IREASE: An INK Removal Device

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the performance of the Ink Removal and Eradication System (IREASE) device to reduce paper waste and promote paper reuse at San Agustin National High School. The system integrates chemical ink removal using acetone and sodium hypochlorite with a semi-automated process consisting of solvent application, mechanical eradication using rollers, and automated drying to remove ink from printed paper.
Using a quantitative research and development (R&D) design with an experimental comparative approach, the device was developed and its performance was compared with a traditional ink removal method. Data on the percentage of ink removed and removal response time were gathered through observation, documentation, and photographic analysis.
Results showed that when acetone was used, the IREASE device achieved 77.60% ink removal with a response time of 01:30.00, compared to 50.08% and 01:58.08 for the traditional method.
Similarly, using sodium hypochlorite, the IREASE device obtained 74.54% ink removal with a response time of 02:00.00, while the traditional method achieved only 51.16% with 02:27.70. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences between the two methods, indicating that the IREASE device is more effective and faster than the traditional ink removal method. The findings suggest that the IREASE device has strong potential for application in educational institutions to support sustainable paper reuse practices.

IREASE device, ink removal, paper reuse, acetone, sodium hypochlorite, semi-automated system

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