CaToR: Efficacy of Calamansi and Potato Extract as Rust Removing

Agent on Inspection Plate Screws

An Undergraduate Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the

Institute of Engineering and Technology Philippine State College of
Aeronautics Basa - Palmayo Campus Floridablanca, Pampanga

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY

GUEVARRA, JOHN ANDREI R.

MANUEL, ROSE ANN MARIE F.
SANCHEZ, SAMANTHA T
TAYAG, GIO ALIZER A.

March 2024
 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga

Institute of Engineering and Technology

All preliminary page here

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 Republic of the Philippines
PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga

Institute of Engineering and Technology

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Rust can arguably be the most dangerous thing and enemy of many

technicians and vehicles in today’s era. Rust is formed when a metal has

been exposed to oxygen in which oxidation will occur. This will then corrode

the metal and make it unusable if left untreated. Although rusting is inevitable,

there are several ways in which rusting can be prevented or lessen its effects

on the surface of the metal.

Every material with iron inside the mechanical industry is prone to

rusting and people do precautionary measures to combat the rusting of a

material. By far the most effective type of rusting protection are paints as it

coats the metal and protects it from oxidation. We all know that sooner or

later, that rusting will eventually occur and if that happens, the structural

integrity of the material will be corroded.

In the aviation industry, maintaining metal parts like the inspection plate

screws is vital in promoting a rust-free environment for the metal parts present

in the aviation industry. Rusting is arguably inevitable in some cases but

precautionary measures like using rust removing agents are made to combat

the oxidation of iron rich materials like the inspection plate screws.

In aviation schools, promoting laboratory safety is our number one

priority and it is of utmost importance that they will be able to maintain the

1
integrity of the laboratory equipment of each institution. By doing so, rusting

can be prevented or so, be lessened by maintaining each aircraft inspection

plate screws. Although the institution has precautionary measures in

preventing the after effects of rust in the metals, it is undeniable that rusting is

inevitable in some cases in which rust converter or rust removing agent must

be used.

Rust removing agents are the number one material in brushing out the

rust on a metal structure and the inspection plate screws are made out of

various metals. Some of the rust removing agents can be made entirely at

home and this is vital because of the accessibility of the materials present at a

household. By doing so, the effects of rust can be lessened and clean the

metal from rust.

Calamansi extract has a chemical component called Citric Acid in

which it can really help in being a rust removing agent. Another thing to

consider here is that by combining it with the potato extract, it can amplify the

effectiveness of the said rust removing agent. It is good because of the Oxalic

Acid that the potato extract has that greatly affects the rusted material.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

According to Mun Wai Cheong et al. (2012), Dichloromethane and

hexane were used to extract volatile chemicals from the peel of calamansi

(Citrus microcarpa) grown in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The

compounds were then analyzed using gas chromatography-mass

spectrometry and a flame ionization detector. More than 98% of the volatiles,

or 79 substances, were identified. A minor percentage of strong oxygenated

chemicals varied dramatically between the three geographic sources; the

highest concentration of methyl N-methyl anthranilate was found in Malaysian

calamansi peel. The complex volatile components in the calamansi peel

extracts were interpreted using principal component analysis and canonical

discriminant analysis, which also confirmed the origin-based discriminating.

According to Claire E Palma et al. (2019), With today's arsenal of

chemotherapeutic treatments, drug resistance is prevalent and has reignited

interest in the use of natural products. The citrus known as "calamansi"

(Citrus microcarpa B.) is widely used in beverages and condiments and is rich

in essential oils. It is native to the Philippines. Wastes from calamansi

processing facilities are underutilized and, if improperly handled, could be

environmentally hazardous. The purpose of this study is to identify the d-

limonene concentration, cytotoxicity, and volatile makeup of calamansi

essential oil.

According to Khalid Zaheer and M Humayoun Akhtar (2016), The

potato is a staple crop that is widely grown and valued in the global economy.

It is successfully produced on a big scale, is affordable, and is readily

available on the open market. Basic components included in potatoes include

carbohydrates, dietary fiber (skin), a number of vitamins, and minerals (e.g.,

potassium, magnesium, iron). Allergies can occasionally be triggered by

exposure to both raw and cooked potatoes. Consuming potatoes, particularly

those with color, contributes significantly to the development of an antioxidant

defense system by supplying vital antioxidant nutrients such vitamins, β-

carotene, polyphenols, and minerals.

 According to Geraldine F. Dela Cruz, Shirley Dicen, and Maria Crisanta

Jarque (2016), Sweet potato, which are high in vitamins and minerals, may be

a healthier option than those prepared in factories. The natural sweetness of

the food stems from the sugar content of the Camote tubers, and it is free of

artificial preservatives. This project is the second stage of a research effort on

the creation of nutri-noodles from sweet potato tubers and tops. The

investigation established the product's physicochemical, microbiological, and

shelf-life analysis as well as used quantitative testing to confirm its

acceptability.

According to Yong Yin, Hong Zeng, and Xinjie Deng (2021), Because

ultra high-rise structures take a long time to construct and the natural and

social environments have a significant impact, the steel structure of these

buildings is exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. Inadequate

protection of the steel structure will result in issues with structural quality.

Because super high-rise steel structures are tall and have a huge volume,

they require different techniques for rust removal and prevention than regular

steel structures. In this paper, real engineering projects are combined with a

brief description of the rust removal, rust prevention, and quality assurance

techniques for ultra-high-rise steel structures.

According to Vannie Joy T. Resabal and Toshiaki Ohtsuka (2011),

Electrochemical impedance (EIS) and near infrared reflectance-absorbance

spectroscopy (NIR-RAS) were used in wet conditions at relative humidity (RH)

90% to describe the rust layers that formed on Fe-Ni steel with varied nickel

content exposed to open atmosphere in three separate places of Japan for

three (3) years. The semi-infinite diffusion model of diffusion was used to
calculate the apparent diffusion coefficients and the Mettler balance was used

to measure the amount of water vapor absorbed in order to determine the

saturation amount of water in the rust layer. The apparent diffusion coefficient

rose as the quantity of salts in the air increased, according to the results. The

fact that more water is diffusing into the rust indicates that the protective

capacity of the rust layer created in the high chloride environment has been

diminished, as indicated by the increase in diffusion coefficient.

According to Gian Carlo E. Arguelles (2019), The extracts from

Citrofortunella NIcrocarpa (Calamansi) has a good inhibitive action that peels

on mild steel in 1.0M HCI solutions that has been studied using

electrochemical methos and SEM-EDX method. It was also found that the

absorption stabilizes at 72 hours and degrades at longer immersion times.

The studies of the SEM immersed mild steel showed the decreasing extent of

corrosion attack on mild steel at an increasing ratio of inhibitor, while EDX

analysis shows the reduction of the formation of the corrosion products that

shows the formation of inhibitor film on the mild steel surface. The extract of

calamansi peel inhibitor obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and

the mode of absorption was found to be physical and spontaneous. The result

of their electrolytes technique has shown their favoring of inhabitation in

cathodic reactions.

According to Owatrol Team (2019), effectively removing rust is by

using citric acid. It is best to use this method on more severe rust that can be

easily submerged. Please be aware that this particular method will remove

paint or other coatings on the surface. We recommend using one of the other

options listed above if this is something you want to avoid. To use the citric
acid method, simply create a bath of a few inches of hot water and sprinkle in

2 – 3 tablespoons. Submerge your item and leave it to work for several hours

(even overnight if necessary). Then, remove your item from the solution,

scrub any loose flaking rust with steel wool or wire brush, rinse and allow to

dry.

According to Tampasteel and supply (2021), potato and lime is good

way to remove rust sounds strange, but potatoes actually contain oxalic acid

which creates a chemical reaction when it comes in contact with rust. Cut a

potato in half and dip the end in dish soap, rub the rusted area with the potato

and then set it on the metal for a few hours and scrub away! ands in limes just

squeeze the lime juice on top then let the mixture set for a few hours and then

use the lime to scrub off the rust.

According to Jeffrey Ken Balangao, the worldwide occurrence of

corrosion, which results in permanent harm to metals through chemical and

electrochemical processes, highlights the susceptibility of these materials to

many mechanisms and influences. In order to ensure excellent corrosion

resistance, producers must therefore balance cost-effective production with

careful consideration for individual usage situations, all without violating

industry standards. A quick overview of the many causes and varieties of

metallic corrosion is provided here. Furthermore, it explores various

approaches intended to avert and lessen the manifestation of the issue.

According to J.H Brannon and J.F Asmus, Rust can be efficiently

treated and dissolved using citric acid while preserving the integrity of the

base metal. Constraints include the requirement for high temperatures and
solution additives. Recently, we have shown off an enhanced technique for

removing rust that works in concert with a thin layer of citric acid solution and

the bright light output of a torch. When combined, this method will eliminate

rust from steel surfaces faster than with traditional citric acid washing.

Gupta, N., Kushwaha, A., & Chattopadhyaya, M. C. (2016) explored

the application of potato (Solanum tuberosum) plant wastes for the removal of

methylene blue and malachite green dye from aqueous solutions. Their

findings indicated that potato plant wastes could effectively remove these

dyes from water, highlighting the potential of utilizing potato plant materials as

a sustainable and cost-effective method for dye removal. This study

contributes to the understanding of utilizing potato plant waste for the removal

of harmful dyes, which is crucial for mitigating water pollution caused by textile

and dyeing industries.

Furthermore, Li, Y., Wang, Z., Xie, X., Zhu, J., Li, R., & Qin, T. (2017)

investigated the removal of norfloxacin, an antibiotic, from aqueous solutions

using a clay-biochar composite prepared from potato stem and natural

attapulgite. The study demonstrated the potential of utilizing potato stem and

attapulgite-based biochar composites for the removal of antibiotics from

water, highlighting the effectiveness of these materials in addressing the issue

of antibiotic contamination in aquatic environments.

Tudu, et al. (2020) investigated the surface modification of cotton fabric

using TiO2 nanoparticles for various properties, including rust stain

resistance. The study demonstrated the potential of TiO2 nanoparticles in

imparting anti-stain properties to surfaces. However, this finding is limited to

fabric materials and may not directly translate to metallic surfaces commonly

affected by rust. Future research could explore the application of TiO2

nanoparticles on metal surfaces for rust resistance.

Bao et al. (2015) investigated ultrathin spinel-structured nanosheets

rich in oxygen deficiencies for enhanced electrocatalytic water oxidation. This

study provides insights into the electrochemical processes and material

properties that can contribute to efficient water oxidation, which could be

relevant to the development of rust removal techniques for kalamansi.

With all the present information above, the researchers will conduct an

experiment regarding the effectiveness of calamansi and potato extract

named CaToR. By using the product, they can measure the efficacy of the

product regarding its rust removing qualities.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to find out the capability and effectiveness

of CaToR, formulated with potato extract together with calamansi extract as a

rust removing agent that can effectively protect aircraft inspection plate

screws from rust. Furthermore, the researchers would like to know what kind

of materials are used in aircraft inspection plate screws that the product most

can be effective to. In addition, we will evaluate its rust removal capabilities,

safety for various aircraft inspection plate screws, and environmental effects.

This study aims to contribute to the development of efficient and

environmentally friendly rust-removal for aviation maintenance.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

 The researchers aim to find the capability of CaToR as an effective

measure for removing rust in plate screws. Specifically, it seeks to answer the

following questions:

1. How may the CaToR's be assessed in terms of:

a. Availability

b. Rust Removal Efficacy

c. Submersion Time

2. How may the Potato extract be described in terms of:

a. Chemical Composition

b. Amount

c. Efficacy

3. How may the calamansi extract be described in terms of:

a. Chemical Composition

b. Amount

c. Efficacy

4. What is the efficacy of CaToR in removing the inspection plate screws’

rust?

HYPOTHESIS

From the problem stated above, the following hypothesis were

formulated:

H01: There is no significant difference between the calamansi and potato

extracts to a regular rust remover.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will show how calamansi and potato extracts can be an effective

rust removal agent in metals found in aircraft structure for laboratory classes.

The study can benefit the following:

Mechanic. Rust is one of many enemies of mechanics making this study

helpful for their work. They can use CaToR extracts on their tools to improve

its efficiency and prevent damages to extends its lifespan. This also helps

them financially because of less repair costs and improved overall quality.

Mechanics can gain more benefits in the rust remover by actively using it on

many rusts related issues. It can increase and enhance the customers

satisfaction to the mechanic by having a more stable and reliable rust

remover. It is cost effective than replacing the whole component of a rusted

part of any objects like vehicles.

Students. The knowledge they can attain in this study can help them in

having experience and have a great understanding in having a rust removal

agent. Having this knowledge where corrosion is a big concern can be a great

contribution and can be applied to education relevant to the field they would

like to learn from. With this attained knowledge students can provide more

action in their practical skills use it on in their everyday life. The study of rust

removal can lead to research opportunities for students, allowing them to

explore new methods, materials, or technologies for corrosion prevention.

Consumers. A lot of people have a problem about rust, this study can benefit

them like more cost effective because of tools, other materials that is made

out of metals and any parts of their house that is prone to corrosion will have

more lifespan. Rust removal methods contribute to extending the lifespan of

various products items such as automobiles, household appliances, tools, and

outdoor furniture are prone to rust, and effective removal methods can help

consumers preserve and use these items for a longer duration.

Future Researchers. It will help in further research in the field and provide

more foundation for more innovation. Future researchers might use this study

to further experiment and enhance

the ability to find more answers on problems. Rust removal can contribute to

the education for the future this includes guides, tutorials, or

recommendations giving future researchers with the knowledge and tools to

address rust-related issues.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study only revolves around the efficacy of the CaToR on

inspection plate screws at Philippine State College of Aeronautics. The scope

of the study is to determine the efficacy of Calamansi and Potato extract as a

rust removing agent for inspection plate screws, the chemical composition of

the components, the availability of the product and the compatibility of the

material being submerged in the product.

The experimental study limits the assessment of the efficacy of the

product using the researcher’s limited materials in making the rust removing

agent. Also, the study will not delve on the other iron parts of the aircraft and

mainly focuses on the inspection plate screws.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The conceptual framework of this study uses the Input-Process-Output

(IPO) model. The figure shows that the researchers will use this approach to

present the flow of the study. Through the collection of data, they will be able

to process and prepare the materials needed for the experiment.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Assessment of  Material  CaToR: A Rust

CaToR Preparation Removing
 The  Data Collection Agent
description of  Experimentatio
calamansi and n
potato extract  Data Gathering
 The  Data
Description of Observation
inspection  Data Evaluation
plate screws

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following words are explained in simple and practical ways for a better

understanding of terms.
Calamansi: A fruit from the Philippines, like oranges and lemons, important

for the economy. In this research, it’s one of two natural products used to

make the study trustworthy.

Cator : A rust removing agent.

Citric Acid: Sour stuff found in citrus fruits, used to flavor and set foods. In

this study, it’s in the two natural products and reacts with metal rust.

Oxalic Acid: Sour stuff used for cleaning and bleaching. In this study, it’s in

potatoes alongside citric acid.

Plate Screw: A small threaded metal rod used to fasten plates together. In

this study, it’s essential for experimental demonstration.

Potatoes: Healthy organic food with lots of good stuff like vitamins and

minerals. In this study, it’s the second natural product that makes the research

legit.

Rust/ Metal Rust: a reddish-brown color due to the reaction between the

metal in the screw and oxygen in the air. In this study, it’s what the researcher

is experimenting with.

REFERENCES

Mun Wai Cheong, Zhi Soon Chong, Shao Quan Liu, Weibiao Zhou, Philip

Curran, Bin Yu (2012) Characterization of calamansi (Citrus microcarpa). Part

I: Volatiles, aromatic profiles and phenolic acids in the peel

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?
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4454&u=%23p%3DQpBSmttOQbAJ

Claire E Palma, Philip S Cruz, Don Theon C Cruz, Adrienne Marrie S

Bugayong, Agnes L Castillo (2019) Chemical composition and cytotoxicity of

Philippine calamansi essential oil https://scholar.google.com/scholar?

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Khalid Zaheer, M Humayoun Akhtar (2016) Potato production, usage, and

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Geraldine F. Dela Cruz, Shirley Dicen, and Maria Crisanta Jarque (2016)

Quality Characteristics of Nutri-fried Noodles Made from Sweet Potato Tubers

and Tops Ipomea batatas https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=12192

Yong Yin, Hong Zeng, Xinjie Deng (2021) Rust Prevention Method of Super-

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Vannie Joy T. Resabal and Toshiaki Ohtsuka (2011) Characterization of Rust

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https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=7101

Gian Carlo E. Arguelles1, Mark Ceazar D. Torres1, Brian James U. Wu1,

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Microcarpa Rind Extract as Plant Derived Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild

Steel In 1.0M Hcl

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/778/1/012007/meta

Metal Protection. (July 03, 2019). How to Remove Rust from Metal. Retrieved

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https://www.owatroldirect.co.uk/metal-protection/remove-rust-metal

Tampa Steel. (n.d.). Ways to Remove Rust. Retrieved June 02, 2021, from

https://tampasteel.com/5-ways-remove-rust-almost-anything/

Jeffrey Ken Balangao(2024).Corrosion of Metals: Factors, Types and

Prevention Strategies.

https://hal.science/hal-04372559/

J.H. Brannon, J.F. Asmus(2019), Citric acid augmented flashlamp cleaning of

corroded steel surfaces.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0378596381900222

Onesky, types of corrosion https://onesky.ph/blog/stainless-steel-philippines-

types-corrosion/