ANNA PEARL B.

MALAPIT
CHARMAINE G. DULAY
IAN DALE M. PAGE

RESEARCH TITLE: CORN COB AS AN ALTERNATIVE INSULATION MATERIAL

INTRODUCTION:

Tabuk City, Kalinga is a large producer of yellow corn. Wide lands of the province are
dominated by corn field specifically into low lying areas and even into mountainous lands. It is considered
as the main source of income of the farmers. Planting and harvesting of corn happens twice a year. After
every cropping period, one can find corn cob everywhere. Some were thrown at the river, creeks, road edges
and even along the roads. Most of the residents in the city burns these kinds of agricultural wastes which is
strictly prohibited and hazardous to the environment.

Nowadays, Civil Engineers are encouraged to develop and introduce innovations that will push the
greening program of the government in the field of design and construction industry. Corn is a huge supply
of indigenous material considering its component. Corn cob products have virtually thousands of uses. It is
made of four parts (Pith, Woody Ring, Chaff, Beeswing) and each component has unique characteristics
which can be used for a variety of end use applications. It is durable and renewable resource and 100%
environmentally friendly. Corn cob particles are highly absorbent. Corn cob are processed through series
of grinding, separating, and sizing operations to produce specific end products. These products vary from
homogenous large particles the size of pea, down to highly refined texture material.

The increase in retail prices of construction and finishing materials in the Philippines average to
1.5% in 2017 according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA). The latest
price for insulator based on Alibaba.com is PhP340.00 per square meter. Prices hikes were based on the
global economy.

Considering the high costs of construction materials and to minimize pollution to environment, it
is highly recommended to use indigenous materials as an alternative in support to the green building
solution in the construction industry and other greening projects.