Rice Bran (Oryza Sativa) Wax's Potential as a Waterproof Sealant on Canvas

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

In Research 10

Submitted by

Shenhel Febry B. Montevirgen

Samantha Marie S. Delara

Mhel Hyacinth C. Desamparado

Research Proponent/s

Submitted to

Ms. Kalvin Joy V. Bauno

Research Teacher

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

Victorias City

April 28, 2023

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Introduction

Background of the study

It is critical for artists to damage their canvas and affect their artwork or develop

allergic reactions towards paint. Here is a reason why the canvas and the painting get

damage is because of the place where it is stored. Extreme temperature and humidity or

fluctuations in their levels damage paintings because their multiple layers expand and

contract as moisture spreads into or out of the surrounding air (Lowy 1907, 2020).

The level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in paints is the biggest

environmental issue facing the coatings industry today. Scientific research shows that the

harmful effects of VOCs are significant, and the manufacture and use of paints with high VOC

content is being increasingly regulated. Today, with modern materials, VOC reduction can

benefit both your business and the environment. New materials and formulation methods can

reduce the VOCs in paints or adhesives while maintaining their performance. When formulating

products, consider using methods to create low VOC coatings or adhesives to maintain

regulatory compliance and prepare your paints, sealants or adhesives for a greener future. (

Casper, 2021)

Sealant is a substance, such as paint or polish, applied to a surface to prevent other

liquids from penetrating it. Most sealants are made of silicone, a viscous material that changes

state to become solid, once applied. Sealants are not necessarily waterproof, it only seal

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surfaces so that water cannot pierce through. Silicone based sealants will peel of through time

due to constant change in temperature and exposure to sunlight and different types of liquid.

The vegetable wax made from rice bran oil is known as rice bran wax. It can be used to

cover paper, textiles, fruits, and vegetables. It sticks and emulsions (W/O- and O/W) as a

consistency component. By offering a robust structural network of wax crystals, it contributes

to the formulation’s thickening by enhancing oil binding, emolliency, film formation, and

lubricity. Rice bran wax is the vegetable wax extracted from the bran oil of rice (Oryza sativa).

The main components of rice bran wax are aliphatic acids (wax acids) and higher alcohol esters.

The aliphatic acids consist of palmitic acid (C16), behenic acid (C22), lignoceric acid (C24),

other wax acids, (C26) etc. The higher alcohol esters consist of ceryl alcohol (C26), melissyl

alcohol (C30), etc. Rice bran wax also contains unsaponifiable constituents such as free fatty

acids (palmitic acid), squalene and phospholipids. (Physical Properties: Melting point = 77 – 86

ºC, Saponification value = 75 -120, Iodine number = 10, Color: Off-white to moderate

orange/brown, and Odor: typical fatty, crayola-ish. (Rice Bran Wax. 2023)

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Statement of the problem

Generally, this study aims to determine the potential of rice bran (Oryza Sativa) wax as

waterproofing sealant on canvas. Specifically, this study aims to answer questions such as:

1. What are the results of the waterproof sealant applied to canvas?

2. Is there a significant difference between the results of the canvas with sealant, and the canvas

without sealant?

3. Is there a significant relationship between the canvas with sealant, and the type of substance it

will encounter? and temperature?

Hypotheses

a.) The results of the waterproof sealant applied to the canvas will pass the tests provided.

b.) The rice bran wax sealant can provide at least 2-3 months of protection in a painting.

c.) There should be a difference between the results of the canvas with sealant and the canvas

without sealant, that the canvas with sealant can provide better protection to the painting

applied with the sealant.

d.) The canvas with sealant will not show any negative feedbacks when exposed to direct

sunlight and to different type of substances, and will not get damaged due to constant change

in temperature.

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Limitations of the study

The limitations of this study are:

1. Time. Cramped schedule and a handful of workloads.

2. Place. A suitable place for carrying out and testing studies.

Significance of the study

The findings of this study will benefit anyone, particularly artists who will use the sealant

on their canvases. Art can communicate information, shape our everyday lives, make a social

statement and be enjoyed for aesthetic beauty, but how are we so sure that those works on canvas

will last? Waterproofing solutions are a long-term commitment, it will not only make your

painting water resistant, but also more durable. The purpose of this sealant is to act as a barrier or

as a protection to water. The sealant would mainly benefit the following:

• Artists. Artists that will use this will have the assurance that their art will last as

long as they want and can withstand water.

• Students. During art projects or any other activities that requires them to paint on

canvas.

• Art Conservators. They manage, preserve, treat, and document works of art in

museums. They, like artists, will be given the assurance that the art displayed on a canvas will

last and that they will not feel the need to refinish it as time passes by.

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Methodology

Making of the sealant:

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 Buying of Materials

Preparation of Materials

Weighing of Rice Bran

Wax

Melting of wax

Adding the wax into

the premade varnish

Transferring mixture
into a container

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 Testing of the product

Data gathering

Disposal

Testing of Product

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Effect of Household Chemicals Test (EHCT)

A process which tests the ‘waterproof sealant’ water resistance, but is also used to test if

there are any reactions towards different substances other than water. The chemicals that are

used in this test: are ethyl alcohol, fruit juice: orange, vinegar, soap solutions and other

substances commonly found at home.

Temp. Test

This test seeks results by which the canvas with and without sealant is stored at room

temperature, in denser and cooler environments or at 39 degrees/hotter room temperature.

Observational Test/Efficiency test

In this test, the researchers are required to observe the product thoroughly for a long time

to see if any changes would occur. Changes like: the sealant gradually changes colour, beginning

to lose its adhesiveness, will the sealant attract unwanted attention from insects or pests, or will

the sealant trigger discolouration unto the canvas.

Comparison Test

In relation to all the tests to be conducted, this test shows the comparison of the canvases

with and without the sealant that has gone under EHCT and Temp. Test, and a canvas without

the sealant that hasn’t undergone either test.

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Test/s Needed to conduct the How to conduct the What are to be

test test observed in each

test

Effect of Household - ethyl alcohol, orange -apply or drop the -water resistance of
juice, vinegar, soap
Chemicals Test solutions and water. substance on the the canvas
-2 pairs of canvas with
and without sealant canvas -reaction of

-and observe substance toward

the canvas:

(discolouration and
peeling off of the
sealant, changes in
the texture of the
sealant.)

Temp. Test -hot, dense and room -place the canvas in -reaction of the
temperature room. the hot, dense, and
- 2 pairs of canvas with room temperature canvas:
and without sealant room, do this in an
irregular pattern discolouration and
-and observe peeling off of the
sealant, changes in
the texture of the
sealant.

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Observational Test -the canvases with and -observe using sight - discolouration and
without the sealant that and touch peeling off of the
has gone under EHCT sealant, changes in
and Temp. Test. the texture of the
- 6 canvas (2 with and sealant.
without the sealant
canvas that has
undergone EHTC,
other 2 canvas that has
undergone Temp. Test
and 2 other canvas that
has undergone through
both test)
-rubber gloves

Comparison Test - the canvases with and -observe and record -changes in the
without the sealant that the data from each
has gone under EHCT canvas canvases
and Temp. Test -compare results
-the canvas without the -visual data and -observe if there’s
sealant that hasn’t comparison should be any discolouration
undergone either test. included. and peeling off of
-observe using sight, the sealant, or
touch and smell. changes in the
texture of the
sealant.

Note: At the end of each test, record the results in details, and if possible, provide a visual
images or representation for future reference.

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Expected Outcomes

Test/s Expected Outcome Results ((✓) if results Feedback/Notes

have passed or (write your
failed.) observations or
comments in here)

Passed (if Failed (if

results results
met the does not
expected meet the
outcome) expected
outcome)

EHCT The sealant should

not peel off, show any
signs of discoloration,
or changes in texture
of the sealant.

The sealant showed

results of being
resistant to different
substances.

Temp. Test There should be no

or little changes
resulting for the
sealant to peel off,
show any signs of
discoloration, or
changes in texture of
the sealant.

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 Observational Test There should be no
or little changes
resulting for the
sealant to peel off,
show any signs of
discoloration, or
changes in texture of
the sealant.

Comparison Test In terms of result

that the canvases
without the sealant
should have obtained
more damage or
show more changes
than the canvases
with the sealant.

The comparison of
the canvases with the
sealant should have
no or little difference
from the canvas that
has not undergone
the tests.

Note: Results and feedbacks should be supported with visual representation for proof and
future reference.

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References:

Activeminerals. “VOC Regulations | Water-Based Coatings, Paints and Adhesives.” Active Minerals
International, 16 Nov. 2021, activeminerals.com/blog/voc-regulations.
https://activeminerals.com/blog/vocregulations?fbclid=IwAR0hzaRSdaXmRjOWgz0rmiK6rR3Zm
B 0YapiPiyikyCEtfKf_Aqooj1w0ZFM

B.H. Leigh Matthews. “Is Rice Bran Wax a Sustainable Ingredient? – LeafScore.” LeafScore, 20 Apr. 2022,
www.leafscore.com/blog/is-rice-bran-wax-a-sustainable-ingredient

B., Albert. “Testing the Chemical Resistance of Waterproofing and Protective Membranes – Parts 2. July

7, 2022. www.linkedin.com/pulse/testing-chemical-resistance-waterproofing-protectice-brengguel

Chemeurope. “Rice_bran_wax.” (n.d.) ,,

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/encyclopedia/Rice_bran_wax.html

Nerej. "Difference between VOC compliant and low VOC adhesives and sealants." Nerej, 24 Nov. 2009,
https://nerej.com/difference-between-voc-compliant-and-low-voc-adhesives-
andsealants?fbclid=IwAR2ZWRfkes5r7an-
kQ_sgZbmFa851323fMRp4M710XCM6HpllW3GGSQR1M#:~:text=VOC%20or%20Volatile%20Org
anic%20Compound,%20odor%20as%20the%20c uring%20happens

Norevo. "Rice Bran Wax.” Norevo, www.norevo.de/en/produkte/wachse/rice-bran-wax.

Rice Bran Wax. (2023, January 5). “Home – Rice Bran Wax Rice Bran Wax sustainable environmentally
friendly wax”. https://ricebranwax.com.au/

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