FOR discovering a sustainable sealant for the aviation industry, Mark Kennedy Bantugon, a graduate of the Philippine State College of Aeronautics, won this year’s James Dyson Award.

Bantugon, a BS Aeronautical Engineering major, invented Pili Seal, a sealant made of pili tree resin.

His invention was found to have exceeded the data results of commercial sealants from over 20 property tests, ranging from physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal to rheological.

“Pili Seal is a two-component sealant. The waste of pili tree resin acts as the base material for aircraft integral fuel tank sealant production,” Bantugon explained.

“Through the mixing of the base and a hardener, the combination can properly function as a sealing material such as integral fuel tank and components that are subjected to contact with aircraft fuels, lubricants, oils, water, and weathering,” he added.

Apart from being sustainable and unique, the Pili Seal is non-toxic.

“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,” he said.

The Pili Seal will be one of the inventions that will progress to the international stage of the James Dyson Award. The Top 20 shortlist and international winners will be announced on October 13 and November 17, respectively.

The James Dyson Award is an international tilt that encourages new ideas to solve problems.