Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass as Alternative Source for Writing Paper

A Research Study Presented to:

Mrs. Laarni A. Adonis

Mahayag School of Arts and Trades

Research Proponents:

Milray Angel L. Cuaresma

Rhaizel Mi C. Talisic

AJ Francis S. Gumba

Gil Ivan P. Watin

 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM

INTRODUCTION

Paper is an integral part of our daily life, used and utilized in schools, homes,

community, and all over the world. It provides the means of handwritten recordings,

storage, and serves as a transport of handwritten information (Quader, 2018). Books,

magazines, newspapers, and photographic paper are all made from paper. Paper

napkins, paper towels, facial tissues, boxes, wrapping paper, paper plates are all

produced with it. With how essential paper is in our lives. Paper makes up about 26% of

total waste in landfills. Paper manufacture causes deforestation, consumes vast

quantities of energy and water, and adds to air pollution and waste concerns (Kinsella et

al., 2016). Paper pollution is another important problem caused by paper waste. Pulp

and paper manufacturing is the third-largest industrial contributor to pollution of air,

water, and soil. And during manufacture, chlorine-based bleaches are used, resulting in

harmful compounds being emitted into our water, air, and land. When paper rots,

methane gas is released, which is 25 times more harmful than CO2 (The World Counts,

2019).

Traditionally, handmade paper is manufactured from wood-free raw materials

such as cotton, sugarcane, banana fibers, and jute waste and this originated in China

(Muraleedharan and Perumal, 2015). Handmade paper is the most environmentally

friendly kind of paper. The main benefit of making handmade paper is a double
reduction in environmental stress, often known as a reduction in environmental impact

(Ideas Afresh Inc., 2016).

This study uses Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass as the compounds for the

study. Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass are present within the area where the

researchers are located and have discovered that the banana fiber often don’t have

uses after bearing bananas and extra carabao grass from growing too much only

increase the environmental waste after cutting the excess. If these two waste products

will be left to decay and rot, these will be constituting pollution and waste disposal

problem. They release a lot of carbon when they start to rot that gives them their stench,

therefore should be removed from certain areas.

The objective of this study is to produce and test the acceptability of Banana

Fiber, and Carabao Grass as Alternative Source for Writing Paper. Similarly, this

research study intends to reduce the following environmental issues, such as paper

pollution, and to identify a solution to the unpleasant stench caused by leaf litter. The

researchers intend to carry on this research so that individuals within the community will

try to adopt because it is beneficial to the environment.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study focuses on developing and determining if Banana Fiber and Carabao

Grass is an acceptable alternative source for writing paper. Specifically, it attempts to

answer the following questions:

1. Can Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass meet the required qualities of a quality

writing paper? In terms of;

 a.) Ink absorbency

2. Will Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass have significant difference between the

commercialized writing paper? In terms of;

a) Thickness

b) Tensile strength

HYPOTHESIS

Null Hypothesis:

1. Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass could not create a writing paper.

2. There will be no significant difference between commercialized writing paper

and Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This study aims to use Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass as Alternative Source

for Writing Paper.

Figure 1's schematic illustration demonstrates the conceptual framework used for

this research. Using IPO model, the inputs in this study are the amount of water and the

amount of Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass. It takes between 2 and 13 liters of water

in producing paper. Boiling the Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass softness is the first

step in the process phase. Next, it is blended and pulped to create the paper pulp

compound for finer fibers. Finally, the blended fibers and grass are formed into paper

and dried using the heat of the sun before being peeled off the fabric. Overall, the

output of the study is writing paper derived from Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass.
 Hypothetically, this research is anchored on Lebrun et al. (2016) production

process. As stated by Lebrun et al. (2016), water-dispersed pulp is sprayed within the

plastic container to cover the porous interior surfaces with a thin layer of wet layers. The

bound water seeps out from the wet pulp layer. The process of making a nature-friendly

paper is quite laborious but with enough perseverance and diligence, in the end, it will

be beneficial.

-INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

- OBSERVATION

- 8 Liters water
- BOILING OF
LEAVES

Banana Fiber and

- 1 Liter Banana - BLENDING Carabao Grass as
Fiber Alternative Source for
Writing Paper
- PULPING

- 1 Liter Carabao - SHAPING THE

Grass PAPER

- DRYING

Figure 1. The Conceptual Framework of the Study

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

 With the help of Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass, we can create an Alternative

Source for Writing Paper. The results of this study might be used to create writing

papers from waste products that are only left to decay and rot that causes waste

disposal problems. On the basis of the study's findings, it is vital that the researcher

would be able to suggest ways to use these wastes as a recycled product that is kind to

the environment.

In conclusion, the following people, organizations, and institutions that could

someday have access to the information acquired from this study will find it useful:

Community. Because this study will employ waste leaves to minimize the

quantity of solid trash on site and protect the nearby villages from the risk of floods after

heavy rain.

Environment. The results of the study will be able to aid the environment since

they only use two (2) natural items, Banana Fiber and Carabao which are entirely

vegan, all-natural, and devoid of dangerous chemicals.

The Government. The results of the study will be able to assist the society in

using Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass as recycled paper as their choice for everyday

usage in life. Additionally, it will aid them in reducing deforestation and production that

consumes a considerable amount of energy.

The People. They will benefit from the study's findings since they will be able to

stop spending money on paper purchases. We may utilize this study to adopt the use of

natural materials or waste products as alternatives to produced ones in line with the

community objective to have more papers. Additionally, making these Banana Fiber and
Carabao Grass into recycled papers doesn't take too much time and will enable us to

make some financial savings.

The Future Researchers. The outcomes of this experiment can benefit to the future

researchers for motivation and ideas for their own the results of the study will educate

them and inspire them to come up with more proposals or solutions that are related to it.

SCOPE AND LIMITATONS OF THE STUDY

The research focuses on determining and developing the acceptability of

Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass as Alternative Source for Writing Paper produced

by utilizing water, Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass that will be boiled, pounded, and

blended then processed to a writing paper. Other materials for the study will be recycled

from the community as well, easing the financial load on the researchers. This kind of

analysis will concentrate on the acceptability of the study's final product.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the benefit of the researchers and their better comprehension of the words'

significance, the following terms are defined.

Alternative - something that is different from something else, especially from

what is usual, and offering the possibility of choice (Cambridge Dictionary).

Banana Fiber - Banana fiber, a lignocellulosic fiber, obtained from the pseudo

stem of banana plant, is a bast fiber with relatively good mechanical properties to

produce blended fabric & textiles (Textile School, 2018).

 Carabao Grass - a tropical to subtropical perennial grass, vigorous, creeping

perennial with long stolons, rooting at nodes, with culms ascending to erect, branching,

solid, slightly compressed (SOWN, 2017).

Devoid - to lack or be without something that is necessary or usual (Cambridge

Dictionary).

Feathering - the spreading and separation of ink, lipstick, etc. into tiny lines after

application (Oxford Languages).

Handmade - made by hand, not by machine, and typically therefore of superior

quality (Collins, 2017).

Waste - of a material, substance, or byproduct; eliminated or discarded as no

longer useful or required after the completion of a process (Oxford Languages).

Wet Pulp - old paper, plant fibers, or wood mixed with water until they form a soft

wet mass, used for making paper (Cambridge Dictionary).

 CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter examines related literature that is related to the topic and will serve

as the foundation of information. This chapter examines the relevant literature on the

use of Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass as alternatives to traditional writing paper

sources around the world. These will serve as the foundation for assessing the

information that will be gathered eventually.

Paper is created by combining a raw material that has been pounded and broken

down into microscopic fibers with water, forming the mixture into sheets on a screen

surface that captures the fibers as the water drains through it. When pressed and dried,

the individual fibers interlock to create a sheet of paper. The bast plants, tree bark,

grass stalks, and other types of flora are among the raw materials used to make these

fibers (Acharya et al., 2015).

The pulp and paper industry has long been regarded as one of the largest users

of water, wood, energy, and other natural resources, as well as a major cause of

environmental pollution (The World Counts, 2019). Alternatives are required because to

the need for paper and the unacceptably enormous ecological footprint of present paper

production. The amount of paper consumed annually per person is 52.45 kg, which is

16.32% more than it was in 1991, according to a 2005 research. Between 1980 and

2000, the use of writing and printing paper increased by more than 10% (Ganesan, et.

al., 2015).
 Handmade paper is paper made by hand. People create handmade paper by

sifting pulp onto a screen and letting each individual sheet of paper dry. This creative

process has been used in Nepal, Japan, China, and Thailand for centuries to produce

exceptionally beautiful paper. Experienced and novice crafters alike can make their own

customized paper at home, with just a few pieces of specialized equipment (S. Mertha,

2022).

Saraexim (2016), Traditional handmade paper has the advantage of being 100%

wood free which makes it most eco- friendly form of paper. Handmade paper is

excellent for writing as well as printing. It has greater tensile, bursting, tearing and

double fold strength compared to conventional papers.

Handmade paper sector is considered to be eco-friendly, utilizing non woody and

waste raw materials in its manufacturing process. The durability of the paper is high with

exclusive look and texture. The paper is available in a saga of rich varieties, designs,

shapes and colors. Most of the handmade paper units in India have been traditionally

using cotton hosiery waste as the main source of raw material, which produce paper

with excellent strength characteristics.

Banana fiber is a raw bast fiber that has a wide range of uses in the production of

handcrafted goods, such as matting, rope and twines, but only 10% of its pseudo stem

is used to make products and the left over ones are left to rot (Vigneswaran et al.,

2015).

Banana fibres obtained from the pseudo-stem of banana plant which is a waste

product from banana cultivation has not been utilized properly. The extraction of fibre
from the pseudo-stem is not a common practice and most of the stem is not used for

production of fibers. At present, the banana fibre is considered as waste product of

banana cultivation and is left to decay and rot thereby constituting pollution and waste

disposal problems.

Carabao grass is a gregariously stoloniferous grass. Stems are spreading and

stretching underneath with the blooming branches 20 to 70 centimeters high. Leaves

are tight lanceolate, level and slim, glabrous, 8 to 20 centimeters in length, 5 to15

millimeters wide (Bureau of Plant and Industry). Spikes are two, terminal, slim and 6 to

12 centimeters in length. Grass is found in bounty in open waste places and settled

territories, about towns, along trails, streams all through the Philippines. In any case,

carabao grass is considered as a parasite since it overrunning various harvests for the

most part in focal and Southeast Asia. It ingests the supplements of the dirt

consequently making lesser yield of harvests and deferred reap.

Based on the findings of the study "Pulp and paper production from grass fiber"

by Sonia Rani, Anita Singh, and Pinki Kashyap. They measured and tested various

types of grass, including carabao grass, that are compatible in pulp and paper

manufacturing for use as a non-wood material and it showed great potential.

Atul Kumar, B. P. Singh, R. K. Jain, and A. K. Jain conducted another study.

"Banana Fibre (Musa sapientum): A Suitable Raw Material for Handmade Paper

Industry," by K. Sharma, demonstrates the potential and likelihood of banana fiber being

used as a raw material in the study. Banana fiber's inherent properties, such as lower

lignin content, higher alpha cellulose content, and average higher fibre length, may
demonstrate its suitability for the production of high-quality handmade paper that has

the potential to be made true with the banana fiber and carabao grass.

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The primary goal of this study was to see if there was a statistically significant

difference between Banana fiber and Carabao grass as an alternative source of writing
paper. This chapter describes methodology, including the research design, the

materials and ingredients, equipment and utensils, how the study would be carried out,

and statistical treatment that will be required in the study.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Research design is the approach for tackling the fundamental research

questions. The collection and analysis of numerical data will form the foundation of the

research design for a quantitative dissertation. A large proportion of all scientific

research studies used an experimental research design, which will be used in this study

as well. The experimental method of research as a method or procedure that involves

the control or manipulation of conditions in order to study the relative effect of various

treatments applied to members of a sample, or the same treatment applied to members

of different samples. It creates methods that allow the researcher to conduct detailed,

scientific investigations of causal relationships between variables and test a hypothesis

(Grand Canyon Unuversity, 2017).

Manuel and Mendel describe the experimental research method as follows. The

basic goal of experimental research is to discover the influence of one or more factors

on a condition, group, or situation, the goal of which is to discover the influence of which

is to discover "what will be". It describes and analyzes variables under carefully

controlled conditions in order to infer or conclude. An experimental study entails

manipulating an experimental variable under highly controlled conditions in order to

determine how and why a specific event occurs. (p. 37, Manuel and Mendel)
 Correlational Design may utilize two dependent variables to determine the

experiment's Cons and Pros, measures the degree of correlation there may be between

two variables. As well as a control group to serve as a comparison group.

MATERIALS

The materials and ingredients required to carry out this research investigation are

water (8 liters), Banana Fiber (1 liter), and Carabao Grass (1 liter). To improve the

brightness of the paper, another component of this research study is chlorine or bleach

(3 cups). The supplies and components required to carry out the research investigation

are listed in Table 3.1.

research investigation are listed in Table 3.1.

Materials Quantity Picture

and Ingredients

Water - 8 liters
Banana Fiber - 1 liter

Carabao Grass - 1 liter

Chlorine or bleach - 3 cups

Table 3.1. Materials and ingredients used in preparing the components for Banana

Fiber and Carabao Grass as Alternative Source for Writing Paper.

EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS

This study's equipment and utensils include a large pot, sieve, gas stove, plastic

tub, processor or blender, knife, and frame strainer. The tools and equipment utilized in

the preparation and execution of the research study are listed in Table 3.2.

Equipment Quantity Picture

and Utensils

Large pot - 2

units

Sieve - 2

units

Gas stove - 1 unit

Plastic tub - 2

units
Processor or blender - 1 unit

Knife - 2

units

Frame Strainer - 2

units

Table 3.2. Equipment and Utensils used in preparing the components for Banana

Fiber and Carabao Grass as Alternative Source for Writing Paper.

PROCEDURE

The researcher gathered all of the materials required to develop the project's

physical aspect. The study's final product, writing paper, is made of Banana stem fiber

and Carabao Grass, which is processed, developed, and innovated to make the product
visible. The following procedure when patching up the materials are required to make

the product:

1. Gathering of materials

2. Preparing the workplace

3. Cut the Banana stem into small pieces

4. Wash the banana stem pieces that you have cut and the carabao grass
5. Boil the chopped pieces of Banana stem for 15 minutes and the carabao grass in

another pot.

7. After boiling for 15 minutes, strain it to separate the water

8. Blend it to make the Banana stem and carabao grass finer.

9. Put it into the container filled with water and bleach, then let it sit for 30 minutes.

10. use frame strainer to separate the fibers on water

11. Let it dry for 24 hours

12. Conduct different tests according to the problem statement.

BANACA Paper Production: The collected Banana fibers and Carabao grass were

thoroughly washed with tap water after being chopped into smaller pieces for more

proficient boiling and softening of the ingredients. After 15 minutes of bringing it to a

boil, it was set aside to cool before blending the outcome substance. After blending it to

extract or produce those soft pieces of fiber and grass, it was placed in a plastic

container and bleached for 30 minutes. The Banana fibers and Carabao Grass were

then separated from the water in which they were soaked using a frame strainer. The

finished item was then sun dried to remove moisture. The tests were carried out after a

24-hour drying period.

The procedure in performing the research investigation of BANACA paper is a

procedure in paper-making with using non-wood materials by Selvin A. Crisostomo

(2018).

STATISTICAL TREATMENT

The following statistical measures were used to determine the effects of banana

fiber and carabao grass as alternative source for writing paper.

Mean. This was used to assess the average performance of the control and

experimental groups on the pretest and posttest give.

Standard Deviation. This was utilized to determine the average distance or dispersion

of the testscores from the mean.

T-test of Independent Means. This was applied to know the significant difference in

the pretest and posttest results of the control and experimental group.

Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient measures the degree of

correlation there may be between two variables. It is best used when results have
already been plotted on a scatter graph and there is an indication of a linear relationship

between the two factors.

 CHAPTER IV

4.1 INTRODUCTION

To complete this study properly, it is necessary to analyse the data collected in

order to test the hypothesis and answer the research questions. As already indicated in

the preceding chapter the data is interpreted in tabular form.

This chapter presents the findings from the experiment performed for the creation

of the research product, as well as their analysis and interpretation. The data were

presented in tabular form in response to the precise questions posed on the problem

statement. The analysis and interpretation of data is carried out in a phase where the

researchers based on the results of the questionnaire on the statement of the problem

that deals with a quantitative analysis of data.

SAMPLE(S WATER (LITER) BANANA FIBER CARABAO GRASS BLEACH

) (LITER) (LITER) (CUPS)

8 LITERS 1 LITER 1 LITER 3 CUPS

Table 4.1. The required amount of raw materials (Water, Banana Fiber, Carabao

Grass, Bleach).

Along with the handmade manufacturing of BANACA Paper came the ironing of

the finished product after it was sundried for 24 hours. This improves the smoothness of

the paper's surface and provide a uniform thickness (Micro Format Inc., 2015). Figure 1

shows the actual photo of the produced handmade paper.

 Figure 1. Actual photo of the produced handmade BANACA Paper.

4.2 PHYSICAL TEST ANALYSIS OF THE BANACA PAPER

Upon the development and assessment of Banana Fiber and Carabao Grass as

an alternative source for writing paper, questions listed on the problem statement must

be considered and answered using the data gathered whilst conducting experiments.
 The data collected throughout the experiment will be subjected to the results

written in this chapter. In other words, the outcome of this experiment determining the

distinctive characteristics of BANACA Paper will have a significant impact on the

acceptability in terms of the qualities of a quality writing paper.

Ink absorbency refers to how quickly the ink soaks into the paper, which is similar

to how water soaks into a sponge, and how quickly the ink dries over time. Because the

absorbability of the paper when ink is applied is determined by how much ink the paper

can absorb and dry in a short amount of time.

Thickness is another factor to consider for determining whether or not this

BANACA Paper is of quality. The thickness of paper impacts not only its strength and

durability, but also its visual appeal, which provides the client with a quick sense of

quality.

Tensile strength as the amount of force required to pull something till it breaks

(Manu Gupta, Vinu T George, and Dhanasekar Balakrishnan, 2019). This is an

additional factor to consider when considering whether BANACA Paper is sufficiently

durable or not.

4.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Physical tests of produced handmade BANACA Paper are performed to govern

the quality of handmade paper. Table 2.1 shows the physical test results of five different

samples of produced handmade BANACA Paper and the comparison with the standard

of paper in terms of:

4.4.1 Ink absorbency

The ink absorbency property of a paper surface is commonly evaluated by

pressing a fresh paper surface against a newly inked one. The more ink that is

transferred beyond a specific setting period, the poorer the surface's absorption or ink

setting (Home Iggesund, 2017).

The results reveal that the BANACA Paper absorbs more ink than ordinary paper

within five seconds, leaving less ink marks along the paper surface placed and pressed

on top.

SAMPLE(S INK ABSORBENCY STANDARD INK ABSORBENCY

) (WITHIN 5 SECONDS) PAPER (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)

Sample 1 Standard paper 1

Sample 2 Standard paper 2

Sample 3 Standard paper 3

Sample 4 Standard paper 4

Sample 5 Standard paper 5

Table 4.4.1. Ink absorbency test results of BANACA Paper and standard paper in

tabular form.
4.4.2 Thickness

The thickness of paper impacts not only its strength and durability, but also its

visual appeal, which provides the client with a quick sense of quality. A way to measure

the thickness of paper is to use a ruler to measure the height of a stack of paper and

divide it by the number of sheets (LinkedIn, 2023).

The results show that the BANACA Paper is 0.02 cm or 0.2 mm thicker than the

standard paper.

SAMPLE(S THICKNESS (IN CM) STANDARD THICKNESS (IN CM)

) PAPER

Sample 0.12 cm (1.2 mm) Standard paper 0.14 cm (1.4 mm)

Table 4.4.2. Thickness comparison of BANACA Paper and standard paper in tabular

form.

4.4.3 Tensile Strength

A spring scale is a suitable instrument to measure tensile strength. Attach your

test material of the same size as the one you'll be testing to the spring scale's hook and

secure the spring scale's top to a stable surface, such as a table or wall. Pull on the test

material until it snaps. Keep an eye on the spring scale reading and take account of the

force indicated by the spring scale just before the test material breaks (Scienceproject

Education, 2020).

The results showcases that

SAMPLE(S TENSILE STRENGTH STANDARD TENSILE STRENGTH

) PAPER
(IN KG) (IN KG)

Sample 1 Standard paper 1

Sample 2 Standard paper 2

Sample 3 Standard paper 3

Sample 4 Standard paper 4

Sample 5 Standard paper 5

Table 4.4.3. Tensile strength comparison of BANACA Paper and standard paper in

tabular form.

4.4.4 Comparison of the final test outcomes between the BANACA Paper and standard

paper.

SAMPLE(S INK ABSORBENCY THICKNESS (IN CM) TENSILE STRENGTH

) (WITHIN 5 SECONDS)
(IN KG)

BANACA 0.12 cm (1.2 mm)

Paper

Standard 0.14 cm (1.4 mm)

Paper