Characterization of the Physical Properties of Bacillus thuringiensis Corn husk Fibers through Alkalization

Krizzian Hernando¹, Mark Dondy Abayon¹, Jio Vinz Sitjar¹, Marc Jerome Aguirre¹ and Joan Catolico^1
1Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines

Abstract
Bacillus thurigiensis (Bt) corn husk bers were characterized for possible usage in textile manufacture. The ber yield, diameter and length were determined and compared to that of native sweet corn husks bers Bt corn husks were subjected to alkalization for 60 minutes at 5 g/L and 10 g/L NaOH concentrations. Fibers subjected to 5 g/L and 10 g/L NaOH concentration treatment had a ber yield of 14.69% and 16.74% respectively. The ber diameter and the ber length was greater in the 5 g/L (817.7 m and 11.7 cm) than in the 10 g/L (723.7 m and 5.3 cm) NaOH concentration treatment. Fiber yield was measured using a standard analytical balance. Measurement showed no signicant difference between the two corn species. Diameter of bers was also measured using the Laser Diraction method and also no signicant difference can be observed. The ber length, measured using a Vernier Caliper had a significant difference. Bt corn husk bers do not have an observable advantage over native sweet corn.