carbon dioxide to escape during the fermentation process without
letting in dirt and bugs. The mixture was set in an area that has a
consistent temperature of 70 degrees. The peelings were left to ferment
for about 2 days.
Then there will be some wastes to be filtered out after fermentation. Bugs
and dirt can sometimes get into the mixture, but mostly dead yeast was
filtered out. The mixture was then transferred to an alcohol lamp and was
lit. This was done to show if there is really alcohol in the product for it to
be called as an ethanol.

CHAPTER 3
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Trial Observations
1
It produced a low-fire flame but after about 17 seconds, the
flame died.
2
It produced a low-fire flame but after about 10 seconds, the
flame died.
3
It produced a low-fire flame but after about 10 seconds, the
flame died.
4
It produced a low-fire flame but after about 8 seconds, the
flame died.
5
It cannot produce fire anymore

ANALYSIS OF DATA
Compared to an ordinary ethanol, our product cannot produce fire that
much. As seen in the graph above, the fire easily dies. First of all, fire was
produced from the banana peel because it contains carbon that is
commonly found in petroleum and fuels and ethanol itself contains two
molecules of carbon. Second, it only produces low flame because it also
contains rubidium which is according to our research, a flame retardant
which means that it reduces flammability of fuels or delays their
combustion.

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