Marionne Jessa Y. Mejares, Lurylee B. Olarte, Jan Michael Theodore V. Lim (February 2002)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
This research was conducted with the primary objective of producing paper from sugarcane leaves. This study also aims to determine the appropriate proportion of starch and aluminum sulfate additives needed to meet the desired qualities of a packaging paper. Two most important qualities that a packaging paper must possess are the folding endurance and water resistance.
The aper was obtained by cooking small pieces of cut sugarcane leaves in NaOH solution, after which, it was pounded to produce the pulp. Bleach, which helps in separating the lignin, was then added. The pulp was divided equally, each having a mass of 500 grams and different proportions of starch and aluminum sulfate were added in each division. Sheets were formed and dried under the sun.
The folding endurance test and the water resistance test were conducted to test the quality of the paper under each proportion. Results showed that the paper with 40 grams starch and 40 grams aluminum sulfate has the least damage in the folding endurance test and is more resistant to water penetration. In the appearance test, it ranked last; however, appearance is nit a priority since we are dealing with packaging paper.