San Pablo City Science Integrated High School
Brgy. San Jose, San Pablo City
Using Different Types of Potato Peels as Rust Remover for Stainless Steel
Balane, Shaira Mella
Coronado, Angel Marie
Enriquez, Jianne Valorie
Proponents
Background of the study
The potato, Solanum tuberosum, is an annual nightshade plant in the Solanaceae family.
It is native to the Peruvian-Bolivian Andes and is a major food crop worldwide (Britannica,
2022). Potatoes are perennial plants grown in the spring and harvested in the fall. The
above-ground potato stems have attractive but non-edible blossoms, while the plant's 'root' is a
stem and is categorized as a tuber and botanically defined as a vegetable (Ontario Potato
Board, 2022).
Potatoes are classified into seven types based on their color and shape. Each potato
type has a diverse range of varieties cultivated over time. The classification in the US includes
russet potatoes, yellow potatoes, white potatoes, red potatoes, blue or purple potatoes,
fingerling potatoes, and new potatoes (Webstaurant Store, 2020). The health benefits they
provide include vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They're high in vitamin C, an antioxidant (UC Davis
Health, 2022).
With multiple varieties, potatoes are known as one of the most versatile ingredients in
kitchen commercials. Famous dishes of potatoes include fries and hot baked potatoes. Hence,
with the increasing use of potatoes over time from different recipes an abundance of potato
peels is left to decompose or be used as fertilizers for plants (Manoj, 2022).
Steel is an iron-carbon alloy with up to 2% carbon content. The primary component of
steel is iron, a metal that is not much tougher than pure copper (Wondris, 2022). Due to its
complex characteristic, it is used in appliances, building materials, storage, decorations, cutlery,
etc. (South West Steel Supplies LTD, 2022). Steel is classified into four types: carbon steel,
stainless steel, alloy steel, and tool steel (BigRentz, 2021).
Rust is an oxidized coating that occurs on the surface of the iron. It is often referred to as
iron oxide and corrosion. This chemical compound is a reddish-orange mineral with various iron
and oxygen combinations (Corrosionpedia, 2017). Exposing the iron alloy to corrosive
circumstances might hasten rust production, which can be disastrous. If iron particles are
exposed to moisture and oxygen such as vapor, humidity, and immersion, it corrodes.
Furthermore, when steel is exposed to water, the iron particles oxidize due to the acidic
electrolytes in the water. Rusting can gradually thin an iron alloy until it is no longer appropriate
for its original application (csl silicones inc, 2016). Since steel is an iron-carbon alloy, rust
commonly occurs on it.
It was discovered that acid can remove rust. Hence, from previous studies, it was found
that the acidity of lemon juices combined with baking soda reacts to iron oxide (rust), As a
result, it softens and dissolves the rust (Ossola, 2016). The acetic acid in vinegar works
similarly as its acid can dissolve rust (Hewitt, 2021). However, using these materials has
disadvantages. The majority of acidic materials cause or hasten rust (Armor VCI, 2020). To
work, citric acid must be highly concentrated. When the concentration is reached, citric acid
removes and dissolves both the rust and the metal beneath it. It is also harmful to skin, nails,
and other materials in that it has come into contact (TbgSecure, n.d.).Vinegar includes a dilute
form of acetic acid, which accelerates rusting by removing electrons from iron, ionizing it, and
making it prone to rust. (Papiewski, n.d.).
For this study, potato peels will be utilized to create rust removers for stainless steel.
Potatoes and their peels contain a chemical called oxalic acid (Leroma, 2021). Oxalic acid is a
dicarboxylic acid that is an organic compound present in many plants and vegetables. It is a
chemical that is widely known for its ability to dissolve tough stains and rust (BYJU’S, n.d.). A
chemical reaction called a double displacement reaction transforms iron oxide (rust) into iron
oxalate. This occurs when oxalic acid comes in contact with rust (Corechem, n.d.).
Statement of the objectives
This research was conducted to develop rust removers from russet and blue or purple
potatoes. Specifically, it aimed to accomplish the following goals:
● Determine the effectiveness of russet and blue or purple potatoes as rust
removers
● Determine the effectiveness of paste made from the russet potato peels when
applied to the stainless steel for:
a. 10 minutes
b. 15 minutes
Hypotheses
Null Hypothesis: The different types of potato peels has no significant effect on their
effectiveness against rust.
Alternative Hypothesis: The different types of potato peels has a significant effect on their
effectiveness against rust.
Alternative Hypothesis: The time of applying the paste on the stainless steel affect the
effectiveness of the paste
Null Hypothesis: The time of applying the paste on the stainless steel does not affect the
effectiveness of the paste
Significance of the study
The purpose of this research was to create a rust remover for stainless steel using
several varieties of potato peels. It focuses on the ability of potato peels to eliminate rust. The
following people will benefit from the study:
People in the community For their kitchen tools, they can use potato peels as a rust
remover. They may use potato peels to remove rust from their utensils before discarding them,
and they can save money by avoiding the need to purchase a rust remover.
Public Health. Rust-removing treatments might lead to skin and eye irritation. The results
of this study can be used to support the usage of potato peels as a safer alternative for rust
remover.
Related Studies. Previous studies have shown that using lemon and vinegar as rust
removers can also accelerate rust. So, the findings of this study can be a guide to using potato
peels as a rust remover rather than lemon and vinegar.
Future researchers. They can use the result of this research as a guide for further
studies regarding the ability of potato peels as a rust remover. It can also be used as related
literature and reference.
The study's findings will provide researchers with a better insight and knowledge of
potato peels' potential as a rust remover for stainless steel.
Scopes and limitations
This study is conducted to determine the ability of potato peels to remove rust on
stainless steel.
The different types of potato peels will be used by the researchers along with baking
soda and water. The potato peels selected are the russet potatoes and blue or purple potatoes
due to resource limitations. The peels will each be soaked in 100 ml of water for 15 minutes
followed by adding baking soda to create a paste consistency. The paste will then be applied to
the rusted stainless steel for 10 and 15 minutes.
The result will then be compared to a store-bought rust remover to test its efficiency.
This process will be done at San Pablo City Science Integrated High School as the
equipment is limited in the researcher's house.
Definition of Terms
Solanaceae family - The Solanaceae, or nightshades, are a flowering plant family that contains
a variety of agricultural crops, medicinal plants, spices, weeds, and ornamentals, as well as
annual and perennial herbs, vines, lianas, epiphytes, shrubs, and trees. Economically and
nutritionally essential cultivated plant species, such as tomato, potato, eggplant, and chili
peppers, are included.
Russet potatoes - Large potatoes with rough brown skin and light flesh.
Yellow potatoes - Potatoes with thin gold skin and yellow flesh
White potatoes - Potatoes with light flesh and a thin beige or tan skin.
Red potatoes - A potato with thin red skin and light flesh
Blue or purple potatoes - Blue potatoes have dark purple or blue skin and purple flesh that
matches.
Fingerling potatoes - Fingerling potatoes are little, tubular potatoes with various skin and meat
qualities.
New potatoes - Their skin is thin and fragile, and their flesh is creamy. They come in a variety
of hues and are harvested early. Hence, they are also known as baby potatoes.
Steel - An iron-carbon alloy with up to 2% carbon content.
Carbon steel - All steel contains carbon, but carbon steel is distinguished by the notable
absence of other elements in its composition. Despite containing just 2% carbon or less by
weight, carbon steel is a robust, durable material that is suited for a variety of applications due
to its elemental character. Its useful purpose will vary depending on the carbon present in the
steel.
Stainless steel - This kind is well-known for its involvement in the production of medical
equipment and appliances. Chromium is the alloy that distinguishes stainless steel, giving it its
characteristic luster.
Alloy steel - Iron is fused with one of numerous other elements, each of which contributes its
own distinct characteristics to the final product. All steels are alloys, however carbon and
chromium are distinct alloys with names derived from the metal they make.
Tool steel - Steels that are employed in tool-making machines. Tempering, which involves
applying high heat, fast cooling, and then heating again, produces tool steel that is highly hard
and heat-resistant. They are typically found in high-impact conditions and are quite abrasive.
Iron oxide - It is a chemical compound composed of iron and oxygen also known as ferric oxide
or rust
Iron oxalate - Inorganic orange compound that is poorly soluble in water.
Oxalic acid - Oxalic acid, also known as ethane dioic acid, is a colorless, crystalline organic
compound that belongs to the carboxylic acid family. It is a well-known acid for eliminating rust
and ink.
References
BigRentz. (2021). 4 types of steel: What makes them different?
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https://www.cslsilicones.com/en/about/blog/item/what-causes-corrosion.html#:~:text=Rust%20is
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Manoj, A. (2022). How to make compost using potato peels: Expert shares tips for healthy
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https://www.ontariopotatoes.ca/how-potatoes-grow
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https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/572/types-of-potatoes.html
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Surfaces—From Garden Tools to Vintage Finds. AD IT YOURSELF.
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TbgSecure. (n.d.). Why citric acid is bad for rust removal.
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BYJU’S. (n.d.). What is oxalic acid?
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