A Proposed Project of Using Polypropylene (Pp) in Disposable Face Masks as an Additive to a Plastic Lumber

Vol.4, No.1

Abstract

A disposable face mask is essential to life. It has become mandatory to wear it everywhere
and at all times, specifically during this pandemic. However, while protecting us from viruses, it
creates another problem that has an effect on the environment. Furthermore, the production of
plastic materials from plastic waste is becoming increasingly popular in the industry. In the
Philippines, there are social enterprises that collect plastic waste and turn it into new products
that can be used in construction and home furnishings. To address the aforementioned issue,
using disposable face masks as an additive in the production of plastic lumber could be a way
to reduce the amount of face mask waste that accumulates and advocate for a change to fight
the face mask waste problem.

The results of the study in terms of structural composition are agreed upon by the civil
engineers and strongly agreed upon by the architects. In terms of the procedural process,
both civil engineers and architects strongly agree. In terms of the testing method in the weight
placement test, both civil engineers and architects strongly agree. It indicates that there are no
significant differences between the assessments of the two groups of respondents in terms of
structural composition, procedural process, and testing method in the weight placement test.
The civil engineers obtained a 3.55 overall weighted mean and the architects a 3.62. With a
variance of 0.108 in civil engineers and 0.016 in architects. The T-critical value is 2.776, and
the T-computed value is 0.380. Therefore, it accepts Ho.

For further enhancement and improvement of the project, the ensuing discussions and the
recommendations proposed in terms of structural composition and procedural process are as
follows: gathering the plastics and adding more facemasks that are shredded.