UTILIZATION OF COGON GRASS “IMPERATA CYLINDRICA

PAPYRUS” FOR SPECIALTY BOARD PAPER

A Research Study

Presented to the Faculty of the

Graphic Arts and Printing Technology Department
College of Industrial Technology
Technological University of the Philippines
Ayala Blvd. Manila

by

RICCA ELLA A. ANCHETA

JEMIROSE A. DELOS TRINOS
JEANETH M. MADLA
JUMAICA ANA D. NICOLAS
LYNETTE DIANE S. OCAMPO
KIMRAE REPOSO

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Technology major in Graphic Arts in Printing Technology

July 2022
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Paper is made by pulping process and mixed with or other fibrous materials into

thin sheets and is primarily used for school, office, and businesses. Paper is widely used

for packaging and writing materials. Packaging is a material used to protect and preserve

either of wet and dry products. There are different packaging materials available today as

well as writing paper. Writing paper is indispensable in our daily lives. Indispensable

because it is useful for everybody, such as students, writers, journalist, educators, including

printers. Paperboard varies in sizes, thickness, texture and quality. It is made of raw fiber

material such as recycled paper, manure, cotton fiber, bamboo, sugar cane waste, linen

rags, wheat straw, banana trees, hemp, etc., including wood.

Wood is the most common source of raw fiber materials for paper. However,

manufacturing of paper needs enormous load of woods, which results into vast cutting of

trees. This becomes a major problem of our environment because it causes flooding and

erosion. According to a report by the Union Concerned Scientist, paper and wood products

account for approximately 10% of total deforestation, while the other 90% comes from

ranches, farmers and palm oil plantations. The Global Deforestation Statistics results shows

that 31% of Earth surface is covered by forest, approximately 4.06 billion hectares and over

420 million hectares of forest have been lost since 1990, and between 1990-2010 an

average of 15.5 million hectares of forest were destroy every year, globally (Buzz, 2022)

However, (Buzz, 2022) stated that between 2010-2015, there are 12 million hectares of
 2

forest were destroyed every year giving a 22.58 % decline for 2010 – 2015 compared to

1990-2010. Furthermore, between (2015-2020) 10 million hectares of forest were

destroyed every year, giving a 35. 48 % decline for 2015-2020 compared to 1990 to 2010

and 16.67 % declined compared to 2010-2015.

Among of the tropical countries, Philippines is the most severely deforested

countries and most deforestation has happened in the last 40 years (Walpole, 2017). The

said publication claimed that the estimates place forest cover in the Philippines in the year

1900 at 21 million hectares, covering at least 70 % of the total land area. However, by 1999,

forests covered 5.5 million hectares; but only 800,000 hectares of this was primary forest.

It is said that as illegal logging continues, the remaining forest is endangered.

One of the many effects of deforestation in the Philippines is Flooding. Recently,

several people of Central Luzon and National Capital Region experienced flooding and

landslide caused by heavy rains brought by typhoon Fabian. At least 80, 000 people are

displaced, three (3) people are died, five (5) were injured and 450 houses were damaged,

(OCHA, 2021). The catastrophe will usually happen when the regulation of the flow of

water is disrupted, which leads to alternation period of floods and drought in the affected

area, due to cutting down of forest and trees.

In response to these issues, the researchers schemed the use of cogon grass

“Imperata Cylindrica” as alternative raw materials for producing specialty board paper.

Cogon grass is useful as Animal feed, herbal medicine, and soil binders (to prevent soil

erosion). According to research, Imperata Cylindrica uses cellulosic pulps to produce

paper, hence avoiding environmental issues. Although cylindrica possesses a high felting

rate, cogon grass contains a lesser level of lignin (5.67 percent), hot water (3.83 percent),
 3

and sodium hydroxide (1 percent) solubilities (19.6 percent). Thus, a good source of fibrous

material for paper making.

The researchers came up with employing this main raw ingredient to manufacture

a type of paper like specialty board paper, to lessen if not eliminate the problem of

deforestation. Which will be utilized for manufacturing specialty board paper in the future.

The Imperata Cylindrica is abundant in the Philippines and is a good source of fiber to

produce a specialty board paper, is which the objective of the researchers is. The cogon

will be brought using pulping process and will be mixed with other elements to produce

the desired product which the specialty board paper.

Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to develop a specialty board paper using

“Imperata Cylindrica “(cogon grass) as alternative raw materials to lessen the use of wood

pulp resulting to deforestation. Using this material from “ Imperata Cylindrica” (Cogon

Grass) can also help the environment especially the farmers as cogon grass will compete

the growth of crops and other plants.

Specially, the study aims to:

1. To develop a paperboard using a cogon grass with less costly, durable and

environment friendly.

2. Produce the specialty board paper using varied mixture and proportion

according to the procedure.

3. Test and improve the result of different mixture and proportion by testing

the water absorbency, Folding, and tear strength.

 4

4. Evaluate the acceptability/ performance of the cogon grass as the paper

board. According to the Functionality, Workability, Aesthetic, Economy, Safety,

Saleability, and Durability.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The research focuses on the production of specialty board paper made from "

Imperata Cylindrica" Cogon grass as a primary main raw material. The pulp produced by

cogon grass will be mixed with other materials as a binding agent. The process involves

being boiling, blending, soaking, and mixed of the ingredients. In order to achieve the

desired level of pulp quality, the “Imperata Cylindrica” Cogon grass must be boiled for at

least one hour. It will allow the fibers to become more pliable. In contrast, the binding

agent, which in this case takes the form of carrageenan powder, is essential to ensure that

the pulp will adhere to itself. Everybody will benefit from this research study, including

businesses. This study is intended only for producing 8 1/2 by 11 inches’ specialty board

paper and in 0.2-1.0 mm thickness.

Significance of the Study

This study will be conducted in order to develop specialty board paper from cogon

grass, which will help to mitigate the effects of deforestation.

The following sectors will benefit from the study:

Students. This study could be used as a reference and guide for students working on

various projects. The output of this research can help the students to improve

themselves by developing the special board paper using cogon grass.

 5

Professors. This study will benefit them with their topics related to lessons. It will be easier

for them to address related research topics. The professors will use this research for their

other discussions, which can make it easy for their students to identify the difference

between specialty board paper and other board papers.

Future Researchers. This study will be very useful reference for researchers who intend

to conduct any related research that accurately reflects the standard inherent in the Bachelor

of Print Media Technology.

 6

Chapter 2

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter contains an overview of related literature that serves as the framework

for the proponent's research. It covers the study's conceptual model as well as term

definitions. This section presents the concepts and studies relevant to the development and

process of paper using cogon grass.

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Introduction

The plant Imperata cylindrica, often known as COGON grass, is prevalent in the

Philippine countryside. With its strong stalks and sawtoothed leaves, this grass swiftly

takes over any area of land. It is a tenacious grass that is extremely difficult to eradicate.

Cogon grass, or Imperata Cylindrica, is found throughout the Philippines,

according to Samson and Capistrano (2012). This species has been used as roofing material

and ruminant feed during dry spells. Herbal medicine uses cogon grass. How this will affect

hematology is unknown. Cogon grass, which grows in disturbed areas, is a growing

problem in Florida Bahia grass pastures. Greenhouse replacement series competitions were

conducted at pH 4.5 or 6.8.

Paper

Compressing natural fibers in hot water makes paper. Fibers are compacted. This

ancient Chinese recipe hasn't changed much in 2,000 years. Since then, the only

considerable development has resulted from sporadic advances in chemistry, which have
 7

led to the development of an infinite variety of paper types. Paper is used not only as a

writing or painting surface in the modern world but also as a versatile material in various

contexts because paper can be folded, cut, and formed; it can find it almost anywhere.

Types of Paper

Various papers in various formats serve multiple purposes today. The paper has

many other uses besides printing and publishing. These applications include serving as a

carrier or substrate for numerous materials, acting as a decoration, recording transactions

or events, and protecting and packaging other products. They can find it in various office

and home machines, such as printers, photocopiers, and fax machines, among others.

Additionally, specialized types of these papers are better suited for printing with

technologies such as inkjet or laser printers. Letter and legal-sized papers are available.

Buy these papers. Glossy paper is for flyers and brochures. Because the ink is water-

resistant, it is not necessary to apply a seal varnish.

Recycled paper is an excellent option for individuals concerned with minimizing

their environmental impact because it is from previously used paper. Reports, memos, and

forms are affected. Watermarked paper conveys luxury and superiority. Wiring patterns on

paper achieve the desired effect. Exam certificates are for securing this paper. The kraft

process transforms softwood pulp into kraft paper, resulting in a paper with enhanced tear

resistance and elasticity. This paper refers to as "kraft paper." Due to these characteristics,

kraft paper is ideal for manufacturing packaging material, which protects boxes during

transport, as well as bag and sack paper, which utilizes in the production of grocery store

shopping bags and sacks.

 8

Partially bleached wood fibers. In the past, they stored manila folders, envelopes,

and boards. Most "manila envelopes" are made from inexpensive recycled fibers—

authentic manila paper lines tea bags and filters coffee, paperboard packages cereal, juice,

and milk. Paperboard packaging grades vary.

Type of Paperboard

There are types of paper board existing in the market namely; Solid Bleached

Sulfate (SBS), Coated Recycled Paperboard, Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK), And Non-

Bending Chipboard.

Solid Bleached Sulfate

Brilliant white SBS with a clay-coated surface for high-quality printing and a

smooth top ply of virgin hardwood fibers. The remaining plies are bleached softwood or

softwood-hardwood blend. Solid white SBS is preferred for food packaging and high-end

retail products. Cosmetics, Wet foods, frozen foods, Tobacco, Dairy products (butter, ice

cream, milk), Meats, and Medical products use SBS.

Figure 1. Solid Bleached Sulfate(SBS)

Source: https://tinyurl.com/msbz82rs
 9

Coated Recycled Paperboard

This paperboard is made from recycled fibers from paper mills and post-

consumer sources. The top layer of white fibers and clay coating improve print

performance. Design dry bakery items (cookies, crackers), paper goods (tissues,

napkins), dry foods (pasta), hardware cake mixes, and cereal with the recycled

board.

Figure 2. Coated Recycled Paperboard.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/6v6tws8y

Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK)

CUK is brown because it's made of unbleached virgin kraft fiber. This board

grade features softwood species of southern pine, especially in the top ply, which

is clay-coated for a smooth, white printing surface. The board contains hardwood

fiber. Pine's long fibers give the final sheet strength and tear resistance. This

tenacity shows the quality of CUK. Beer and soft drink containers, hardware retail

packaging, and concentrated laundry detergents use this material.

Figure 3. Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK)

Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9bhyj2
 10

Non- Bending Chipboard

The rigid or setup box's "body stock." is typically made out of a significantly

thicker paperboard grade. Set-up boxes benefit from the rigidity provided by

chipboard, which prevents the packages from folding or falling apart while being

shipped. Covering the chipboard with a paper wrap that can be printed on, foil-

stamped on, and finished in a variety of other ways follows cutting and assembling

the chipboard into the desired shape. As a result of their resilience and aesthetically

pleasing exteriors, rigid boxes have become an industry standard for the packaging

of small luxury items sold in the cosmetics, confectionery, electronics, and jewelry

markets.

Figure 4. Non-Bending Chipboard.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/4xr7f5nn

Characteristics and Properties of Paper

The type of paper we use substantially affects how we perceive colors. Suppose we

print our document on a different paper, even if we use the same ICC profile and printer.

In that case, the final product's appearance in terms of color may be significantly different.

A caliper and thousandth-inch ruler measure thickness. For this measurement, they

utilized a micrometer. A sheet of paper's thickness should not vary by more than 5% across

its surface. The weight can calculate using calipers, which measure the thickness of an
 11

object. The exact weight depends on the paper's consistency and quality, but there is an

estimate. As a result, they purposefully made the following graphic appear terrible.

Paper.com provides the number of calipers sold for each paper.

Basis weight is the paper's weight in pounds, measured in terms of the size of the

base sheet. It is vital to remember that the "base sheet size" varies depending on the type

of paper and is never 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Even though the standard dimensions of the

various paper types are not identical, evaluating the papers by comparing their weights is

still possible. For instance, the value of a 24-pound bond is equivalent to that of a 60-pound

offset.

It is especially significant because it affects the color reproduction of lighter tones,

making it a critical factor. Depending on the most recent advertising trends, the color of

paper can range from excellent to warm. While the type is easier to read when set against

a warm (yellowish) white background, the most accurate reproduction of process colors

occurs on neutral white paper. Since the vast majority of brighteners are not color neutral

and contain an abundance of blue reflectance, they can affect the reproduction of colors,

impacting the printed subject's contrast, brilliance, snap, and artificial sparkle. Fluorescent

additives are an example of this.

Tools, Equipment, and Materials

There are tools, equipment, and materials that will be use in paper making process

namely: Mold and Deckle, Blender, Sponge, Sieve, Cloth, Basin, Polyvinyl Alcohol, and

Carrageenan Powder.
 12

Mold and Deckle

A mold and deckle is a two-part tool that's to collect each sheet of pulp

during the process of making handmade paper, it is a screen and a frame.

Figure 5. Mold and Deckle.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/24j7fmhc

Blender

When it comes to blending liquids, making smoothies, and pureeing soft

foods, a blender is the tool of choice. Making pulp requires only junk mail (or other

paper that already exists), water, and a blender. It is the simplest method for an

amateur papermaker. Try to get your hands on a blender that is designed

specifically for making paper, as you should not use the same blender for food after

it has been used to make pulp.

Figure 6. Blender
Source: https://tinyurl.com/bdekch4j
 13

Sponge

It is a straightforward machine for producing a paper that uses for dumping.

After you have created multiple sheets of paper, you will need to press them to

remove some of the water.

Figure 7. Sponge.
Source: https://startwithasponge.com/

Cloth

Any absorbent material, such as cloth, is acceptable, capable of soaking up

the moisture in the paper, one of the most resilient types of fiber utilized in the

production of paper is cotton fiber, which can either be obtained from "linters" or

"rags." Linters are the fine fibers that are removed from the cotton plant's seed

during the ginning process, whereas rag refers to the cotton clippings that are

produced by textile mills.

Figure 8. Cloth
Source: https://tinyurl.com/mr58n58n
 14

Basin

It is an open container that is typically circular and has sides that slope or

curve, and its primary purpose is to hold water to wash new washstands and basins.

The basin needs to have more space than the mold and the deckle combined. To

produce sheets measuring 8.5 inches by 11.5 inches using a mold.

Figure 9. Basin
Source: https://tinyurl.com/4f6ha8hx

Polyvinyl Alcohol

A type of synthetic polymer known as PVOH, or polyvinyl alcohol, is

soluble in water. We can use it in various applications such as film forming and

emulsification. It is also non-toxic and does not smell. It has a flexible and robust

odor barrier. Unlike other polyvinyl polymers, where usually prepared by the

polymerization of a single component, there treated PVA with a partial or complete

process involving removing acetate groups. Ensures that the fibers are protected,

and the binding action is maintained.

Figure 10. Polyvinyl Alcohol

Source: https://tinyurl.com/2ypm33jk
 15

Carrageenan Powder

Powdered carrageenan is mixed into the marbling paper to make the water

denser. Because this product can easily be dissolved in either warm or cold water,

the steps of cooking and straining are unnecessary when using it. The shelf life of

carrageenan is anywhere between one and four days. It differs depending on the

school, its graduates, and several other factors. The carrageenan bath's shelf life is

extended when borax is added to the vat it is stored in. To season three and a half

gallons of water, add seven tablespoons of the mixture. When working with smaller

batches, a blender or drill mixer can be helpful too. By getting this ready ahead of

time, you can let the bubbles settle and give the mixture time to thicken (even

overnight).

Figure 11. Carrageenan Powder

Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p99582y

Pulping Process

Pulping separates and processes fibers to make pulp. The wet pulp is dried and sent

to a paper mill or a combined pulp and paper plant. Depending on the fiber and result,

different pulping procedures are used. Most fibers are virgin or waste. Virgin fibers come

from woodchips or logs. Chemical pulp (kraft pulping), semi-chemical pulp, and
 16

mechanical pulp are made from virgin fibers. Pulp mills can also use plant materials besides

wood.

Types of Pulping

Mechanical pulping produces recycled fibers and newsprint. This process generates

more pulp (90–95%) than others but weaker paper due to shorter fibers. Virgin fibers are

mechanically pulped with lignin to make paper faster. Mechanical pulping of virgin fibers

burns 15 to 16 million BTUs per ton of pulp and lacks the pulping liquor needed for black

liquor to create energy.

One ton of waste fiber pulp consumes 4 million BTUs. In Europe and the U.S.,

chemical pulping is most prevalent. This source supplies 80% of U.S. pulp. Despite low

yields, chemical pulps create high-quality pulp (40–55%). The kraft process makes more

than 80% of the chemical pulp in the U.S. and Europe.

Virgin materials and white liquor are heated and squeezed in a digester to break

down lignin from wood. First, virgin material dissolves, and fibers and a chemical mixture

are removed. Chemically treating the fibers first is part of the semi-chemical pulping

process. After pulping, fibers either go directly to papermaking or are bleached. 5,500–

7,500 BTU’s per ton of pulp for bleaching.

 17

Review Related Studies

To add more inputs and ideas for the development of the project, the following

studies will be use. Potential of Cogon Grass (Imperata Cylindrica) as an alternative fiber

in paper-based industry, Cogon Grass as an Alternative Fiber for Pulp and Paper-Based

Industry: On Chemical and Surface Morphological Properties and Production and

characterization of Imperata cylindrica paper using potassium hydroxide as pulping agent.

A study entitled “Potential of Cogon Grass (Imperata Cylindrica) as an alternative

fiber in paper-based industry” by Abrantes, A., Amaral proved that because paper

manufacture uses few natural resources, non-wood plants were looked at as alternatives for

fiber. In Malaysia, Imperata cylindrica was used as a renewable resource to obtain

cellulosic pulps for making paper and so preventing environmental issues. The chemical

make-up, fiber size, pulp, and mechanical characteristics of I. Cylindrica were investigated

for use in paper-based manufacturing. Additionally, the hand sheet's surface morphology

was visualized.

Bio Resources (2015) stated in one article named “Cogon Grass as an Alternative

Fiber for Pulp and Paper-Based Industry: On Chemical and Surface Morphological

Properties” that the amounts of holocellulose, cellulose, lignin, 1 percent NaOH solubility,

hot water solubility, and ash were measured in order to examine its chemical composition.

Chemical compositions were measured using the relevant Technical Association of the

Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) Tests, Kurscher-Hoffner, and chlorite techniques.

Scanning electron microscopy was used to view the surface morphology of the cogon grass

fiber (SEM). The obtained data indicate that lignin content is luckily the lowest (5.67%)

and that holocellulose content (64.93%) is comparable to other reported non-woods.

 18

Furthermore, hot water and one percent NaOH have corresponding solubilities of 3.83 and

19.64 percent. Cogon grass fibers were abundant and long, providing the resulting hand

sheet high strength, as shown by SEM images.

A study entitled “Production and characterization of Imperata cylindrica paper using

potassium hydroxide as pulping agent” by Doherty B, Rainey T. 2014 shows that chemical

pulping can be done in several ways, such as sulfide, kraft, alkaline, and organosolv. Alkali

treatment was the first chemical process to be granted a patent in 1845. Using an alkali

solution, lignin must be removed from the cellulose and hemicellulose fiber in order to

make pulp. A key step in this process is delignification, or the removal of lignin by the

alkalinity of the pulping fluid, which weakens the intermolecular hydrogen bond between

the cellulose and the lignin and design for faster detachment. How well lignin is delignified

depends on the pulping agent's chemical ability to break it down into molecules small

enough to dissolve in the liquid.

 19

The Conceptual Model of the Study

The illustration below shows the different phase such as input, process, and

evaluation to reach the objectives of the developed project. The input phase made up of

knowledge requirements about the “Utilization of Cogon Grass “Imperata Cylindrica

Papyrus” for Specialty Board Paper. It also comprises the material needed such as the

frame, ruler, foam, and tub.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Knowledge Requirements • Extracting Cogon Grass

“Imperata
• Blending
• Paper Making Process • Agitating
Cylindrica
Papyrus “for
• Cogon Grass • Drying Specialty board
• Fiber paper.

• Specialty Board Paper

Material and Equipment

• Cogon Grass
• Sponge
EVALUATION
• Mold and Deckle
• Blender
• Basin with water

Figure 12. Conceptual model of the study

The process phase includes the standard process of making a paper, such as

extracting, blending, agitating, drying, and testing. The created project will include a

different technique. Professionals will evaluate the final product and the evaluation

process.
 20

Operational Definition of Terms.

The following terms conceptually and operationally defined to give the readers a

better understanding of their terms as used in the study.

Cogon Grass is a perennial, rhizomatous grass that is somewhat variable in

appearance.

Paper Making refers to the process of making paper, a substance which is used

ubiquitously today for writing and packaging

Agitation refers to the method of shaking side ways to filter out excess water in

paper making.

Blending is a process of mixing one substance to another.

Extraction is an act of pulling out or separating with effort, force or the help of

instruments.

Pulping refers to a process in paper making that extracts pulp from raw materials.

Cogon pulp is a natural material that is found mainly on plants and trees that is

used in papermaking.
 21

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes the research methods used by the researcher in

conducting the study, including the research design, study population, research

instrument, and development to establish its validity and reliability, data collection

procedures, and the appropriate statistical treatment of data.

Project Design

This project devised a method for producing specialty board paper from cogon

grass as an alternative fiber. This method includes the collection of cogon grass, sorting

and cleaning to remove dirt, and sundry. The dried cogon grass, it will be cut into pieces

in preparation of pulping process. The pulp will bring into boil with caustic soda, to soften

more the pulp. After boiling, the soften pulp will bring into rinsing process, then the rinsed

pulp will bring into molding process.

Project Development

The first stage in the development of the study is to extract fiber from cogon grass.

The second stage is to mix the additives and other chemicals. The final stage is forming

the fiber using mold and deckle and dry. The step-by-step procedure involved in the study

shown in figure 2.
 22

Cogon grass " Imperata Cylindrica " as Specialty Board

Paper

Collecting Cogon grass

Sorting and Cleaning

Sun drying clean grass

Cutting the grass into pieces

Boiling with caustic soda

Straining

Rinsing

Blending with polyvinyl alcohol

Mixing pulp and water in basin

Covering the frame with pulp evenly

Transfering the board into a piece of cloth

Drying

Output

Figure 13. Flow Chart of the Procedural Steps.

The preceding flowchart illustrates how the following researchers conducted

their experiment using Cogon grass as a Specialty Board Paper. From Collecting cogon grass,

boiling of the cogon grass, soaking it into a pail of water, filtering mixing and binding of the

ingredients, sun drying for resulting to the final output.

 23

Operation and Testing Procedure

Material, Tools, and Equipment

1. Cogon grass

2. Basin

3. Food Processor

4. Polyvinyl alcohol

5. Mold & Deckle

6. Gloves

7. Sponge

Procedure / Process

Collection of Cogon grass

a. Collecting supply of cogon grass

b. Sorting and cleaning the collected grass

c. Sun drying cogon grass

d. Cutting the dried grass into pieces

Pulping Process

a. Boiling the grass with caustic soda to soften the fiber

b. Strain the soften grass

c. Rinse the soften grass

Binding Process

a. Blend the soften grass

b. Combine the Polyvinyl alcohol.

Pulp to Paper Process

a. Stir the mixed pulp in the basin

 24

b. Dip the mold and deckle in the watershed and collect sufficient pulp.

c. Put the molded pulp into a dry cloth.

d. Cover it with a second cloth, then press the molded pulp with a sponge

to make it flat and remove any excess water.

Drying process

a. Sun dried

b. Checking the final output

 25

Evaluation System

The seven-point criteria from the CIT’s instruments were adopted in the evaluation

of the project.

Durability refers to the quality of materials, quality of workmanship and quality of

design.

Aesthetics refers to the appropriateness of size, artistic, or imaginative interpretation

of the sight including color appeal; refers to the overall appearance of the project.

Economy is measured in terms of materials needed, time and labor spent, and

machine/s required.

Functionality refers to ease of operation of the prototype, provision for comfort and

convenience, and user-friendliness.

Workability refers to availability of materials, availability of technical expertise and

availability of tools and machines.

Safety means absence of toxic/hazardous materials, absence of sharp edges and

provision for protective devices.

Salability refers to presence of market demand, accessibility to finished products and

competitiveness of price.
 26

Evaluation Procedure

The evaluation methods were through the presentation of a survey on the

functionality, workability, economy, aesthetics and acceptability of the process. The

evaluation instrument was distributed to the respondents consisting of students, faculty

members with expertise in material science, printing press sales executives, advertising

specialist and writers. All have the knowledge and expertise in material science.

The CIT has a 7-point instrument in the evaluation of the prototype. They are the

following: functionality, workability, durability, aesthetic, economy, safety, and salability.

Each criterion consists of the three items that are suited, best described and defined.

Table 1

Likert Scale

Numerical Descriptive Rating

Rating
5.0 Highly Acceptable
4.0 Very Acceptable
3.0 Acceptable
2.0 Fairly Acceptable
1.0 Not Acceptable

After conducting evaluation, survey forms will be collected; tabulated and level of

performance of the project will be determined using scale in Table 1.

Table 2

Range of Mean Values

Numerical Descriptive Rating

Rating
4.51 - 5.00 Highly Acceptable
3.51 - 4.50 Very Acceptable
2.51 - 3.50 Acceptable
 27

1.51 - 2.50 Fairly Acceptable

1.00 - 1.50 Not Acceptable

This reference was adopted by the Technological University of the Philippines rating

scale, which displays the Likert Scale and Descriptive of the Mean as 4.51-5.00 for Highly

Acceptable, 3.51-4.50 for Very Acceptable, 2.51-3.50 for Acceptable, 1.51-2.50 for

Acceptable, and 1.00-1.50 for Poor or Not Acceptable.