Ignis Fructus: Fire-Starting Capsules From Dried Plants
Plants and the Environment
Isaiah Andrew Endriga
Jesse Josiah Neblina
- Grade:
- 5
- Teacher:
- Jacko Kim Mabeza
Ignis Fructus is a sustainable fire-starting capsule made from invasive buffelgrass and agricultural waste rice husk. The project tested different biomass ratios to determine which mixture produced the longest and most efficient burn time. Results showed that capsules containing 75% buffelgrass and 25% rice husk burned the longest, demonstrating that biomass composition directly affects fire performance. This study highlights how natural and waste materials can be repurposed into practical, low-cost fuel alternatives
Quite insightful!
What an interesting investigation! I like that you looked into replacing potentially harmful chemical accelerants with a natural alternative. I’d like to read about the various uses of the biological accelerants. You do a nice job of describing the materials and procedure and of displaying the results and figures. I also like that you connect your investigation to the real world issue of invasive buffel grass which is particularly relevant in the desert southwest. Keep researching!
You created an outstanding engineering project by designing and testing fire‑starter capsules made from buffelgrass and rice husk. Your methods were precise, your data collection was excellent, and your analysis clearly explained why certain ratios burned longer. Your graphs and tables were especially strong. To make your project even stronger next time, you could measure ignition temperature or test the capsules in different weather conditions. Overall, this is an exceptional and highly innovative project, excellent work!