GRELINA OSMEÑA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

R.V. FULACHE ST., HILONGOS, LEYTE

S.Y. 2023 - 2024

EXPLORING NIPA PALM FRONDS AS AN ALTERNATIVE CRAFT PAPER MAKING

SOURCE

SUBMITTED BY:

Micah Jannie Marie P. Margate

 S.Y. 2023 - 2024

Research and Discussion

Given that nipa palm fronds are abundant plants rich in fiber, the research aimed to determine if

this type of fiber plant can produce quality decorative paper comparable to traditional craft paper.

The initial phase of the research involved planning to ascertain whether the proposed

methodology, along with its variables, could indeed yield decorative paper. Throughout the

experimental process, records were kept to identify necessary adjustments.

Table 1

Fronds Length Time of Amount Chopping Amount of Amount

used of frond cooking of method sodium of corn

for Sodium perchlorate starch

boiling hyrdoxide (sachet)

(solution

for

boiling)

Paper 1 Fresh (3 2 inches 2 hours 75 Blender None 3 sachets

hours with a grams : 2

after break in liters

harvest) between water

an hour
 Paper 2 Not fresh 1 inch 1 hour 60 grams: Manual None 3 sachets

(5 days 2 liters chopping

after water using

harvest) knife

Paper 3 Fresh (3 0.5 1 hour 60 grams: Food 1000 mL 3 sachets

hours inches 2 liters processor

after water

harvest)

Paper 4 Fresh (3 0.5 1 hour 120 Food 250 mL 3 sachets

hours inches grams: processor

after 4.6 liters

harvest) water

To improve the quality of the paper, adjustments were made. The length of the fronds was

adjusted to ensure uniform heating throughout the boiling process. The amount of sodium

hydroxide (NaOH) was also adjusted to facilitate softening of the fronds. A food processor was

utilized to ensure thorough extraction of every fiber. Only the amount of cornstarch remained

unchanged.

The second phase of the experimental process aimed to verify whether the achieved outcomes

aligned with the predetermined objectives. Various papers yielded were compared to assess the

impact of the adjustments made during the experimental process. Additionally, a comparison was
conducted with traditional craft paper to visually and physically evaluate the quality of the palm

frond-based paper.

Table 2

Color Texture Gauge Durability Handling Sun

(thickness (Water (Cutting or exposure

or thinness) testing) Gluing)

Traditional White Smooth Thin More prone Easy Wrinkled

Craft Paper to tear

Paper 1 Cream Semi- Semi - thin More prone Easy Wrinkled

rough to tear

Paper 2 Brown Rough Thick Less Easy Wrinkled

breakage

Paper 3 Cream Smooth Super thin More prone Easy Wrinkled

to tear

Paper 4 Khaki Smooth Semi-thick No Easy Wrinkled

breakage

PAPER 1

Paper 1 was made using fresh fronds harvested three hours earlier. The fronds were cut to 2

inches in length and boiled for 2 hours, with a one-hour break in between. A solution containing
75 grams of sodium hydroxide mixed with 2 liters of water was used for boiling. The fronds

were chopped using a blender. No sodium perchlorate was added. Additionally, 3 sachets of corn

starch were used in the process.

The result? Paper 1 has a cream color and feels somewhat rough. It's not too thick, more like

semi-thin. While it's easy to handle and work with, it tears easily when wet. Also, when exposed

to sunlight, it tends to wrinkle.

PAPER 2

Paper 2 was created using fronds harvested five days prior, boiled for one hour with a length of

one inch, and treated with a solution containing 60 grams of sodium hydroxide per 2 liters of

water. The chopping process involved manual chopping using a knife, and three sachets of corn

starch were added. The resulting paper has a distinct brown color and rough texture, with a thick

gauge. Despite its thickness, it is easy to handle and exhibits less breakage when exposed to

water. However, similar to Paper 1, it tends to wrinkle when exposed to sunlight.

PAPER3

For Paper 3, fresh nipa palm fronds harvested within three hours were employed. The process

initiated with peeling, chopping, and soaking the fronds in a solution containing 60 grams of

sodium hydroxide dissolved in 2 liters of water for one minute, followed by an hour of cooking.

After cooling, the fronds underwent further processing in a food processor to extract the fiber

pulp. This pulp was then blended with three sachets of cornstarch and 1000ml of sodium
perchlorate. The resultant paper exhibited a pale cream hue with a smooth texture akin to that of

thin toilet paper. Despite being prone to tearing when wet, it displayed some resilience under

specific conditions. Notably, it was easy to manipulate for cutting and gluing purposes. However,

exposure to sunlight induced wrinkling on its surface.

PAPER 4

For the fourth experiment, many variables were notably adjusted from the initial ones. Similar to

the other three papers, fresh fronds were used, harvested just three hours prior. Recognizing the

importance of uniform heating, the fronds were cut into 0.5 inches before being boiled for one

hour with 120 grams of sodium hydroxide solution. After boiling, the mixture was warmed up to

ensure safetyness before using the food processor. Finally, the fibers were combined with three

sachets of cornstarch.

This adjustment resulted in improved outcomes as aimed by the researchers. The paper had a

khaki color, smooth texture, and a thickness akin to semi-thin paper. Notably, it exhibited better

water resistance compared to traditional paper, showing no signs of breakage. Like the others, it

was easy to cut but prone to wrinkling under sunlight.