CHALK: An Alternative Metal Polisher

MARIA AURORA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

San Joaquin, Maria Aurora, Aurora

CHRISTINA PARROCHA
Project Researcher

EDISON P. DE JESUS
Project Adviser

ABSTRACT

Metal tools/ornaments play a huge part in our daily routines. These devices requires
cleaning/polishing as maintenance to prolong the durability.
Nowadays, we are using commercial metal polishers that are almost unaffordable and proven to be
toxic. Using such products increases the risks of harmful chemical contamination and thus, is not ideal for
our health. In this case, the researchers were drove to think possible solutions to solve the problem on very
high costs of commercial metal polisher and at the same time the health threats when using such products
due to its toxicity.
The researchers conducted this study as an attempt to discover an alternative metal polisher out of
chalk. This investigatory project focuses on the effectiveness of chalk in terms of polishing tools/ornaments.
The purpose of this research is to discover an alternative-chalk-based-metal polisher which is cheaper, easy
to prepare and effectual.
One cup of chalk will be placed into a mixing bowl then add small amount of water and stirred until
a paste-like mixture. Rubbed the sample metal with the cloth until it shine. Then rinse clean and wipe with
cloth.
After the process have been done the effectiveness rate test shows that the chalk-based metal
polisher excellently polished the sample metal tool/ornament and acceptable to the student, science teachers
and other researchers.
Based on the preceding results and conclusions, the study recommends that further experimentation
with various metal tools/ornaments should be done to measure the effectiveness of the chalk-based polisher
more accurately. The chalk-based metal polisher should be test for its potential side effects once it comes
contact with the skin. A commercial metal polisher and the chalk-based metal polisher should also be
accomplished to know and compare their advantages and disadvantages more keenly.

INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study

Metal tools/ornament plays a huge part in our daily routines. These devices requires
cleaning/polishing as maintenance to prolong its durability.
Nowadays, we are using commercial metal polishers that are almost unaffordable and proven to be
toxic. Using such products increases the risks of harmful chemical contamination and thus, is not ideal
for our health.
In this case, the researchers were drove to think of possible solutions to solve the problem on very
high costs of commercial metal polisher and at the same time the health threats when using such
products due to its toxicity.
The researchers preferred to us available resources in the locality. In this connection to this, the fact
that there are lots of chalk particles/dusts in the form of waste in schools, specifically Maria Aurora
National High School, lead to steps towards deriving benefits from these neglected waste.
Knowing that the blackboard chalk contains Calcium Carbonate (CaCO 3) an effective cleaning
agent and since chalk dust and particles are available in the school, the researchers jived with the idea of
using it as an alternative metal polisher.
B. Statement of the Problem
This study was conducted as an attempt to discover an alternative metal polisher out of
chalk. This investigatory project focuses on the effectiveness of chalk in terms of
polishing/ornaments.
Specifically, the project sought to answer the following questions and to attend to the following
objectives:
1. Will the prepared chalk-based polisher be effective in polishing the sample metal
tool/ornament?
2. How will the chalk based polisher affects the sample metal tool/ornament?
3. What property of chalk will make/makes the polisher effective?
C. Significance Of The Study
This study encourages improvisation and innovative thinking, and likewise, this study would
be beneficial to the following:
Students:

This study will offer an alternative metal polisher that is cheaper, more accessible but
effective and easy to prepare. Hence, the maintenance of metal tools/ornaments utilized inside the
school (cadet sword, etc.) will be easier.
Metal Polisher Users:
The research will abate threats to people in terms of being harmed by chemical metal and at
the same time will decrease metal polishing expenses.
Researchers:
This study will induce other researchers to undertake similar studies using similar
methodology and procedures in a wider range of metal tools/ornaments so that results and insights
could be compared on how alternative chalk based metal polisher can be improved.
D. Scope and Limitations
The emphasis of this study is to discover an alternative chalk based metal polisher which is
cheaper, easy to prepare and effectual.
Only the common blackboard chalk was used in the process.
Likewise, the study is also limited on determining the effectiveness of the chalk based
metal polishers on the sample metal toll/ornamented being tested.
E. Definition of Terms
Metal Polishing a process for smoothing a work pieces surface using an abrasive, it is the
removal of oxidation from metal objects.
Chalk is composed mostly of calcium carbonate with minor amounts of silk and clay.
Blackboard Chalk is a substance used for drawing on rouge surfaces, it is processed chalk.
Calcium Carbonate Its most common natural forms are chalk, limestone and marble,
considered as an effective cleaning agent.
Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can damage a living or non living organism.
Abrasion the wearing away or cleaning by friction.
Abrasive a product that works by abrasion. Products such as cleaners, polishes and pads
may contain an abrasive.

CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literature
Metal polishing is an industrially recognized task. As the generation gradually embraces the metal
world revolution, innovation and improvisation abaft metal maintenance made a notorious sound.
In the journey of looking for accessible ways of preserving metals structure and durability, chalk
was recognized by the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) of the United States as
potential abrasive.
NSSGA stated that chalks main component, which is Calcium Carbonate (CaCO 3) as specific
propertys suited for metal polishing.
In consonance to this, CaCO3surces have been traced and one identified wide source is from the
production of the blackboard chalk,
TV Channel 32 stated that the blackboard chalk, even just a small thing, when explored, big and
great things will be produced from it. Chalk is not just intended for writing, for when water (H 20) is
combined with it, the mixture will make a paste for cleaning. Based on the TV station, channel 32, they used
this paste like mixture in cleaning ornaments and tools inside the house.
Thomsons Encyclopedia states that Blackboard Chalk is known in writing industry and is used as a
soft polishing powder and in tooth powders.

The main component of this blackboard chalk Calcium Carbonate (CaCO 3) was declared as an
effective cleaning agent by different studies as stated by Wikipedia.

CHAPTER III
Methodology
I.

Collecting Chalk Materials

Small pieces of chalk/chalk dusts was collected from classrooms inside Maria Aurora
National High School and from anywhere the subject is present.

II.

Preparation of Collected Chalk Materials

The collected chalk was crushed pounded using the mortar and pestle until it turn into
powder /dust form.

III.

Creating the Mixture

One cup of the chalk powder was placed into a small mixing bowl. Add a small amount of
water to the mixing bowl and stirred. The quantity of water added will be determined through asneed basis. The consistency of the mixture will be adjusted until a paste like mixture is achieved.

IV.

Application/Testing of the Product

A clean soft cloth was dipped into the mixture dabbed a small amount into the sample metal
tool/ornament and rubbed for many times/constantly. The surface of the metal will be rubbed with
the cloth until it shines. Rinse the metal tool/ornament using dry cotton cloth.

V.

Statistical Treatment
Acceptability test was used by the researchers using the frequency and percentage in
determining satisfactoriness/suitability of the users.

CHAPTER IV
Results and Discussion
A. Findings
A1. After the process had been done, respondents rated the results through an effectiveness meter
test, and the data drawn are as follows:
Table 1
Effect of the Chalk-based Polisher to the sample Metal Tool/Ornament
f
0
0
9
11
20

Rate
1 not polished
2 fairly polished
3 well polished
4 excellent polished
Total

Percent
45%
55%

Rank
2
1

A2. Acceptability Test

Table 2
Effect of the Chalk-based Polisher to the sample Metal Tool/Ornament
Rate
1 Poor
2 Fair
3 Good
4 Excellent
Total

f
0
1
3
16
20

Percent
5%
15%
80%

Table 3
Science Teachers Acceptability Test

Rank
3
2
1

Percent

Rank

0
0
3
7
10

30%
70%

2
1

Rate
1 Poor
2 Fair
3 Good
4 Excellent
Total

Table 4
Other Researchers Acceptability Test

Rate
1 Poor
2 Fair
3 Good
4 Excellent
TOTAL

Percent

Rank

0
1
4
15
20

5%
20%
75%

3
2
1

B. Data Analysis
B1. The Effectiveness Rate Test
The table shows that the Chalk-based metal polisher excellently polished the sample metal
tool/ornament.
B2. The Acceptability Test
Table 2, 3 and 4 show that the Chalk-based metal polisher is acceptable to the students,
science teachers and other researchers.

CHAPTER V
Conclusions and Recommendation

Conclusion
1. Based on the experimentation, the Chalk-based metal polisher proved to be effective.
2. With actual observation and Effectiveness Rate Test as basis, the Chalk-based metal polisher
excellently polished the sample metal tool/ornament.
3. The chalk-based metal polisher is acceptable to the students, science teachers and other researchers.
4. The active ingredient that the Chalk-based metal polisher contains is Calcium Carbonate. Calcium
carbonate, an inorganic compound that occurs naturally as chalk and limestone has slightly solubility
in water. Thus, the texture of the mixture removes microscopic sediments which are potential
oxidizers. This happens because of the antacid property of calcium carbonate. When mixed with
water, calcium carbonate partially reacts with it and forms Carbon Dioxide. The result of the reaction
removes oxidation n the metal and creates a reflective surface.
Recommendation
Based on the preceding results and conclusions, the study recommends that:
1. Further experimentation with various metal tools/ornaments should be done to measure the
effectiveness of the Chalk-based metal polisher should be tested for its potential side effects
once it comes contact with the skin.
2. The chalk-based metal polisher should be tested for its potential side effects once it come contact
with the skin.
3. A comparative research between commercial metal polisher and the chalk-based metal polisher
should also be accomplished to know and compare their advantages and disadvantages more
keenly.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Multimedia:
Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2002

Websites:
http://www.nssga.org/communications/calcarbro.cfm
http://www.coastwidelabs.com/science.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/abrasion
http://www.chemistryexplained.com/te-va/thomson-joseph-john.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4457116_polish-metal-using-chalk.html