Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Paper is an indispensable component of daily life. Paper, in its different

forms, is used for hundreds of additional uses besides being the primary material for

written and printed communication. These include packing, wrapping, insulating, and

toweling. As a consumer commodity, paper has been demonstrated to be vital in

driving humanity's most sensitive demands in the areas of security, education,

sanitation, and communication—and as a result, it is manufactured and widely

consumed (Ezeudu et al., 2019).

Paper is made from softwood or hardwood trees, but 85% of the wood pulp

that makes paper in the U.S. comes from softwood coniferous trees. They have

longer fibers known to produce stronger paper. The primary trees in this category

are pines, firs, spruces, hemlocks, and larch. Most paper pulp is made from trees

(mainly fast-growing, evergreen conifers), though it can also be made from bamboo,

cotton, hemp, jute, and a wide range of other plant materials. There are other

ingredients and sources of paper. Other paper is made from corn husks. It has a light

green tinge and sometimes yellow depending on the lot that we produce from the

farmland. The second one is the banana peel. It can be used as paper because it has

a high concentration of cellulose. The last one is leaves from plants. Leaves from

fibrous plants such as iris, yucca, corn, skins of onions, and rice can be used to make

paper. There are many raw materials that can make up the ingredients for making

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paper, and common paper-making materials include grass, straw, and wood. The by-

product pulp from the sugar beets and sugar cane can also be used.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, total paper and board

demand in the Philippines is expected to exceed 2 million tons within five years, with

total annual demand growing at a rate of 2.5 percent per year (Rappler June 2012).

As a result, suitable actions must be taken to solve these setbacks in order for

the sector to become more effective. This study makes a number of proposals to

achieve that goal. The first is that global state-of-the-art paper production is still

reliant on both primary and secondary fiber resources because the completed paper

product's quality and strength are largely determined by a good blend of the two

fiber sources. Ogunwusi (2013). In an attempt to reduce waste, some paper

manufacturers use paper products and textiles. The fibers in these raw materials are

held together with a binder to produce the paper. Paper manufacturers can obtain

raw materials for paper from any number of places, including lumberyards, sugar

processing plants, and companies that collect paper and textiles for recycling.

Because of the rising demand for pulp for papermaking and the scarcity of

wood, it is now important to find new native raw materials for the production of

consumer goods, particularly pulp and paper. Rapeseed straw was investigated in

this study to see if it could be used as a pulping raw material. In a laboratory setting,

the influence of heating settings on the characteristics of rape pulp was investigated.

The findings show that the cooking conditions influence pulp production, residual

lignin content, and brightness. The physical properties of handmade paper sheets, as

well as the distribution of fiber length, were examined. When comparing the

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findings, it can be concluded that the peracetic pulp made with sodium molybdate

catalyst produces better results than the peracetic pulp made without it (Bekhta and

Edlia Ik 2015).

Agriculture is one of the country's main sources of income. Some of the most

commonly planted crops are rice, corn, and a variety of vegetables. Corn is grown

after rice has been harvested as a near alternative. According to the Philippine

Statistics Authority, in 2020, La Union's corn output was estimated to be 39,613

metric tons. This recorded a slight improvement of 0.07 percent from the 39,585

metric tons produced in 2019. In 2019 and 2020, La Union grew two varieties of

maize (white corn and yellow corn). Corn harvesting area increased by 0.61 percent,

from 7,220 hectares in 2019 to 7,264 metric tons in 2020. Meanwhile, the yield per

hectare fell from 5.48 to 5.45 metric tons per hectare in 2020. La Union posted the

lowest volume of production in 2020, with 7.03 percent of the total corn production

in the region. Among the four provinces, La Union had the least share of the total

area harvested for corn in the Ilocos Region, with 7.63 percent. Because maize is

grown in practically every part of the Philippines, there is a plentiful supply of corn

husk.

Corn husks are normally thrown away after they have been peeled from the

corn. It is considered waste since its only function is to serve as the outer covering of

corn. Corn husk, a lignocellulosic fiber generally discarded as waste, has the potential

to be explored as a textile fiber. Corn, or maize, is the second-largest agricultural

crop in the world. Cultivation of corn generates stover by-products that have been

considered for a variety of uses.

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 The main environmental benefit of using corn husk fiber is conservation of

land and resources since you get fiber and food from the same plant. Corn husk is

commonly available, with no geographical limitations, and is of limited commercial

value. Therefore, corn husks show greater promise in providing large quantities of

natural cellulose fibers with significant economic benefits than any other agricultural

by-product. As corn is grown in large quantities all over the world, corn husks are

readily available. Corn husk offers an annually renewable, low-cost, and abundant

source of cellulosic fiber.

RATIONALE

Corn husk, a lignocellulosic fiber generally discarded as waste, has the

potential to be explored as a plant paper fiber. The researchers intend to utilize corn

husk in their efforts. Instead of tossing away corn husks, the researchers will utilize

them as an alternative raw material for creating paper, which will be beneficial for

most students. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of corn husk (Zea

mays) as an alternative raw material for making paper to produce more affordable

and a product that is good for the environment. We can safeguard our ecosystem

from depletion by taking small steps.

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FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

-The corn husk or Zea
mays
-The alternative raw
material for making paper
-Following the steps for
making an alternative raw
material for making paper
-By conducting
experiment
-Produce an alternative
raw material for making
paper

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 shows the study’s conceptual framework, in which the input is all

about Corn Husk or Zea mays, which is our independent variable, and the alternative

raw material for making paper, as our dependent variable.

In the process, researchers will conduct an experiment by following the steps

on how corn husk fiber can be used to be an alternative raw material for making

paper.

Lastly, it shows the outcome, which is to produce an alternative raw material

for making paper.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The researchers intend to utilize corn husk in their efforts. Instead of tossing

away corn husks, the researchers will utilize them as an alternative raw material for

creating paper, which will be beneficial for most students. Specifically, it intended to

answer the following questions:

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 1. Is it effective for a cornhusk to be an alternative raw material for making

paper in terms of?

a) Writability

2. What is the quality of the paper made out of cornhusk?

3. What is the difference between commercialize paper over corn husk

made paper?

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to produce an alternative raw material for

making paper. Specifically, this study aimed to determine the following:

1. determine the effectiveness of corn husk (Zea Mays) to be an alternative

raw material for making paper;

2. determine the quality of the corn husk made paper; and

3. determine the difference of commercialize paper over corn husk made

paper.

HYPOTHESIS

Alternative: In terms of making paper, corn husk is effective as an alternative raw

material.

Null: In terms of making paper, corn husk is not effective as an alternative raw

material.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

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 The scope of the study tells only about the potential of corn husks as papers

in the future. It also includes whether the product will be successful and can be a

great raw material to make use in the future. It also discusses how helpful it may be

to society and the environment. As a result, we might have positive effects in our

daily lives. The research, on the other hand, does not provide percentages for when

and how it was developed in each country (local or foreign).

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The findings of the study will greatly contribute to the benefits of employing

cornhusks as a raw material instead of throwing them away. It will also be a great

endeavor in promoting the idea of using residues like corn husks, as a component to

make a new and satisfying creation like paper. Thus, will establish a foundation for

the youth to develop such intellectual skills in making use of the things around them.

The study will also give attention to the economy of our country, specifically its

resource availability. Lastly, will contribute to the students and society, as this may

serve as their livelihood and can sustain their daily needs.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Corn-also referred to as maize, is a grain as well as a starchy vegetable. It grows on a

tall grass-like stalk and produces large kernels on a cob. The kernels of corn can

range from white to yellow. Corn husks are the outer green leaves on a cob of corn

that we usually peel off and discard.

Durability-is the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage. Paper could be a

material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous

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substances and is employed for writing, drawing, or printing on, or as a wrapping

material.

Cellulose fibers-are fibers structured from cellulose, a starch-like carbohydrate.

They're created by dissolving natural materials like cellulose or pulp, which are then

regenerated by extrusion and precipitation.

Washing-is the process of selectively removing unwanted compounds from a mix.

Filtration-is the process during which solid particles in a very liquid or gaseous fluid

are removed by the utilization of a filter medium that allows the fluid to have but

retains the solid particles.

Boiling-is the method of cooking food by immersion in water that has been heated

to close to its boiling point.

Raw materials-are the input goods or inventory that a corporation must use to

manufacture its products. Some samples of raw materials include steel, oil, corn,

grain, gasoline, lumber, forest resources, plastic, gas, coal, and minerals.

Soda Ash-is a key component in the production of powdered detergents and

soaps due to its high alkalinity and surfactant qualities, which allows it to improve

the solvency, and the effectiveness, of the detergent in removing stains whilst using

less water.

Experimental research- is a study that strictly adheres to a research design. It

includes a hypothesis, a variable which will be manipulated by the researcher, and

variables that may be measured, calculated, and compared. Most significantly,

experimental research is completed in a controlled environment.

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 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This ecologically beneficial product, according to Greganda et al. (2016), is an

efficient strategy to prevent tree chopping down as early as now and promote a

hand-made product. Apart from that, Flores et al. (2018) said that making recycled

paper from maize husk is quite effective since it has a high-quality texture that is

simple to write or paint on.

The Philippine Paper Manufacturers Association, Inc. (PPMAI) estimates that creating

this product saves around $700 million per year in foreign money compared to

imported paper and board. As a result, the Philippines' economic performance has

been excellent (Suba 2018).

People's focus has shifted to non-wood materials like maize husk as a result

of increased wood and raw material use. Apart from that, Gominho et al. (2001)

used it to encourage maize husk use improvements. According to Hurter et al.

(1998), this product offers several advantages and benefits to our economy and

society. Logging is common in the Philippines, and it has resulted in severe forest

loss.

Although the government prohibits wood harvesting, tree cutting, and other

forms of logging, the industry remains important in the country. As a result of this

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circumstance, demand for alternative pulp and paper products is expanding (Dindan,

2017).

Santos (2014). The widespread marketing of this product will provide a ray of

hope for the environment's long-term survival, as well as making people more

inventive and responsible citizens in their own communities.

According to Barami (2013), he created paper out of maize husks and

estimated that a kilogram of corn husks would generate 80 sheets of paper. and

stated that it is a significant contribution to commercial paper conservation. As a

result, this will substantially assist them in maintaining their economic growth. Apart

from that, Masudi (2011), a young scientist, proposed the use of maize husk paper in

the UAE, which was regarded to be a successful initiative. As a result, people are

progressively coming around to the idea of creating paper from maize husks.

According to Hurter (2014), a revived interest in creating paper out of

agricultural leftovers such as maize husks was introduced due to a lack of raw

materials for pulping and increased demand for papers. He claims that nations with

limited forest resources, particularly Mediterranean countries like Greece, Italy, and

Spain, are most affected.

Aremu and co. According to al (2015), a Nigerian researcher, more individuals

are becoming aware that the Earth's natural resources are running out. As this issue

grows more pressing, alternative fibers derived from non-wood sources have been

suggested as a viable option for combating environmental harm.

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 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH DESIGN

The research entitled “Effectiveness of Corn husk (Zea mays) as an

Alternative Raw Material for Making Paper is experimental research that will make

series of observation and testing to measure the effectiveness of the product. This

product was created to provide an alternative raw material for making paper. The

researchers manipulate, monitor, and pick random variable in an experimental study

design, and the findings are based on observation. During the experiment, the

researchers choose to use quantitative analysis. It follows a common format for

generating a hypothesis to be proven or disproved, with a few minor inter-

disciplinary variations.

SOURCE OF DATA

The data for this analysis came from both primary and secondary sources.

Primary sources include journals, book, and other form of thesis writing. The

internet, as well as any other study-related outlets, are secondary sources of data.

LOCALE OF THE STUDY

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 The research was conducted at Caba National High School (Laboratory Senior

High School Department) Las Ud Caba, La Union since the researchers are going to

experiment the effectiveness of the product.

INSTRUMENTATION AND DATA COLLECTION

The researchers will use experimentation as a tool to collect data. The

researchers will perform an experimental to collect information about the product,

as well as to determine how successful it is. The data was collected in using corn

husk. The researchers will collect and present all of the data collected in order to

determine the effectiveness of the product.

TOOLS AND DATA ANALYSIS

The effectiveness of the alternative raw material was evaluated using an

experimental approach by the researchers. The experimental method is a well-

designed with features that influence random variables to ensure that effect

measured is induced by the manipulated dependent variable.

The aim of this research is to see how effective raw material corn husk is. The

key of this analysis is the dependent. According to the hypothesis, corn husk is an

effective alternative raw material for paper making.

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 Chapter 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This research had been conducted to achieve the three main objectives as

stated in chapter 1, the study’s objectives. The results are presented according to

main areas of concern: (1) determine the effectiveness of corn husk (Zea mays) as an

alternative raw material for making paper. (2) determine the quality of the corn husk

made paper. (3) determine the difference between commercialized paper over corn

husk made paper. The results for each will be elaborated on and discussed

throughout this chapter

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All preparations needed for making of corn husk as an alternative raw

material for making paper was done in Caba National High School (Laboratory Senior

High School Department) Las Ud Caba, La Union

The researchers used the protective leafy outer covering of 500g corn husk,

as the main ingredient of the investigative project together with 52g of baking soda

and 3.5 liters of water

EQUIPMENT

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 The researchers used equipment to attain the desired product. This includes

following:

 Stainless pot in boiling the corn husk

 A blender to homogenize the mixture

 A silk screen to evenly spread out and filter the excess water of the blend.

RESEARCH PROCEDURE

Collect corn husk Boil cornhusk with 3.5 liters of water

Wait for the corn husk to be soft Put 52g of baking soda

Strip the cornhusk by hand Put the stripped cornhusk in the

blender with ½ cup water

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 Get the molder and mold Put the homogenize
each set-up, After, let it dry mixture in to the basin
for 24 hours.

TREATMENT PREPARATION

Testing the writability of the paper made out of corn husk. The treatment 1,

writing in the paper made out of cornhusk and in the commercial paper. The amount

of text to be write is minimal.

Treatment 1 Amount of text written

Writing on the paper made out of corn husk Minimal

Writing on the commercialized paper

Minimal

TESTING OF THE PRODUCT

To determine the writability of the paper made out of cornhusk, there will be

an experimentation and a comparison between the commercial paper and the paper

made out of corn husk.

TREATMENT 1: WRITABILITY

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 Figure 1. Writing on the paper made out of cornhusk.

Figure 2. The result of writing on the paper made out of cornhusk.

Figure 3. Writing on the commercialized paper.

Figure 4. The result of writing on the commercialized paper.

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 With regards to the writability of the paper, the trial resulted in the amount

of text written on the corn husk made paper. The findings revealed the effectiveness

of corn husk as an alternative raw material in terms of its writability. But it does not

show a high-quality like the commercialized paper.

Chapter 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The results were determined according to the statement of the problem

stated.

Based on the results, the researchers conclude that corn husk as an

alternative raw material for making paper is effective. It has its fibers that can be

used to produce paper. In terms of writability, it shows an acceptable outcome.

The texture of the paper made out of corn husk is not as smooth as the

commercialized paper. When it comes to durability, paper made out of corn husk is

durable.

The results show the properties of corn husk, and its effectiveness in making

paper by taking the fibers from it. It does not show a high-quality product of paper,

but shows that it is possible to make a paper made out of corn husk.

CONCLUSION

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 This present study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of corn husk as

an alternative material for making paper.

Most of the treatment combination of the produced paper were acceptable

as a raw material in making paper

The results show the properties of corn husk, and its effectiveness in

making paper by taking the fibers from it. It does not show a high-quality product of

paper, but shows that it is possible to make a paper made out of corn husk. There

are some references that show more information about corn husk, and paper

making. The purpose of this study is to give more information to researchers about

corn husk, and its uses, to maximize the consumption of corn. This does not

guarantee a high-quality product, but shows the effectiveness of a corn husk to be

an alternative to paper.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Use paper made from cornhusk in order to reduce wood cutting and help the

environment.

2. The researchers suggest to sustain a fund of a production of paper made

from corn husk to reduce wood cutting and help the environment.

3. The researchers found out that rolling pin can be used to flatten the cornhusk

for sheet forming.

4. The future researchers could also use other raw materials other than

cornhusks, to make paper.

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REFFERENCES

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2022, from https://www.heddels.com/dictionary/cellulosic-fibres/

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as-demand-for-paper-rises-dost-looks-at-other-sources/

Mucilage. Mucilage - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 21,

2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/mucilage

Palay And Corn Situation In La Union 2020 Annual Report | Philippine Statistics
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Situation In La Union 2020 Annual Report | Philippine Statistics Authority Regional
Statistical Services Office I; rsso01.psa.gov.ph.
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report.

Ezeudu, O., Agunwamba, J., Ezeasor, I., & Madu, C. (2019). Sustainable Production
and Consumption of Paper and Paper Products in Nigeria: A Review. Resources, 8(1),
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success.oregonstate.edu. https://doi.org/Improve Your Concentration

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www.fibre2fashion.com. (2017, March 1). Corn husk fibre for production of green
fabrics - Fibre2Fashion. Corn Husk Fibre for Production of Green Fabrics -
Fibre2Fashion; www.fibre2fashion.com. https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-
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