Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
FLEXURAL STRENGTH AND FLAMMABILITY OF A SHORT- AGRO WASTE PINEAPPLE
( Ananas comosos) PEEL AS A USEFUL BLANKET IN REIFORCING FIRE RESISTANT
A Qualitative Research
Presented to the Faculty of
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Strand
Zarraga National High School
Zarraga,Iloilo
In Partial Fulfillment to the
Requirements in Pratical Research I
Group 4
March 2025
Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Chapter I
Introduction
Background of the Study
Fire is a rapid burning of combustible material in the presence of oxygen manifested as flames.
It is usually accompanied by heat and light. Fire is one of humanity’s essential tools, control of which
helped start humans on the path toward civilization (Metych, 2025)
However, people who die in fires die from toxic gases, thick smoke and lack of oxygen. In a fire,
breathing even small amounts of these toxic elements can be disorienting, and can cause people to pass
out (Purdue University, 2024).
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit. Pineapple contains nutrients, antioxidants, and
other compounds, such as enzymes that can protect against inflammation and disease. The fruit is
commonly eaten baked, grilled, or freshly cut (Warternberg and Raman, 2024). Pineapple residues are
rich in many bioactive compounds such as ferulic acid, vitamin A and C as antioxidant. The plant also
contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycoside, steroids, triterpenoids and
phytosterols that may provide a good source of several beneficial properties. Bromelain is also present
which showed significant anticancer activity (Hikal et al., 2021). Pineapples are also known to have low
thermal conductivity. Due to the fact that the skin of pineapple is made of cellulose, hemicellulose,
lignin, and ash which are materials that insulate well (Pereira, 2022).
In these times, there are many cases of fire in different cities of the Philippines, this includes
houses, buildings and institutions. When a fire occurs, there is little time to escape. Even a small fire can
spread, doubling its size, in seconds. In less than 30 seconds, a fire can rage out of conatrol and fill the
Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
area with heat and toxic, thick smoke which can make it critical to escape (Purdue University, 2024). On
January 28, 2023, a residential fire in Iloilo city engulfed 234 houses in Barangay West Habog-Habog and
Zone 2, San Juan Molo district. The fire caused the families to evacuate in an elementary school (Lena,
2023). From January 1 to April 25, 2024, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) showed that there were
8,189 fire incidents reported in different parts of the country. That concludes it is 36.03 percent higher
in the same period in 2023 wherein there were 6,020 cases reported. This includes the city of Iloilo
which was identified as 125 of the 180 barangays are fire- prone areas (GMA Integrated News, 2024).
In this context, the study will be conducted to test and analyze the flexural strength and
flammability of Pineapple (Ananas comosus) peel as a potential equipment in reinforcing the fire
resistant.
Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Statement of the Problem
This study will be conducted to determine the potential of Pineapple (Ananas comosos)
peel as a useful blanket in inhibiting fire resistant.
Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. Can pineapple ( Ananas comosos) peel can be made as a useful alternative material
against fire resistant?
2. What are the compositions pineapple ( Ananas comosos) peel that can be an
alternative equipment agai nst the hazard effect of fire ignition?
3. What are the perceptions of respondents using this natural fiber in inhibiting fire
resistant?
Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Significance of the Study
The outcome of this study are beneficial to the following:
Firefighters. Firefighters will benefit from this research, as the study’s exploration of fire-
resistant materials could lead to the development of more effective, sustainable, and affordable
fire-resistant materials for use in fire prevention and protection. By incorporating pineapple peel-
based materials in construction and protective gear, firefighters could encounter safer
environments, reducing fire risks and enhancing their ability to safeguard lives and properties.
Local Residents and Communities. Local communities, especially those living in pineapple-
growing regions, will benefit from the increased economic activity related to pineapple peel
processing. Small businesses involved in the collection, processing, and commercialization of
pineapple peel could emerge, creating job opportunities and contributing to local economic
growth.
Farmers. The study will provide new opportunities for farmers, particularly pineapple growers,
by offering an alternative market for pineapple peel waste. Instead of discarding pineapple
peels, farmers can potentially sell them for use in fire-resistant materials. This opens up an
additional revenue stream, helping to reduce waste and enhance the economic value of
pineapple.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). This study will be significant for
organizations and professionals working in disaster risk reduction and management. The
findings can be used to develop more effective, eco-friendly fire-resistant materials for use in
Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
fire-prone areas. It will also help in creating better protective materials for buildings and
infrastructure, contributing to fire safety and disaster preparedness.
Teachers and School Personnel. The study will be beneficial to teachers and school
personnel by enhancing their knowledge of sustainable materials. Educators in science,
technology, and environmental studies can incorporate the findings into their curriculum, offering
students more relevant, real-world examples of sustainability in action. This will help foster a
deeper appreciation for eco-friendly practices in the classroom.
Students. The results of the study will significantly contribute to students, particularly those
studying material science, environmental science, and sustainable technologies. The research
will deepen their understanding of agro-waste utilization, particularly how pineapple peel can be
used in reinforcing fire-resistant materials. This study will also encourage them to explore
innovative and eco-friendly solutions for challenges in construction and fire safety.
Researchers. Researchers in the fields of materials science, environmental sustainability, and
fire safety will benefit from this study. The research will add to the existing body of knowledge
about using agro-waste materials for fire resistance, providing a foundation for future studies. It
will encourage further exploration of the mechanical and flammability properties of other
agricultural waste products, fostering innovation in sustainable material development.
Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Definition of terms
Agro-waste. Any chemical, pesticide, or fertiliser waste that develops during farming operations
is referred to as "agro waste." (Agri-Waste and Microbes for Production of Sustainable
Nanomaterials,2022)
In the study, pineapple peel a type of agro-waste, is being studied for its ability to
enhance the strength and fire resistance of materials due to its fibrous structure, which
reinforces the material and may reduce flammability. This not only strengthens the material but
also provides an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to synthetic options by repurposing
waste.
Blanket. A flat cover made of wool or similar warm material, usually used on a bed. (Cambridge
Dictionary)
In this study, the purpose of this blanket is to enhance the fire resistance of the
material by adding a layer that can resist burning or slow down the spread of flames. The
blanket made from pineapple peel would also help improve the material’s strength, particularly
its ability to resist bending (flexural strength). In simple terms, the blanket acts as a natural, fire-
resistant layer that boosts both the strength and safety of the material that is being applied.
Fire Resistance. It is described as a material's capacity to withstand the effects of high
temperatures and fire without experiencing noticeable deformation or significant strength loss.
(Eco-Efficient,2015.)
In this study, the purpose of fire resistance is to test how pineapple peel can
improve the fireproof qualities of blankets, making them better at withstanding heat and slowing
downflames.
Flammability. Refers to the ability of a material to catch fire and burn when exposed to heat or a
flame.(EcoOnline,2015)
In this study, the purpose of studying flammability in this research is to assess
how pineapple peel can reduce the likelihood of ignition and slow down the spread of fire in
materials.
Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Pineapple Peel. The rind of a pineapple is the tough outer layer of the tropical fruit. It's the part
of the pineapple that is typically not eaten. The rind is also spiky and could cause a stomach
acheifconsumed.(Tepache,2022)
In this study, pineapple peel is used to see if it can be a useful material for making fire-
resistant.
Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Scope and Delimitation
This study was limited only in utilizing a short agro waste material Pineapple (Ananas
comosos) peel as a useful blanket in reinforcing fire resistant.
The researchers collect a 10-20 kilos of Pineapple peel and will be sew together to form a
blanket that will be utilize to reinforce fire resistant, researchers will conduct an observation
regarding on the effect of Fire in the skin of pineapple which is known as the Compulsory
Strength test as researchers will try to analyze and determine heat could not easily penetrate
the skin of pineapple.
The respondents of this study are the residents of Brgy Sambag and Brgy Inagdangan
Sur, Fire Fighters ,as well as The members of the Municipal Disaster risk reduction and
management office of Zarraga where they are selected top be the participants of this study
because their profession is in line with the challenge study that researchers will be conducted.
An interview will be utilize to gather information and these data will be analyze using
thematic analysis. The themes were then organized in a systematic order which is categorized
and interpreted. The gather pieces of information will be transcribed, interpreted, and analyze
with the utilization of thematic analysis method.
Zarraga National High School
Jalaud Norte, Zarraga, Iloilo
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
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