Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

Sweet Corn, Husks Fiber

Abstract

Solid waste overproduction is one of the significant issues that the Philippines faces. To deal with this problem, the usage of eco-bags is encouraged, however, conventional eco-bags are made with polypropylene which is a type of plastic material that produces a carcinogen and takes 30 years to degrade. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of corn husk fiber as a natural-based eco-bag, focusing on its fiber denier and water absorption properties. The sweet corn (Zea mays convar) husks were collected, in which the fibers were extracted through the alkali treatment and enzyme treatment. The fiber denier was tested using the Standard Test Method for Linear Density of Textile Fiber (Modified ASTM D1577- 07, Reapproved 2018): Option A - Fiber Bundle Weighing. The water absorption capabilities of the fibers were examined in 10-minute intervals within 1 hour at room temperature. The results showed that the corn husk fiber has an average fiber denier of 1146.5D. This suggests that the corn husk fiber is a thick and durable fiber which is a good quality textile fiber for outdoor use. Furthermore, the data reveals that corn husk fiber easily absorbs water, however, the result is still relevant as its water absorption capacity falls within the accepted range of water absorption for conventional fibers. As the study yielded that sweet corn (Zea mays convar) husk fibers have a promising potential as a natural-based eco-bag, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) should assist with additional resources and funding that may lead to the introduction of corn husk fibers and other natural fibers in the field of textile production.

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