Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon, a 23 year old Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering graduate from the Philippine State College of Aeronautics, won this year’s James Dyson Award for his sustainable and non-toxic aviation Pili Seal invention.
“This invention started as a dream and has now become a reality, all because of the dedication, perseverance, passion, action and heart put into it which served as my driving forces.” said Mark
Mark, a resident of Laurel, Mabini, Batangas, is currently pursuing his Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering by Research at the Mapua University as a DOST ERDT Scholar.
THE MOTIVATION
Mark’s great motivation and inspiration on his Pili Seal invention was influenced by the training and upbringing he received from his father who is a local farmer. “My father trained us everyday on how to take care of our livestock and how to plow the land”. Mark continued, “It also allowed me to establish a good foundation in education, particularly in experimental-based research on agriculture and sustainability… ‘Dreaming is always valid, and on your journey, you are never denied but only redirected.’”
It was also during Mark’s internship training at different aviation companies in the Philippines that opened him to the reality of the processes involved in the field of aviation industry. One of which that struck him the most is the application of aviation sealant that is used in different parts of the aircraft which he found hazardous to one’s health.
Commercial sealant (polysulfide-based sealant) used in aircraft has an offensive and unpleasant odor that exposes the aircraft mechanics and technicians’ health at risk every time it is being used. Such can causes serious eye irritation (H319), respiratory irritation (H335), skin irritation (H315), harmful to aquatic life (H412), highly flammable liquid and vapours (H225), may cause damage to organs ( H373), harmful if swallowed and inhaled (H302+H332), may cause genetic defects and cancer (H340+H350).
It was because of these various drawbacks, nature & degree of hazards due to its chemical compositions and substances, that Mark decided to produce a sealant that will help in solving these kinds of problems.
THE INVENTION
Pili Seal, is a sustainable sealant for aviation industry made from the waste material particularly the waste of Pili Tree Resin which is also called as “spent resin” or “de-oiled resin”.
This product is beneficial and effective for airplane parts application like integral fuel tank that serves as a sealing material to avoid the fuel leakages as well as other areas subject to contact with airplane fuels, lubricants, oils, water and weathering.
It is a pioneering study and a revolutionary activity in the field of aviation industry that uses the waste material as the base ingredient for aviation sealant production. One of the unique features of this invention is that it offers safe & non-toxic effects to the user’s health including the aviation mechanics & technicians since this product undergone Toxicity Test.
STRUGGLES AND OBSTACLES
Mark faced a lot of obstacles and challenges while developing the Pili Seal. Given that there is no related studies or literature about creating an aviation sealant from waste material, Mark came up with an idea on conducting an Optimization Process to know if Pili Tree Resin’s waste is really a possible ingredient to stand as a sealant or sealing material.
“I tried different amounts and percentage compositions of the ingredients by combining and mixing it to get the most suitable & best formulation of the sealant. The process took me a significant amount of time, and finances to cover costs of materials, fees and experiments.” said Mark. But with the support of the school, research advisers, friends and family, he never felt alone in embracing the process and fulfilling his invention journey.
THE TURNING POINT
It was the time when Mark won the GRAND WINNER of Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao Intellectual Property (AMY IP) Awards in 2020 for this invention that changed his life forever. Him winning the title opened many opportunities for his invention and blessings just came pouring in.
Some of the people that he looked up to and find inspiration from are his college thesis advisers: Engr. Noruane A. Daileg, Engr. Jahaziel V. Herrera and Mr Noel E. Lagui. And his high school research teachers, Ms. Ana Marie O. Cueto and Mrs. Vilma O. Villena.
When asked if he thinks that the Philippines is competitive enough with regards to the development and implementation of new discoveries and inventions, Mark agrees. “I truly believe that we Filipinos are really capable, talented, skillful, creative and most especially purpose-driven which is very tangible in our inventions and innovations that also allow us to create a significant impact and difference not only in our country but also globally.”
Winning the James Dyson Award, not only gave him an opportunity to share his invention through different platforms and media locally and globally; But he also find it to be an honor to share the potential, efficiency, advocacy, and importance of waste material, especially the waste of Pili Tree Resin, giving it new purpose and value.
FUTURE PLANS
Mark set himself to focus on the growth and further development of his product. Here’s what he had in mind:
- Conduct additional study or research for the application of this sealant on the other aircraft parts to maximize the use and function of it.
- Further research/study for the application of this sealant on the different field or industry sectors including the land and water transportation, constructions, buildings, woods or in home
- Enter a Start-Up Incubation Program that will help this invention realize the commercial and business potential and bring this to the market.
- Continue to study and aim to have a doctorate after finishing Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering by Research
- Use this invention as a means or gateway to build a new manufacturing company of aviation sealants in the Philippines to reduce imports and even have the opportunity to help local farmers as they play a vital role in manufacturing the sealant.
This young inventor is truly remarkable and we are excited to see on what he discovers next!
PILI SEAL LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
- Philippines National Winner, James Dyson Award 2021 (Inventor of Pili Seal)
- International Top 20 Finalist [International Stage], James Dyson Award 2021 (on-going competition) -GRAND CHAMPION [Cardinal Innovator], Cardinal Challenge 2021: Mapua Design and Innovation Competition
- GRAND WINNER, Ambassador Alfredo M. Yao Intellectual Property (AMY IP) Awards 2020
- 1st Prize [Grand Champion]- Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL)Socially Relevant Technologies Innovation Contest on Sustainable Packaging Year II
- Included in the 2021 Top 21 Pinoy Engineers & Young Scientists, released by GineersNow
- Runner-Up, Airbus Sustainable Mobility Challenge 2021 “Why stop at Zero”
- Second Runner-Up[Grand Final Round], Dongbu Group- Seoul National University (DB-SNU) Global Startup Challenge 2021
- ROUND 1 & 2 WINNER, Dongbu Group- Seoul National University (DB-SNU) Global Startup Challenge 2021
- 4th Placer, 2021 Pitch Perfect: Become A Startup Hero- Draper Startup House Manila
- Semi-Finalist (Top 20), Shell LiveWire Competition 2021 TechStartups Category
- Finalist, Youth Open Call- Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) Philippines Hub Crowdsourcing Contest
