CHAPTER I
PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING
INTRODUCTION
In the Philippines, where the climate is tropical there are variety of trees and plants.
Addedly, in a biodiversity rich country like ours, one of the common species of this is the
banana plant. The banana plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant. The banana
pseudo stem grows 6 to 7.6 meters (20 to 24.98ft) tall, in 5 to 8 months depending on the
plantation, growing from a corm. Banana leaves are larhe, flexible and waterproof. They
are often used as ecologically friendly disposable found containers or as "plates" in South
Asia and several Southeast Asian countries (Mada, 2015). Banana stems and leaves have
high fiber content (stem > 58% DM, leaf >72% DM), nitrogen free extract content (750%
DM), and water soluble carbohydrate content (wsc > 5% DM), with certain nutritive value.
Tannins of banana stem and leaf where 0.11% DM and 0.24%DM. There were lactic acid
bacteria (> 105 cfu/g FM) in the banana stems and leaves. They might be well preserved
with some treatments (Cai, 2018).
Nowadays, some of the paper is made up of trees so in connection with this, the
researchers will produce a handmade paper which is environmental friendly and affordable.
The researchers will also compare the produce that is made up of banana leaves with the
commercialized paper. This study will help to decrease the deforestation in our country.
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Background of the Study
Paper was first used in China way back 2,00 years after when the inventors first
crafted clothsheets. It was used to record drawings, writings and communication. In early
19th century paper was made out of high cellulose and animal hides and during 18th
century wood fibers took it's place in producing abundant numbers of paper. Nowadays
paper has large role in our society specially for students, teachers, worker, researcher
specialization that uses papers. But since papers was made out of wood fibers it also cause
some disadvantages to both human and environment. Deforestation which is the act of
cutting trees occur and leads to the decrease of wildfire and causes extinction to some
species, it also damage our ozone layer and for some cases it can be wasteful. Because of
this the researchers thought an alternative way to use banana leaves to produce an
alternative paper. Since banana grows in almost 107 countries it can be easily found on our
location. The fiber of banana is similar to the fiber of bamboo that is high in strength
moisture absorption and smaller elongation. It also has cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose
that was needed in producing paper. This means that banana is applicable in producing
papers.
Objectives of the Study
The main objectives of this study is to provide an eco-friendly handmade paper
using banana leaves (Musa sp. L.) fiber.
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Specifically, this study aims to:
1. Determine the mean scores of experimental and control group in terms of
durability and water resistance
2. Compare the qualities of banana paper and commercial ones in terms of
durability and water resistance
3. Determine the relationship between the amount of banana leaves fiber and quality of
paper produce.
Hypotheses
Null Hypotheses (Ho):
There’s no significant difference between the qualities of banana paper and
commercial one’s in terms of durability and water resistance.
Alternative Hypotheses (Ha):
There is a significant difference between the qualities of banana paper and
commercial one’s in terms of durability and water resistance.
Significance of the Study
The researchers will conduct a study to produce a handmade paper using banana
leaves, specifically, Saba (Musa sp. L.). This study is focused on utilizing the banana leaves
as an alternative source of paper. Moreover, this study suggests the use of banana leaves
rather than cutting trees as source of paper. This will prove that banana leaves can be used
in production of paper. In addition, it can also maintain the cleanliness of the environment
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by collecting banana leaves. This handmade banana paper is also budget-friendly which
will be beneficial for students.
Time and Place of the Study
This study will be conducted at Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial National High
School located at Romana Subdivision Barangay. San Antonio Biñan City, Laguna Region
IV-A CALABARZON during the period of June 2018 to March 2019.2
Scope and Limitation
This study will be conducted to use the leaves of banana in producing a good
quality. The researchers will conduct an experiment regarding the quality of banana leaves
paper in terms of tear strength, texture, thickness and water resistance as a handmade paper.
This study also contains all the procedures as how banana leaves fiber can make a good
quality paper. However, the researchers can only produce limited copies of paper, because
this study does not involve any machineries that are needed in producing a good quality
paper in a short period of time.
Conceptual Framework
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Definition of Terms
Fiber- A thin thread of natural or artificial material that can be used to make cloth, paper,
etc.
Casserole- A deep dish used for baking.
Grounded- Used to describe a person who is sensible and has a good understanding of
what is really important in life.
Tensile- Relating to the amount that something (such as wine) can stretch or be stretched
without breaking.
Deviation- The difference between the average of a group number and a particular number
in that group.
Variance- An amount of difference or change.
Molding- A decorative plane or covered strip used for ornamentation or fishing.
Draining- To remove (liquid) from something by letting it flow away or out.
Grinding- To crush or break (something) into very small pieces by rubbing it against a
rough surface or using special machine.
Burst- To break open or into pieces in a sudden and violent way.
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