EXPLORING THE VIABILITY OF USING CORN COB AS ALTERNATIVE

SOURCE OF BIOFUEL

A Research Proposal

Presented to

The Faculty of Pagadian City Science High School

Tuburan District, Pagadian City

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements of the Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

By

GRACIOUS O. USARES

DAVID JAMES G. BATUA

ERIC VICMAR P. OSABEL

February 2024
 Background of the Study

The need for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional

fossil fuels with the increasing concerns about climate change and the depletion of fossil

fuel reserves, there is a growing demand for renewable energy sources. Biofuel is a

renewable energy source derived from organic materials, such as plants and plant-based

waste, that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels. It offers the potential to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable resources (Nunez, 2019).

Corn cob, a byproduct of corn cultivation, is a readily available agricultural waste

material. It is composed of the hard outer covering of the corn ear and is often

underutilized or discarded. However, corn cob has the potential to be converted into a

valuable biofuel resource. Corn cob as alternative biofuel offers a potential solution by

utilizing an abundant agricultural waste material and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

(Patel & Shukla, 2017). The main target of this study is to explore the viability of using

corn cob as an alternative source of biofuel. The potential use of corn cob as alternative

source of biofuel production has not been fully explored. This study seeks to fill the gap

by providing valuable insights into the feasibility and environmental benefits of utilizing

corn cob as an alternative source of biofuel production.

The Potential use of Corn Cob as Alternative Biofuel

Biofuel has been gaining momentum in terms of research and development. There

are various factors such as the recent rise in oil prices, increased demand for fossil fuels,

depletion of the mineral oil reserves, demand for energy increases with the world

population, and urbanization. (International Journal of Science, Engineering of

technology). At present, there are 215 million hectares of land being cultivate across

Europe, and using previous estimates. We show that you would need to plant one-third of

that with biofuels to meet the target. Land used to grow commercial crops over biomass

would still be at risk from a product of biofuel production ozone (Ashworth et al., 2013).

Corn, rich in starch that can be converted into ethanol, is widely used in biofuel

production. Corn-based biofuels are popular due to their potential to reduce greenhouse

gas emissions, their biodegradability, and clean ignition, enhancing energy security.

While the current state of corn as a biofuel source appears promising, increasing

production requires breeding strategies like varietal crossing and cultivar selection to

enhance biomass and starch content. Better agronomic practices and extension strategies

are also necessary to improve yield and promote adoption among farmers. Using maize as

a feedstock for biofuel production can boost the agricultural industry, create jobs in

farming, processing, and transportation, and reduce reliance on foreign oil while

preserving foreign exchange reserves. Technological advancements, viz., cellulosic

ethanol production, have further expanded the potential use of corn for biofuels due to its

abundance and convenience. However, the future of corn-based biofuels is uncertain.

Therefore, ongoing innovation, exploration of alternative feedstocks, and cutting-edge

technologies are necessary to overcome challenges ( Padhan et al., 2023).

Corn cobs are a byproduct of corn grain production, they can be used as a

feedstock for fuels without requiring extra production inputs beyond those required for

cob collection and transportation. Approximately 16% of the total stover biomass in a

field is made up of cob yields, which average roughly 14% of grain yields on a dry matter

basis. Given that cobs tend to be wetter than maize grain, cob moisture presents a storage
and logistical difficulty. Corn cobs may be holding on to 35% of their moisture content

even at 20% grain moisture levels (Farm Energy, 2019).

Biofuel production using Corn Cob (Zea mays) in Fuel Consumption

Corn cobs are an agricultural waste product that has been used to produce

biodiesel. After the corn cob was extracted, potassium hydroxide (methanoxide) and

methanol were combined to create biodiesel through transesterification. Viscosity,

density, flash point, pH, and refractive index were the outcomes of the physiochemical

parameters that were measured on the produced biodiesel. These figures are in good

comparison to comparable standard biodiesel values (Balogun, 2021).

Moreover, because of its high cellulose and hemicellulose content, corn cob is a

plentiful agricultural byproduct that has the potential to be used to produce biofuel. the

possible use of corn cob as a feedstock for the manufacture of biofuels, with an emphasis

on its composition, availability, and compatibility with different conversion processes.

Various pretreatment techniques, including physical, chemical, and biological treatments,

are addressed in order to improve the biomass of maize cobs' enzymatic digestibility. In

terms of the effects on the environment, energy balance, and economic viability, using

maize cob for biofuel production is feasible and sustainable (Haug, 2018).

Making bioethanol from corn cobs is a big step toward producing energy that is

sustainable. A thorough examination explores all phases of the bioethanol manufacturing

process, including fermentation, distillation, enzymatic hydrolysis, and pretreatment

techniques. The viability of using corn cob as a feedstock for bioethanol production,

taking into account variables like feedstock costs and conversion efficiency, was
evaluated using a techno-economic analysis. Corn cobs have the potential to be an

abundant and renewable resource for the production of bioethanol (Zhang & Ghaly,

2018).

From Waste to Fuel: Corn Cob as Alternative Biofuel

The possibility of using corn cob as a substitute substrate for the production of

biofuel. The viability and effectiveness of using corn cobs for anaerobic digestion to

produce biofuel. By employing corn cob as an eco-friendly feedstock for biofuel

generation, waste-to-energy initiatives and the advancement of bioenergy resources are

sustained. The examination of corn cob as a biofuel is motivated by causes such as the

growing need for alternative fuel sources, the depletion of fossil fuel reserves, and the

need for sustainable energy solutions. This is similar to the growing interest in biofuel

research and development (Wang et al., 2010).

Examining corn cob as a possible biogas alternative material for renewable

energy production. An investigation into the biogas synthesis efficiency of corn cobs

reveals encouraging possibilities for renewable energy initiatives. Through the use of

corn cob as a sustainable resource for biogas production, efforts to turn trash into energy

are reinforced, which advances bioenergy initiatives. The need for ecologically friendly

energy alternatives, the steadily diminishing supply of traditional fossil fuels, and the

growing demand for alternative gas options are the driving forces behind the research

into corn cob as a biogas source (Edde, 2012).

Humanity has been increasingly conscious in recent years of the unsustainable

nature of today's energy-saving methods. It's anticipated that biomass will draw more
attention soon as one of the most promising renewable energy sources. The process of

drying seed corn is one instance of how biomass, or corn cobs, are used to produce

thermal energy, determining the utilization of corn cob as a fuel to improve energy

efficiently (Ašonja et al., 2017).

The lack of thorough research and limited understanding regarding the particular

use of corn cob as a source of biofuel constitute the research gap in this study. The

potential use of corn cob as a source of biofuel has not yet been adequately investigated,

despite the fact that other feedstocks, like corn grain, have been the subject of substantial

research. The lack of comprehensive research on the feasibility, effectiveness, and

environmental effects of using corn cob as a sustainable alternative biofuel source. The

economic viability and scalability of producing ethanol from corn cobs must also be

assessed. The background of the study highlights the need for sustainable and

environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Biofuels derived from

organic materials offer the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence

on non-renewable resources. Corn cob, a readily available agricultural waste material, has

the potential to be converted into a valuable biofuel resource. However, the specific

utilization of corn cob as a biofuel source has not been fully explored.

Conceptual Framework

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 Biofuel Production

Corn Cob (Zea mays)  Viability

 Efficiency

Figure 1. Label of the Figure Above

Research Questions

In order to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy while simultaneously

addressing environmental concerns, the use of renewable energy sources, especially

biofuels, has become more and more important. As a result, research into alternative

feedstocks for biofuel production, like corn cob, offers a promising path toward the

production of sustainable energy. In order to better understand corn cob's potential as a

feedstock for biofuels, this study aims to examine the relationship between viability of

using corn cob as Biofuel and the efficiency of biofuel production by answering these

questions: Question Here. Question Here. Question Here. Question Here. Question Here.

Question Here. Question Here.?

1.1 Component Here

1.2 Component Here

1. Question Here. Question Here. Question Here. Question Here. Question

Here. Question Here. Question Here. Question Here.?

2. Question Here. Question Here. Question Here.?

 3.1 Component Here

3.2 Component Here

3.3 Component Here

3. Question Here. Question Here. Question Here. Question Here.?

Statement of the Hypotheses

Research Question 1

H a : There is a significant difference between the environmental factors,

such as climate conditions and geographical location, and the viability of

using corn cob for biofuel production.

H o : There is no significant difference between the environmental factors,

such as climate conditions and geographical location, and the viability of

using corn cob for biofuel production.

Research Question 2

H a : There is a significant correlation between the viability of using corn

cob as a biofuel feedstock and the efficiency of biofuel production

processes.

H o : There is no significant correlation between the viability of using corn

cob as a biofuel feedstock and the efficiency of biofuel production

processes.
Significance of the Study

The importance of this study lies in each possibility to generate significant

correlation to the viability of using corn cob as Biofuel and the efficiency of biofuel

production. The result of this study will be the determining factor for the improvement of

the student’s performance. This study is also considered important to the following

individuals and groups:

Students. Results of the study will enable students to assess their own skills in

school which will help them to develop a deeper awareness regarding their academic

performance. Findings of this study may be able to give the students a clearer

understanding on why they conduct themselves in a particular manner when dealing with

teachers, school administrators, peers and school tasks.

Teachers. This study aimed to open the minds of the teachers that both the

agreeable and what disagreeable students must be given an equal chance to success. This

will also lead the teachers what to do in order to improve their teaching strategy in

dealing with different students’ performance and skills. The result will guide them on

what method of instruction to be used to improved students’ performance in school.

Administrator. The interfaces that will be generated in this study will provide

valuable source of information for the improvement of the school program that will

improve students’ performance in school.

Other researchers. The findings of the study will give future researchers baseline

information in undertaking related studies.

Scope and Limitations

This study is concentrated only to the viability of using corn cob as Biofuel in

relation to the efficiency of biofuel production. Other factors not mention is not under the

scope of the study.

Focus: Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here.

Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here.

Locus: Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here.

Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here.

Modus: Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here.

Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here. Content here.

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Definition of Terms

For better understanding about this study, the following terms are operationally

defined.

Biofuel. is a fuel that is produced over a short time span from biomass, rather than

by the very slow natural processes involved in the formation of fossil fuels, such as oil.

Biofuel can be produced from plants or from agricultural, domestic or industrial

biowaste.

Corn Cob. is the core on which the kernels of corn are arranged12. It is the part of

the ear of corn that is left after the kernels are removed. A corn cob is also called a cob of

corn, or corn on the cob when it is still attached to the plant material around it.
 Viability. the capability or potential of something to be successful, effective, or

sustainable under specific conditions.

Efficiency. the ability to accomplish a task, produce a product, or achieve a goal

with the minimum amount of resources, time, or effort expended.

Sustainability. the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability

of future generations to meet their own needs.

Biomass. the organic materials, such as agricultural residues, forestry residues,

and dedicated energy crops, that can be used as feedstocks for biofuel production.

Feedstock. the raw material used in a production process, such as the corn cob in

biofuel production. It is the starting material from which biofuels are derived and plays a

crucial role in determining the feasibility, efficiency, and sustainability of the production

process..
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