TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ********************************** ii

INTRODUCTION ********************************** 1

Background of the Study ********************************** 1

Statement of the Problem ********************************** 1

Hypothesis ********************************** 2

Significance of the Study ********************************** 2

Scope and Delimitation of the Study ********************************** 3

Review of Related Literature ********************************** 3

MATERIALS AND METHODS ********************************** 8

Materials ********************************** 8

Methods ********************************** 8

General Procedure ********************************** 9

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS ********************************** 11

CONCLUSIONS ********************************** 14

RECOMMENDATIONS ********************************** 15

BIBLIOGRAPHY ********************************** 16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ********************************** 17

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INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The researchers chose to make chemical – free dye by utilizing onion skin to find

other ways in making dye looking into the possibility of tapping cheaper sources. It is a

fact to everyone that commercialized dyes today are expensive. Dye is a type of

coloring agent used by all people in different things and for different purposes. The

researchers recognized the usefulness and essence of dye in a human’s life. With this

project, the researchers can make use of the onion skin in order to produce a cheaper

kind of dye.

The researchers also considered this project because it does not need much

time and money. The procedures in this project can be done in just several hours.

Money is not of much use in this project because the main material to be used is a

waste that is very common in every household in the Philippines.

Another reason why the researchers chose to do this project is because of the

accessibility of the materials to be used. The students are planning to generate dye

using natural resources that seems to be a waste for others. The basic ingredients in

doing this project are water and onion skin. Onion skins are one of the most common

discarded household wastes in our country. Most people seem to throw it after peeling

onion. Since people consider it as wastes, the students thought of what could be done

with the said leftovers.

Lastly, the researchers picked to use onion skin because of its composition. The

scraps are rich in insoluble coloring compounds. This material may be effective in

making a chemical – free dye.

Statement of the Problem

The main objective of this project is to utilize onion skin into chemical – free dye.

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This study also sought to answer the following problems:

1. Is the proposed dye effective as a coloring agent to different kinds

of materials in terms of:

a. Color?

b. Odor?

c. Texture?

d. Durability?

2. Is the produced dye as effective as other commercial dyes sold in

the market after undergoing detergent washing and sunlight

exposure?

Statement of the Hypotheses

1. The effectiveness of using this dye has been proven feasible on providing

color on fabrics only in terms of color, odor, texture and durability.

2. Using this dye as an alternative to the commercialized dye shows a

significant difference when it comes to durability on fabric after detergent

washing and sunlight exposure.

Significance of the Study

Being student researchers, the benefits of this project to the industry were deeply

considered. This project will help lessen the burden of the consumers about the safety

of using dyes on fabrics. This project will also develop the researchers’ resourcefulness

by making use of supplies that are considered scraps through recycling. It will also be

able to contribute to the realization that tells everyone that each of us can contribute in

the betterment of science through discovering new ideas.

This project can help not only consumers but also those who are in the fashion

community. The product that the researchers are planning to develop can help the

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people economically by saving money in buying expensive dyes that is sold everywhere

by creating an alternative that is not only very easy to do but also has accessible

materials. People without permanent jobs can also use this as an additional source of

income or even a new kind of business. This study can also help in lessening the

household waste of any community.

Nowadays our country has big problem in our economy. Everyone can help to

solve it by being practical. Recycling is a way to be practical. Dyes today may cost a lot.

By creating this new kind of dye, the country may develop the industry of dye – making

through a more eco-friendly and cheaper manner.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This project covers the utilization of onion skin into dye. The researchers’ only

considered the outer skin part of the onion since it’s very common as household and

commercial waste. Its efficiency is tested through using it as dye for different kinds of

materials. But based on findings after the experiment was done, this type is applicable

only on providing color to fabrics. Its natural composition is also analyzed but not

entirely. Only the component which makes it effective as dye is given much importance.

Review of Related Literature

ONION

“Onion” is somewhat a generic term that refers to several pungent members of

the genus Allium (Lilaceae family) including common (bulbous) onion, garlic, leek and

others. The word was derived from the Middle English union which, in turn, came from

the Latin unio. The latter means “one” or “unity” and refers to the onion’s single bulb

consisting of concentric rings. The pungency of onions is due to volatile sulfur

compounds (thiosulfinates) which, in turn, are produced from sulfur-containing flavor

precursors released when onion cells are ruptured or cut.

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Onion is thought to have originated more than 5000 years ago in Central Asia

and is one of the most ancient of food sources. Its consumption by humans can be

traced back to the Bronze Age. A staple in the diet of many early civilizations, it was

especially important in ancient Egypt. In addition to being consumed as a food,

Egyptians worshiped onion thinking its concentric rings symbolized eternal life. Indeed,

it was often buried along with their dead. Ancient Greek athletes consumed large

quantities of them thinking it would “balance” their blood and improve their athletic

prowess. Later, after conquering Greece, Romans ate onions regularly and also rubbed

it on their gladiators to tone their muscles.

Throughout antiquity the medicinal properties of onion were widely avowed. As a

result, it was used by ancients to treat a wide array of conditions ranging from

irregularity to hair loss. Early Americans used wild onions to treat colds, coughs, asthma

and breathing problems. Today, onion is still considered a health food. Its consumption

has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes because

of its high level of phenolic and flavonoid compounds with high antioxidant activity. In

general, onions with greater pungency have higher antioxidant activity than milder

types.

There are three basic groups of onions; all are used more to flavor dishes then

as a main course themselves. The common onion (Allium cepa) is known only in

cultivation and is the most important of the three. This is the type of onion we plant in

our gardens in the spring. It produces a single, large bulb that usually matures by mid-

summer in our climate. Green onions are simply plants of this species that are pulled

before the bulb is well-formed. The common onion is able to produce seed which is its

primary means of propagation.

The remaining two groups of onion do not produce seed and normally are

vegetatively propagated. The ‘aggregate group’ includes onions (e.g. shallot and

multiplier onion) that produce a cluster of bulbs at the soil line. The less common

‘proliferous group’ produces small bulbs in the flower cluster which, in turn, drop to the

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soil and take root. The latter often are referred to as Egyptian onion, walking onion or

winter onion.

Common onion is spring-planted and may be grown from sets, transplants or

seeds. In all cases planting should be done as soon as the soil can be worked in the

spring. Onion sets are the most common means of planting onions. ‘Sets’ are small

bulbs that develop quickly to produce green onions or allowed to mature to produce

(dry) bulbs. To produce green onions plant the sets in a well-drained soil about an inch

apart.

For larger dry bulbs, sets should be placed no closer than two inches apart.

Small sets are more desirable than larger sets which tend to flower more easily. If

flowering occurs, the flower head should be removed as soon as it is visible. Onions

which flower form smaller bulbs which do not store as well as bulbs harvested from non-

flowering plants.

Onion transplants represent seedlings which have been started (usually in the

South) by a specialist propagator, pulled at an early stage of growth and shipped north

for sale as propagules or “starts”. Large, sweet types such as Sweet Spanish and the

Bermuda types frequently are grown from transplants. They should be spaced four to

five inches apart within rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. As a rule, “sweet” onions do

not store as well as the more pungent types.

Onion is a cool season crop with a fairly long maturity (95+ days). Consequently

those produced from seeds planted directly outdoors normally do not perform well in

Missouri because of our hot summers. Instead, when are used, they should be started

indoors well in advance of outdoor planting since onion seedlings grow slowly.

Onion also is a photoperiodic plant. Some onion varieties exhibit a short day

response and will form bulbs only when the length of day is 12 hours or less. Other

varieties are long day in response and form bulbs when day length is at least 15 hours.

Varieties grown in Missouri typically are of the latter response group which is another

reason why onions seeded directly into the garden do not perform well in our state.

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However they are started, onions grow best under cool temperatures (55 to 75

degrees F) in a loose, friable soil. Onions are sensitive to acid soils and soil pH should

be kept in the 6.2 to 6.8 range. As with most vegetables, fertilizers should be applied

according to soil test recommendations. When called for, a fertilizer low in nitrogen but

high in phosphorus and potassium (e.g. 5-10-10) is recommended.

Weed control is important in onion production since they do not compete well

with weeds. Mulching (after onions are established) will help to control weeds as well as

conserve moisture. Common production problems with onions include insects such as

thrips and onion maggots along with fungal diseases such as downy mildew, neck rot,

pink root and smut. Although onions can be used any time during their production, bulbs

destined for storage should be harvested when the “neck” dries and the tops have fallen

over. After digging, onions should be cured for several weeks by placing them in a warm

location with good air circulation and low humidity. After curing is completed, onions are

best stored in relatively cool conditions, dry conditions.

DYEING

Dyeing was practiced in Egypt, Persia, China, and India thousands of years ago.

Before 1856, natural materials derived from insects, plants, shellfish, and minerals were

the only known sources of dyestuffs. These sources included the root of the herb

madder for red dye and the indigo plant for blue dye. In the early days of the Roman

Empire, garments colored with Tyrian purple, a dye derived from a shellfish of the

Mediterranean Sea, were worn by the imperial family and the nobility. As late as the 4th

century AD, cloth colored with Tyrian purple was the symbol of royalty.

The art of dyeing was stimulated in the 13th century by the discovery of achil, a

purple dye made from a species of lichen. Northern Italy, where the discovery was

made, became the center of dyeing in Europe. In the 16th century, explorers brought

back from the Americas such dyestuffs as cochineal and logwood. Other important

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sources of natural dyes included quercitron, weld, fustic, brazilwood, safflower, and

indigo plants.

In 1856 the first synthetic dye, mauve, was derived from coal tar. Mauve was

developed by British chemist William Henry Perkin so that it could be produced easily

on a large scale. Since then a great number of synthetic dyes have been developed,

and the use of natural dyes has almost ceased.

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MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials

Generating the product was made possible through the use of a 2 cups (normal

size) of dry skins from red onions which were the primary source of the finished product.

After the skins were gathered, it underwent heating processes like boiling on a stove in

3 liters of water by making use of a large enamel or stainless steel pot as the storage of

the solution for boiling. During the heating process, utensils were utilized to pound the

skins to get out all the colors from it.

After the color was extracted from the onion skin, sieve was used to separate the

skins from the liquid. The solution was transferred to a container and left to cool.

Now that the product has been manufactured, application on fabrics can be done

on 2 yards fabric. It was gathered to serve as an absorbent for the application of dye. 4

ounce of alum and 1 ounce washing soda were also used to help increase the

absorption rate of the fabrics. Plain salt was used as a binding agent so that fabric can

highly penetrate the color. And a casserole serves as the storage while dyeing process

was done.

Some more tests were needed to prove the effectivity of the chemical – free dye

and with the help of a detergent soap, durability of the dye on fabrics was tested.

Methods

Two (2) cups (normal size) of dry onion skin were gathered and washed to

remove all the dirt on the skin. Onion skins were tore into small pieces and put it on a

stockpot. In 2 liters of water, onion skins were boiled for about 30 minutes. While the

solution is under boiling process, the skins were pressed while stirring to get out all the

color. After boiling, the mixture was strained and the skins were discarded.

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The solution was left to cool and was transferred to a container with the desired

amount of dye in every container.

FLOW CHART OF METHODS

General Procedure

One (1) yard of fabric was gathered and was immersed in water. It was soaked

for 5 minutes. 2 liters of water, 1 ounce alum and 1 ounce washing soda were placed in

a large pot. This mixture is called a "mordant bath" and helps the pigment adhere to the

fabric and keep its color after dying. The mordant bath was stirred by a wooden spoon

The fabric was removed on water and was wringed well. Then the wet cloth was

placed on the mordant bath and was heated for one hour, while it was stirred

periodically. The fabric was removed from the heat and allowed to sit in the water for 24

hours. Then the fabric was removed from the mixture and wringed well. The remaining

mordant bath was disposed.

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Enough water was added to the pot with a 1 liter onion skin dye bath. The dye

solution was put and ½ cup of plain salt was also added. The wet fabric was submerged

in the onion skin dye bath. Then the fabric was boiled on a pot until the desired color is

achieved (15 minutes to 1 hour).

The color was provided successfully on the fabrics. To test its durability, the

fabric was put on a casserole and was washed using a detergent soap. Washing the

fabric was done three times. After washing, the fabric was hung and exposed to sunlight

for 1 hour.

FLOW CHART OF GENERAL PROCEDURE

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This portion evaluates the results of the experiments conducted.

Table 1 exhibits the difference between a commercialized dye and a free –

chemical dye in terms of providing color on different types of materials

Table 1. Exhibits difference between a commercialized dye and a free – chemical

dye in terms of providing color on different types of materials.

Types Of Dye Piece Of Cloth

Piece Of

Transparent

Plastic

Piece Of Paper

Commercialized

Dye

Successfully

provide color on

the cloth.

Unable on

coloring materials

with smooth

textures..

Successfully

provide color.

Free – Chemical

Dye

Successfully

provide color on

the cloth.

Unable on

coloring materials

with smooth

textures.

Successfully

provide light

color.

Data indicates that a chemical – free dye differ from a commercialized dye in

terms of producing color on a piece of transparent plastic and on a piece of paper. It

also revealed that free – chemical dye can provide a satisfying color on the cloth but not

compatible with the texture of a plastic and provides low quality of color on papers while

commercialized dyes are proficient on coloring the three absorbents but with a different

quality.

Table 2 presents the difference between a commercialized dye and a chemical –

free dye in terms of its durability on fabric after detergent washing and sunlight

exposure.

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Table 2. Presents the difference between a commercialized dye and a chemical –

free dye in terms durability on fabric after detergent washing and sunlight

exposure.

Types Of Dye Piece Of Cloth

Piece Of

Transparent

Plastic

Piece Of Paper

(Exposing to

sunlight only)

Commercialized

Dye

The color lasts

and the good

quality of color is

still on the cloth.

The color

disappears.

The color is still

on the paper but

low quality of

color has been

provided

Free – Chemical

Dye

The color lasts

and the good

quality of color is

still on the

cloth.

The color

disappears.

The color is still

on the paper but

low quality of

color has been

provided

Note: In the second table, in order to prove the effectivity of a free – chemical dye on different types of

absorbents, the samples undergo detergent washing and exposure to sunlight for about 30 minutes.

It is shown in the table that after having two tests on fabrics which are detergent

washing and sunlight exposure, it was proven that chemical – free dye and a

commercialized dye are both durable on cloth. They only have different results when it

comes to plastic and paper. Light yellow color from a commercialized dye remained on

plastic after washing which proves that the commercialized dye is less durable on

plastic. Color from the chemical – free dye totally disappeared that leads to an idea that

chemical – free dye is not suitable for giving color on smooth surfaces like plastic. When

it comes to paper both types of dyes proved their durability because after a long period

of sunlight exposure, color was still there.

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55%45%

Onion Skin Water

Dye Production Using Discarded Onion Skin

Dying fabric to create new and unusual colors is a pastime that many craft

enthusiasts enjoy. Naturally dyed fabrics are used to create one-of-a-kind quilts,

clothing and accessories. A natural, easy-to-make dye can be made from onion skins,

which produce a yellow-orange colored dye. Using 100% wool or cotton produces the

most vibrant color; blended fabrics will not appear as vivid. Color on fabrics had been

provided successfully due to the skins property. The skin of the onion is said to have

high amount of pigments that allows the color to be extracted from the skin.

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CONCLUSIONS

This study, which primarily aims to utilize discarded onion skin into dye, was

successful in doing so. After several processes such as drying, pounding, and boiling,

the researchers were able to come up with a chemical – free dye. It was tested on

different kinds of materials such as cloth, papers, and plastics (transparent plastic). The

chemical – free dye was found effective. However, its efficiency decreases through time

and suitable only to some materials specifically cloth and papers. It was also verified

that the onion contains high amount of pigment that made it possible to provide color.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Although this study has been successful in meeting its goals and objectives, the

researchers have some recommendations for other possible researchers who would like

to continue, improve, or to remodel this study. Further tests may be applied to the

finished product. These tests may give and calculate the amount of components in the

chemical – free dye. They may also do some tests that may prove the presence of other

compounds in the onion. Future researchers may also find a solution to the limited

ability of the dye in coloring different materials. They may also find ways to preserve the

dye or transform it into powder. To provide the dye with a nice aroma, they may

discover if adding essential oils to the chemical – free dye will not harm the dye’s

durability. For others who will decide to remain focus on the utilization of discarded

onion skin, it is advisable to find other means or processes to produce chemical – free

dye. Other onion parts may also be considered for future studies. Other parts from other

indigenous plants may be used as an alternative to onion. Dyes can be made from a

variety of materials and future investigators may adapt the processes and tests that this

group has done to their finished product.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Baez, Albert V. 1967. The New College Science, Dyeing and Dyestuff. San Francisco:

W. H. Freeman and Company.

Clarke, Duncan. The Art of African Textiles. Advanced Marketing Services, 1997.

Harris, Jennifer, ed. Textiles: 5,000 Years. Abrams, 1993. History of textiles worldwide.

Kinloch, J., 2001. Onion. Groiler’s Encyclopedia of Knowledge.

Grolier’s Encyclopedia. 1998. New York: MacMillan Educational Company.

Mazzaoui, Maureen F. Textiles. Ashgate, 1998.

Vaughan, John G., and Catherine Geissler. The New Oxford Book of Food Plants: A

Guide to the Fruit, Vegetables, Herbs & Spices of the World. 2nd ed.

Oxford University Press, 1998.

World Book Millenium 2002 Encyclopedia. 2000. 233 North Michigan, Chicago.

“Dyeing”. Retrieved March, 2010 from: http://www.wikipedia-google.com.

“How to Dye Fabrics”. Retrieved March, 2006 from: http://www.ehow.com.

“How to Extract Dye From Plants”. Retrieved March, 2006 from: http://www.ehow.com.

“Onion”. Retrieved March, 2010 from: http://www.wikipedia-google.com.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The investigatory project “Utilization of Discarded Onion Skin into Chemical –

free Dye” came to fulfillment through the moral help, guidance and financial support of

dear parents who are always there to guide the researchers. Thank you for the

researchers’ chemistry teacher, Ms. Marites Baluyot for helping in knowing some

chemical compounds needed. Vendors from Matnog Community Market are also

recognized for their generosity in giving discarded onion skins. The researchers would

also like to thank the Library staff of Matnog National High School who contributed on

providing references needed in doing this project.

The researchers are also grateful for the moral support and the inspiration their

friends have given. Most of all, the researchers give their utmost appreciation and

thanksgiving to the Great and Almighty God for the guidance as the researchers go on

with the project, for the knowledge and wisdom He has given. Without whom, this

project would not be possible.

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