The Feasibility of Making Paper Out of Corn Husk

Submitted by:

Berboso, Janica McKaye

Aquino, Jerica

Bernardo, Gladys

Submitted to:

Mrs. Joy Mendiola

Chemistry Teacher

Abstract

Paper is one of the most fundamental things that are widely used by many
people across the globe. It is important because we humans use this in our day-to-day
lives. It is true that paper came and is produced from trees. Trees have fibers which is an
important component of paper. Fibers can help make the paper strong and durable at the
same time. But as time goes by, we humans have been wasting too much paper that
leads to deforestation. Through this experiment, we we're able to find alternative ways on
how to make a paper using different raw materials. This experiment doesn't aim to
replace paper but to find a solution to the worsening problems of our natural resources.
Paper made out of corn husk is an environment friendly product. It is an easy experiment
and can be easily done by children and adults. Here, we need to get the pulp from the
corn husk through the use of the blender and place some cornstarch to help the pulp
stick together. After blending, place it in a molder for it to take shape. This paper would
take two (2) days to dry up. After drying up, the paper will look thick, hard and greasy. It
is vulnerable and can be torn easily. Through this paper cannot replace the real paper, it
is shown that there are still other raw materials that can be made into paper and can be a
source of paper in the future. Through little acts, we could save our environment from its
depletion.
 Chapter I

Introduction

Every year, about twenty-five million (25,000,000) trees are being cut down.
More and more people are realizing that the Earth is getting depleted from it's natural
resources. When paper made from trees goes to landfills, it produces methane which is a
greenhouse gas and that methane gas is very harmful for the environment. According to
Sam Martin, a feature writer in ecology.com, "The fact is, world consumption of paper
has grown four hundred percent in the last forty years. Now nearly four billion trees or
thirty-five percent (35%) of the total trees cut around the world are used in paper
industries on every continent. besides what you can see around you, paper comes in
many forms from tissue paper to cardboard packaging to stereo speakers to electrical
plugs to home insulation to the sole inserts in your tennis shoes. In short, paper is
everywhere." Our research topic is about making an alternative ways on how to produce
paper. Through this experiment, we could stop the spread of greenhouse gases which
are caused by paper made from trees. We will use raw materials as the basis of this
experiment. Paper that is made out of corn husk is environment friendly because it
doesn't harm the environment and it is made from natural resources. It's procedure is
simple and it can be done at home by adults and children as well. In our own simple
ways, we can help reduce the trees that are being cut in the forest. We could help save
the environment.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to prove that corn husk as a paper can be used as a decorative
materials/crafts.

Specifically:

1. What are the different uses of corn husk aside from decoration?

2. What are the components of corn husk that makes it efficient for decoration?

3. What are the disadvantages of corn husk as a paper?

Statement of the Hypothesis

1. Aside from decorations, corn husk can also be used for cooking. In wrapping left
over foods for different types of sea foods such as fish, crabs, prawns, and so on.
Kindling for starting fires, stuffed mattresses, making of simple toy are just some other
benefits of corn husk.

2. Corn husks have fiber that is produced from natural plants, such as sisal, reed,
bamboo, jute and arrowroot. Fiber is virtually indigestible substance that is found mainly
in the outer layers of plants. This fiber will surely help in making the corn husk stronger
and better for decorations. It also has cellulose that has greater tensile strength and
elongation.

3. Corn husks are too thick to write on. They are not as soft and smooth like a ordinary
paper. Corn husk contains strips of silk that's why it can be easily torn apart. Because of
those silk, not all kinds of ballpoint pen can be used to write in the corn husk paper. It will
smuggle and the corn husk might break and be torn apart.

Significance of the Study

Paper is one of the most fundamental things that the nature has given to us. It is
very important to us because many things that can be found around us is made out of
paper. But paper is made from trees that can be found around the world and it is part of
our nature. Imagine how many trees are being cut every second. This experiment aims
to show the importance of paper. Through this experiment, we could be able to use
another natural product to make paper out of it. Since the husk of the corn is just the
cover, it cannot be eaten and are just thrown away; we could use it to produce paper. In
this way, we can lessen the production of paper. And by lessening the production of
paper, we are also lessening the trees that are being cut in the forest. Even though this
paper out of corn husk cannot replace paper, this simple alternative way of making a
paper can go a long way. It is said that recycling is a significant way to make positive
changes in environmental issues as it saves the wastage of natural resources in a big
way. By using raw materials to produce new paper, disposal problems are reduced. In
our simple way, we could help save and protect the environment

Scope and Limitations

Scope and limitations is a process to know the differences of each material and
their durability. Corn husk and paper are just the same, although they make many
differences. When you try to write on a corn husk, it easily breaks apart, while paper is
easier and is more recommended to write on. Any kind of ink can be used. When a paper
gets wet it will break, but a corn husk is not affected when damped or wet.
 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature

Some foreign researchers have already made and proven this experiment about
paper from corn husks. One of them is a writer named G.D. Palmer from Wisconsin,
USA. Who proved that it is possible to make papyrus paper with corn husk and other
materials like washing soda, wheat flour, etc. According to this researcher, Papyrus reed
is hard to get, unless you live in Egypt, however, you can make a similar kind of paper
using corn husks from the supermarket. This basic paper is simple to make and a great
project for kids and adults, too. Corn husk paper has a rough surface that's easier to
mark on with a brush and ink than with a pen or pencil.

The Chinese first began the process of paper making, using the inner bark of
mulberry trees and fibers from cloth and hemp. Today, the same basic methods are used
in paper making. Traditionally, they use cellulosic fibers from a water suspension to
create sheets on a screen (Visperas, 1995). With the fast deteriorating amount of virgin
fiber left in the country, it has become impressive to recycle more paper and look for
other sources of fibers for paper making (Britt, 1974). Various raw materials are used in
the production of handmade papers (Vispers, 1995). They are divided into the natural
waste fibers group (banana stalks and bagasse), and the semi-processed materials (pulp
and recycled paper), while the one not belonging to any of the above three groups are
separately lumped together (water lily and corn husks).

The Philippines has an abundant source of indigenous raw materials, particularly in

the provinces, which are being tapped into by semi-processed materials producers who
are looking to sell their products to bulk buyers. Through this study of finding the Quality
of Recycled Papers with Corn Husk (Zea Mays) and Banana Peeling (Musa Compressa)
as Components determines that a ratio of part 1 test material is banana pulp/ corn pulp
and 3 parts of paper pulp was formulated in developing the recycle paper well. To assess
its quality then the appearance, texture, permeability, and durability of the recycled
papers should be known. It was establish that the paper with corn husk is better in terms
of appearance and permeability. The computed mean rank showed that the paper with
banana peeling ranked higher than the paper with corn husk. This proves that banana
peeling is a better component material and best quality for paper.
 Chapter III

Methodology

Materials

In this experiment, the materials that are needed are corn, pulp and molder.
First, collect corn husks. Peel the corn husk from the corn. Make sure to remove the silk
from the corn husk. Second, make a molder. A molder is used to define the shape or
outcome of the paper. It will help the pulp mold its shape and size. The materials needed
in making the molder are: window screening, staple gun, hammer, scissors, duct tape,
four wood, screwdriver, pliers and garbage bag. Lastly, make a pulp. The pulp is the one
that will turn into paper. In making a pulp, the materials needed are: crock pot, blender,
plant fiber, water and shredded toilet paper. Use a sponge to dub the excess water from
the pulp or put newspaper under the molder to help sip the water from the paper and an
iron to dry and flatten the newly formed paper.

Procedures

First, cut the husk into small pieces and place them in the crock pot. Put some
warm water and let them simmer for about thirty minutes. This will help the husk to soften
and separate the fibers. Place the softened husk into the blender with enough water and
blend it for forty five minutes or until there is no more pieces of corn husk left. Also add
other types of pulp in the mixture. Remove the pulp from the blender and strain it. The
fibers may look stringy. Blend again the strained fibers to get smaller fibers and use
warm water. Put cornstarch while blending. Now place these pulps into a larger vat or
sink full of water. Immerse the mold and pull a sheet of paper by lifting the mold in a
horizontal position from the water. Place the mold over a pan to catch the water as it
drips while the air dries the paper. It can take up to two days to dry this way. To dry it in
half the time, use a sponge to dab excess water from the paper or put newspaper under
the molder to sip the water from the paper. Dry it thoroughly. Lastly, to finalize the paper,
remove the dried paper from the molder by placing it upside down on a flat surface. Use
your fingers to help the paper separate from the screen. If you want to change the color
of your newly formed paper, just dab the color of your liking with a wet teabag. Continue
the process until the color of your liking appears. To dry and to flatten the crumpled part
of the paper, just place it between two clean sheets of paper and press it with hot iron.
 Chapter IV

Data and Results

Results

The paper that is made out of corn husk is just like an ordinary paper except for
being a little rough. We tried to figure out if a recycled paper is as good as an ordinary or
new one. The results we're unexpected because we thought we can't make a paper
using a corn husk. We asked 5 of our block mates from MT1-4 to rate the smoothness of
the paper and the results are as follows:

Not so Smooth Moderately Smooth Smooth

5 0 0

Discussions

What was written in our hypothesis slightly supports the data that was acquired.
The results attained were the same as the results of other investigators. These
investigators also said that paper made of corn husk is not that durable than other kinds
of paper in terms of appearance and permeability. It has been proven that paper can be
produced out of corn husks but the finished product proves that it is not that durable and
this type of paper wouldn't give assurance that it can last for a long time. However, some
of the results obtained did not support the hypothesis. Seeing the final product, there is
no assurance that these recycled papers can be used for wrapping of leftover foods or
other kinds of objects because of its thick texture and fragile state, the paper may apart
therefore causing it not to be a function for wrapping. It may be for decoration, kindling
and writing purposes, but it is not certain if this paper serve as wrapper. After the
research that was carried out, some formulates questions are necessary to further
deepen the data acquired. Aside from the functions mentioned, what other uses can this
paper have? Can this paper still be available for future use?
 Chapter V

Conclusion and Recommendation

Conclusion

In this experiment, it is clearly shown that corn husk can be made into paper
without using chemicals. Even though the paper out of corn husk and paper have
different characteristics and components, we can say that corn husk is capable to be an
alternative way in making paper. It is very durable and can absorb water without breaking
easily. It contains the same components with the trees, like the fibers that keep the paper
intact with each other. This experiment proved to us that there are still many natural
products that can be made to paper not just trees. We can also help in the reduction of
trees being cut. Through this experiment, we figured out another way of reducing the
consumption of papers in the world. Corn husk can be really made into paper.

Recommendation

Corn husk is a natural product that came from nature. Mainly, it is the protective
covering of the corn. Our group did some experimentation on how to make a paper out of
it. One out of three papers had good results. For the next researchers who are planning
to redo this experiment, we suggest and recommend you to be mindful of what you are
doing. Make sure to follow all the steps and procedure clearly and neatly because one
mistake can affect the outcome of the experiment. Make sure to have the complete
materials on hand and be careful in handling it. Accuracy is a very important factor
because you can test how well you can do in this experiment. Aim for the best result and
remember to be patient in making this experiment.

Reference
Berboso, J., Aquino J., Bernando, G.The Feasibility of Making Paper Out of Corn
Husk. Retrieve from
https://www.scribd.com/doc/80115375/79732965-Investigatory-Project
 THE POSSIBILITY OF PAPER OUT OF BANANA BARK

PROPONENTS:

Bautro, James Oliver A.

Limbo, John Gabriel B.

Geron, Christine Ann M.

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Research II

Batangas National High School

Rizal Avenue, Batangas City

March, 2012

Mrs. Vilma O. Villena

Research Adviser

ABSTRACT

This project entitled “The Possibility of Paper out of Banana Bark” examines
the potential of banana bark to be an alternative paper. The purpose of this
research is to identify an alternative paper out of banana bark. The researchers
gathered banana bark and sliced them within half an inch and boiled it about an
hour. When the bark turned brown, it is ready to be crushed in the blender.

The researchers made four tables and each table consist of three trials. The
table 1 shows that the greater the amount of banana bark used, more banana
paper produced; the table 2 shows that the greater the time of boiling the banana
bark, the finer the banana paper is; the table 3 shows that the greater the amount
of water used in boiling the banana bark takes long time to dry the banana paper
and the table 4 shows that the longer the time of blending the boiled banana bark,
the smoother the banana paper is.

The researchers proved that the banana bark can be an alternative paper
and is affordable than the commercial branded.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The researchers conduct the study because they want to make a less
expensive paper. The researchers thought a way on how they can use the bark of
the banana plant in order to make an alternative paper.

Banana paper is made from fibers that are left over from the processing of
bananas. The long sinuous fibers are formed into a paper that is highly
distinctive. This type of handmade paper refers to as „eco paper’ as the paper
uses fibers that go into the waste system. Banana paper is extremely textured
and make an interesting addition to stamping and scrap booking projects.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The research study was conducted to examine the potential of banana bark as an
alternative paper for the commercial branded one.

Objectives:

To make paper out of banana bark.To make different shapes and colors of
banana paper.

HYPOTHESIS
The amount of banana bark used can affect the number of banana paper
produced.

The time of boiling the banana bark has an effect to the quality of banana
paper.

The amount of water used in boiling the banana bark can affect the time to
dry the banana paper produced.

RESULTS

We found out that:

The greater the amount of banana bark used, more banana paper produced.

The greater the time of boiling the banana bark, the finer the banana paper is.

The greater the amount of water used in boiling the banana bark takes long time
to dry the banana paper.

The greater the time of crushing the banana bark, the smoother it is.

Recommendations:

Production of banana paper from banana bark yielded positive results. To

further improve the study, the researchers also recommend the following:

Slice the banana bark into tinier pieces so that it easy to be crushed in the
blender.Rinse it directly under the sun or above the roof so that it will not
consume much time to dry the paper.

Reference

Bautro, J., Limbo, J., Geron, C.(2012).The Possibility of Paper Out of Banana
Bark.Retrieve from
https://www.scribd.com/doc/97811842/Paper-Out-Banana-Bark-SIP
 Producing Paper Using Pineapple Leaf Fiber

Abstract

Experiments using pineapple leaf fiber as raw material in paper production have
been conducted to assess the advantages in terms of mechanical properties,
especially tensile strength, tearing strength and thickness of the paper. In this
paper, samples of pineapple leaf fiber is mixed with a recycle newspapers in
different composition of which is, 25%, 35%, 45%, 55%, 65% and 75% pineapple
leaf fibers mixed with 75%, 65%, 55%, 45%, 35% and 25% of the recycle
newspapers. The mixtures have been tested for mechanical properties and
thickness by using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and micrometers. The
results from tensile and tearing tests were then compared with data obtained
from previous experiments. Through the observation of the experiment, it was
found that the data obtained with similar experiments conducted previously. The
results have been proved in tears testing and stress testing. Tearing test data
shows that the longer the beating time imposed on the mixture, the lower the
tearing force required to tear the paper samples. On the other hand, the tensile
test results shows, the longer time beating the bear on the mix, the higher the
tensile force should be imposed on the sample. The experimental results can
help in the formulation of the pineapple leaf fiber-based paper production in
accordance to the usage.

Introduction

The use of non-timber resources as ingredients for the production of paper

covers 10% of its use throughout the world. However, the situation differs
according to the country and depending on the country. For example, China uses
more than wheat straw and other non-wood fiber as raw material for paper
production [1]. Demand for paper in today increasingly technological progress
increases with current. These challenge the opinions of the opinion that the
progress of information technology will lead to less use of paper and the
community to create a paperless world. With regards to this situation, many
alternatives have been introduced to replace the main sources of wood in pulp
and paper industry [2]. Using wood as a raw material for paper production causes
deforestation and the subsequent possibility of a limited timber resources crisis.
In recent years, demand for pulp has increased rapidly, especially at the
developing countries. Because shortage of wood resources as the primary basis
for the production of paper, there are other alternatives such as the introduction
of non-wood lignocellulosic-based material that has been used as a substitute for
wood. Among the countries using these materials are India and China. Malaysia
is no exception to that is actively looking for alternative non-wood materials to
replace the existing base. Before this, there were some materials that have been
commercialized as an alternative, such as the empty fruit bunches of oil palm,
banana fiber and carpet grass [3]. The use of pineapple leaf fiber can be
considered relatively as new in the paper manufacturing industry in Malaysia.
This paper is intended to improve or add to the products of paper-based materials
of natural fibers as an alternative way to reduce environmental problems
involving for example the felling of trees without close supervision. In addition,
other factors to consider are the cost of paper production. This research can also
determine whether the pineapple leaf fiber suitable as a base that is capable of
providing an increase in the mechanical properties of the product.

Reference

Mustapa M.,(2012).Producing Paper using Pineapple Leaf Fiber.Retrieve from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237005197_Producing_Paper_Using_
Pineapple_Leaf_Fiber
 COGON GRASS CARDBOARD PAPER PRODUCTION AS FOOD PACKAGING

Reference

Sotto A., Cogon Grass Cardboard. Retrieve from

https://www.scribd.com/document/254793734/Cogon-Grass-Investigatory-Projec
t

An Evaluation of Eggshell Waste/Waste Paper Mechanical Properties as

Composite Paper

Abstract

Paper as a material, is useful. For this reason, the paper industry has
contributed widely to the economy. This is also true for advancement in the
technology for recycled papers. Paper fibre or paper pulp however is depleting
due to extensive deforestation and loggings which in turn leads to problems such
as global warming. Further, eggshell waste is a material found to be useful to
produce papers. As such, this study intends to find out the possibilities of using
eggshell waste and waste papers to produce papers. To carry out the research,
the optimum ratio of fibre in the paper pulp was determined by the maximum
strength of recycled paper produced. Eggshell waste was collected from a food
court. The eggshells were then separated from their membrane, dried in the sun
and grinded. It was then mixed with paper pulp according to the measured ratio.
The study found that paper from a combination of eggshell fibre waste against
waste paper was able to be produced and the optimum ratio was 2:8 because it
had the highest tensile strength. The eggshell waste can be used as a material
that enhanced the mechanical properties of recycled paper.
Introduction

Paper is a versatile and useful material that was invented during the second
century BC. According to [1], the first person who invented proper papermaking is
Tsai-Lun in AD 106. Tsai-Lun collected, improved and generalized primitive
methods for paper production available at that time. Nowadays, the most
commonly produced paper is made from pulp which is obtained by mechani-cal
and chemical separation of cellulose fibres from wood. Europe is one of the
largest continents in the world to produce and consume paper. Even though
consumption of paper in Europe is decreasing at present, the total amount of
paper collected and re-cycled remains stable at just under 58 million tonnes.
According to [2], the recycling rate of paper products in Europe reached al-most
72% in 2012. A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) had to be performed in
order to ensure a proper assessment of waste paper management. In [3]
asserted that environmental, leg-islative, economic, and social conditions need to
be considered when waste management decisions are made. In the present
study, fibre from eggshell waste is used as paper pulp to produce paper and to
increase the strength of recycled papers. An alternative solution for this problem
is to find an alternative substance for producing paper that have an advantage to
the envi-ronment, economy and social condition. Nearly 30% of eggs are
consumed each year for cooking and baking purposes such as cakes, mixes,
mayonnaise, noodles and fast foods. The United States of America food industry
generates 150,000 tons of egg-shell waste per annum [4]. There are a lot of
disposal methods for eggshells waste which is 26.6% as fertilizer, 21.1% as
animal feed ingredients, 26.3% discarded in municipal dumps and 15.8% used in
other ways. Many landfills are unwilling to take the waste be-cause eggshell
waste attracts vermin [4]. Therefore, this study intends to proof whether eggshell
waste fibre is able to produce paper and increase the strength of recycle paper.

The pulp and paper mak-ing industry is one of the world’s largest emitters of
greenhouse gases. It uses a large amount of water and energy and produces
significant amounts of pollutants and landfill waste. Therefore, the composite
paper from eggshell waste/paper waste was produce in this study to overcome
the current problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical
properties of recycled paper that produce using recycled paper and eggshell
waste.

Reference

Abdullah M.,(2018). An Evaluation of Eggshell Waste/Waste Paper Mechanical

Properties as Composite Paper. Retrieve from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327208208_An_Evaluation_of_Eggshe
ll_WasteWaste_Paper_Mechanical_Properties_as_Composite_Paper
 Waste fabrics that can be used to produce handmade papers when
combined with the paper mulberry bark

Author: Yeboah, Rita

Abstract

The problem studied focuses on how some of the things society perceives as
waste can be best managed to prevent the problems that waste causes to the
environment. The study focused mainly on identifying waste fabrics that could
produce useful sheets of papers when combined with paper mulberry. In this
context, waste fabrics included pieces of linen, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester and
acetate fabrics from cutting floors of garment makers and old cloths that are no
more of use to their owners. Paper mulberry is a plant grown purposely for
papermaking because of the cellulose content in its inner bark which makes it
suitable for making paper. The waste fabrics were combined with paper mulberry
inner back in the ratio of 30% paper mulberry and 70% waste fabrics to produce
handmade papers. Colour pencils, watercolour, pastel, poster colour, oil and
acrylic paints were tested on the papers produced from the identified fabrics. In
addition, miniature books were made from the sheets to ascertain their suitability
for book making as well as their adaptability to usage as writing pads. The linen,
cotton, nylon, polyester, wool and acetate waste fabrics. The study introduced the
outcome of the experimental work to selected art teachers in the Kumasi
metropolis so that they could also introduce this art to their students in school.
Three research questions that guided the study were: How can experiments be
carried out to identify waste fabrics that can produce useful papers when
combined with the bark of the paper mulberry plant? How can the identified
fabrics be used to produce sheets of paper to be used in making art? How can
the workshop with the teachers be carried out? Findings from this qualitative
research approaches used were experimental, descriptive and action research
methods with participant observation and interviews. The population studied
consisted of Primary, Junior and Senior High School art teachers in Kumasi. The
convenience sampling technique was used to select 20 schools and purposive
sampling was used to select one art teacher each from the 20 schools. From the
experiments conducted, it was discovered that cotton waste plus paper mulberry,
the combination of linen, cotton plus paper mulberry can produce useful sheets
that can be used as writing pads. Nylon, polyester, wool, and acetate sheets
could not be used as writing pads. Cotton waste plus paper mulberry, the
combination of linen, cotton, plus paper mulberry sheets can be used for colour
pencil and pastel works conveniently without problems. Sheets from nylon,
polyester, wool and acetate waste fabrics cannot be used for colour pencil and
pastel works. Cotton plus paper mulberry sheets can conveniently support
watercolour works, but because of the fast absorption, drying and bleeding nature
of the watercolour paint on the linen, nylon, polyester, wool, acetate and the
combination of linen, cotton and paper mulberry sheets, working with the
watercolour paint on the sheets is not very convenient. Linen, cotton, nylon,
polyester, wool, acetate and the combination of linen, cotton and paper mulberry
handmade sheets can all give a good support to oil and acrylic paints. Linen,
cotton, nylon, polyester, wool, acetate, and the combination of linen, cotton and
paper mulberry sheets can support poster painting excellently. From the
workshop organised for the selected teachers, it was deduced that for waste
recycling to become part and parcel of individual Ghanaians, it will take education
and this education can start from schools. From the study, it was proposed that
the government should establish a paper and pulp mill in Kumasi for
papermaking. Ghana Education Service (GES) should organise annual
workshops for Creative Art teachers in Primary and Junior High schools to teach
the teachers the hand papermaking processes. Schools in Ghana must set up
practical recycling programmes and activities in their schools, to help instill the
need and importance of recycling of waste materials in students. To sustain
recycling programmes and activities in schools, heads of schools must be willing
to provide basic equipment and tools that students will need to work with. Further
research must be carried out to identify recyclable waste materials that can be
adopted for recycling.

Reference

Yeboah R.,(2011)Waste fabrics that can be used to produce handmade papers

when combined with the paper mulberry bark. Retrieve
fromhttp://ir.knust.edu.gh/xmlui/handle/123456789/2099
 The paper in this notebook is made from stone

An innovative stationery company has figured out a way to make paper from
crushed stone, using no trees or water in the process.

Did you know it's possible to make paper out of stone? A company called Karst
Stone Paper, from Australia, is doing precisely this -- producing beautiful bound
notebooks filled with paper made with 80-90 percent crushed stone and 10
percent non-toxic resin used to bind it together.

The concept is fascinating. Because there are no tree fibers used in the process,
the paper has no grain. It is easy to write on and easy to cut with scissors. At the
same time, it's difficult to tear, ink does not bleed through, and it is waterproof.
(This last one is hard to believe, since the dangers of mixing paper and water are
so ingrained, but Karst writes in its FAQ section that "whether or not you can use
Karst underwater is a matter of your pen, and not our paper.")

The traditional pulp-and-paper industry is notoriously dirty. It is the fourth

largest industrial energy user worldwide. Some 400 million tons of paper are
produced annually, with half of that in U.S., Canada, Japan and China. Karst
points out that it takes 18 mature trees and 2,770 litres (732 gallons) of water to
make just one ton of wood pulp paper.

Stone paper, by contrast, uses no water in production and the crushed stone
(a.k.a. calcium carbonate, an abundant resource) is gathered from construction
waste and what's left over in quarries. When you're done with it, stone paper can
be recycled along with other wood-based paper, turned into a different product, or
left to biodegrade fully within 9 to 12 months. Its carbon footprint is estimated to
be 60 percent less than regular paper.

The company is a member of the One Tree Planted Foundation and pledges to
plant a tree for every notebook sold.
It's an intriguing concept and one that Karst hopes will disrupt the paper industry
for the better. The company has only been around for a few months, but it has
sold out of 11,000 notebooks in that period of time. It seems that people are
eager to get their hands on some stone stationery -- and who wouldn't be? It's
such a weird and wonderful concept.

Reference

Martinko K., (2017) The paper in this notebook is made from stone. Retrieve
fromhttps://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/paper-notebook-ma
de-stone.html

Quality of hemp (Cannabis sativaL.) stems as a raw material for paper

Abstract

Fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) stems consist of high-cellulose low-lignin

bark containing long fibres and low-cellulose high-lignin core containing short
fibres. The bark, which contains a variable proportion of less valuable secondary
bast fibre, is more valuable as a raw material for paper than the core. A study of
the factors affecting the quality of hemp grown in The Netherlands for paper
production is described. The bark content in the stem was determined by
mechanically separating bark and core. The chemical composition of bark and
core was determined according to procedures defined by the Technical
Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. The secondary bast fibre content was
determined by manually separating primary and secondary phloem tissue after
boiling in a 2% NaOH solution. Bark content in the stem decreased during the
growing season; at harvest in September it ranged from 30 to 35% depending on
cultivar and plant density. The proportion of secondary bast fibre in the bast fibre
fraction increased with stem weight, from 10 to 45%. Measurement of secondary
bast fibre in a representative stem section allowed the proportion of this fibre in
the bast fibre fraction of the entire stem to be estimated accurately. Differences in
chemical composition within sets of samples of bark or core were small compared
with the difference between bark and core. The bark of the French cultivars
tested contained less cellulose than that of the Hungarian cultivars. Bark quality
for paper making improved during the growing season because the cellulose
content in the bark increased, whereas the content of lignin and extractives
decreased.

Reference

Werf V.,(1994)Quality of hemp (Cannabis sativaL.) stems as a raw material

for Paper. Retrieve from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0926669094900396
Application of Rice-Straw as Raw Material for Production of Handmade
Paper

Rice Straw burning in agricultural fields is a serious environment pollution

creator all over India. Rice-Straw is available abundantly after harvest and as a
consequence creates disposal problem.According to available sources Paper
Industry these days is facing problem of non availability of good quality raw
materials. One can identify a suitable technology to convert this Raw-Straw (an
agro-residue) into pulp to be used for production of Handmade Paper[ 1 ]. This
move is not only going to solve environmental problem after the harvest but also
going to provide a unique type of raw-material for paper manufacture. Acetic acid
pulping in the presence of sulphuric acid as catalyst has been studied at different
pulping conditions. The effects of change of Catalyst Concentration, Acetic Acid
Concentration, Liquor to Straw(dried) Weight Ratio, Temperature and Time of
Reactions on the quality of pulp yield were studied. Experiment with 85 percent
Acetic Acid Concentration, one percent Catalyst Concentration, Liquor to Straw
Ratio equal to ten with Reaction Temperature as 90° and Time of Reaction as/50
minutes show the maximum delignification with good quality of Pulp for Paper
making. The Handmade Papers prepared from this pulp have very high opacity,
good brightness and average mechanical poperties. The Paper thus produced
can be used to make strong carry bags so as to substitute the polythene bags
due to environmental reasons.

Reference

Puspha J.,(2011) Application of Rice-Straw as Raw Material for Production of

Handmade Paper. Retrieve from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283538560_Application_of_Rice-Straw
_as_Raw_Material_for_Production_of_Handmade_Paper
 Paper making from tobacco stalks

(Likha Cuevas)

Filipino handicrafts are one of the most unique

and marketable goods craved by western buyers. Some are Christmas décor
made from handmade paper and paper pulp. Mrs. Irma Yang, an exporter of
paper handicrafts, said that paper is a versatile medium.

However, exporters cannot meet the demand for paper-based products due to
low supply of cellulose --- the fiber that makes up paper. Cellulose is a major
biopolymer and can be found in cotton (94% cellulose) and wood (45-50%
cellulose).

To address this demand, Dr. Shirley Agrupis, and her colleagues from the
National Tobacco Administration (NTA) are using tobacco stalk as an alternative
source of cellulose. Tobacco stalk contains cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose and
extractives found in wood. Tobacco stalks are also produced in huge volumes
annually as waste.

However, the conventional process of producing cellulose yields harmful

chemicals. In pulping, the use of sodium hydroxide or sodium sulfide and other
delignifying chemicals produce black effluents, while in bleaching, the use of
chlorine-based agents results to chlorinated compounds that forms dioxin. Both
waste products are hazardous to the environment.

Environmental and health hazard

According to the World Health Organization, "dioxin is a persistent organic

pollutant. Once dioxin enters the environment or the body, they are there to stay
due to their uncanny ability to dissolve in fats and to their rock-solid chemical
stability." The WHO Fact Sheet reported that short-term exposure to dioxin may
result to skin lesions (chloracne and patchy darkening of the skin) and altered
liver functions. Long-term exposure may lead to impairment of the immune
system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and reproductive functions.
Chronic exposure to dioxin may result to several types of cancer. TCDD
(2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin), a family of dioxin, was evaluated by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1997 and was
categorized as a, "known human carcinogen."

According to Agrupis, et al., they are searching for a bleaching process that
would eliminate this problem without sacrificing the strength of the bleached pulp.

Bio-mechanical pulping process

In this process, pulp is produced with the help of microorganisms without

using chemicals. Dried tobacco stalks are soaked in water for 24 hours and then
crushed by a compactor. These materials are then chipped (to increase surface
area) and treated with fungal strains (Pleurotus ostreatus, Phanerochaete
chrysosporium, Trametes versicolor and Coriolus versicolor) and
cassava-powder-rice water medium (CPRWM), a fungal nutrient medium. The
nutrient medium helps in degrading lignin but still retains the cellulose amount of
the pulp. The nutrient medium serves as 'starters' for the fungi before turning to
the tobacco material as food source. Tobacco stalk pulp treated with P. ostretus
and P. chrysosporium even increased the amount of cellulose content because of
the massive hyphaenation on the tobacco stalks. Hyphae, the thread-like
branching formation of fungi when growing, are considered cellulosic (made from
cellulose) materials.

The fiber length of the fungal treated pulp ranged from 0.5-1.0 mm (which
was considered long) while the conventionally treated pulp reduced fiber length
(compared with the original pulp). According to the researchers, this indicated the
degrading effect of chemicals and shortening of fibers. What's the significance?
Fiber length is directly related to mechanical strength of the pulp--the longer the
fibers, the stronger they are.

Non- conventional bleaching

Tobacco pulp was bleached using camias, lime, and detergent. The camias
juice used was in its pure form while lime and detergent were used at 15%
concentration at 10% pulp consistency. In biological bleaching, Trametes
versicolor and Phanerochaete chrysosporium were used without additional
nutrients.

The pulp treated with fungi gave the highest pulp yield (63-64%), while
camias gave the highest bleached yield (51.6%). Next was lime with 49.5% pulp
yield and detergent (48.7%). Non-conventional bleaching did not cause cellulose
degradation compared to the conventional bleaching (10% CaClO), which gained
39.83%-52.33% pulp.

Non-conventional bleaching agents did not degrade lignin but decolorized the
polymer. Detergent was most effective in purifying the tobacco stalk pulp.

The researchers also measured the mechanical strength of the tobacco stalk
pulp, the burst index, tear index, folding endurance, and tensile strength. Burst
strength refers to the amount of hydrostatic pressure required to rupture a piece
of paper while internal tear resistance is the energy required to propagate an
initial tear through several sheets of paper at a fixed distance. Tensile strength,
pertains to the longitudinal stress a piece of paper can withstand without tearing
apart. Stress refers to the force per unit width of a test specimen. Folding
endurance is the measure of the number of double folds a piece of paper 15 mm
wide can endure before its tensile strength falls below the standard value of 1 kg.
Lime-bleached tobacco stalk pulp had the highest mechanical strength.

The scientists recommend the biological bleaching method followed by mild

chemical treatment and thorough washing to remove the chromophore
compounds which darkens the pulp.

Technology for the countryside

The National Tobacco Administration has been producing tobacco pulp using this
technology since 1994. Handmade paper from tobacco stalks has caught the
interest of local manufacturers. NTA has invented equipment to meet the growing
demand. Today, NTA is the only supplier of tobacco handmade paper.

How can the common Filipino use this technology that requires scientific
knowledge? "I believe NTA is always there to assist," Agrupis said.

Agrupis quoted NTA Administrator Carlitos S. Encarnacion, "The goal of this

project is to introduce this technology to empower tobacco farmers using their
own agricultural wastes. It is our hope that in the future, farmers can sell tobacco
stalks for added income or even produce the pulp and paper on their own. That is
NTA's dream."

Reference

Agrupis S.,(2003)Paper making from tobacco stalks. Retrieve

fromhttps://www.bar.gov.ph/index.php/digest-home/digest-archives/89-2003-1st-
quarter/3227-jan-mar03-paper-making-from-tobacco-stalks