The Feasibility of Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) Fiber as the Main Component in Paper Production

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Paper is used in a variety of application so its demand is increasing. Thus, environmental issues are also increasing. It is said that the consumption of paper has grown 400 percent in the last 40 years and a large number of trees are cut to use in paper industries. Paper pollutes air, land, and water because it contains dyes, inks, and other harmful chemicals. In this study, snake plant fibers were used in paper production since it has strong fibers that can withstand forces and can be an instrument of resolution on different environmental issues and can lessen the demand for paper.

METHODS

The materials needed were cleaned before using. Snake plants were collected from Santa Cruz, Laguna, and the potato starch that served as the binder for the snake plant fibers was bought at the local market. The snake plants were cut into thin and fine pieces and were prepared for boiling. The casserole was filled with 3L of water, 1 cup of potato starch and chopped leaves, and boiled and stirred constantly for an hour. Then it was removed from casserole using a strainer and then prepared for blending. The number of strained leaves and boiled potato starch were based on treatment combinations in experimental design. These were blended and the blended leaves were ladled onto the screen using a spatula and transferred onto canvas. And the sheet was placed under the sun for drying.

RESULTS

The quality of the produced papers was different from each other since different amounts of snake plant fibers were used. Based on observation of the researcher and conducted testing, the treatment combinations of snake plant fibers and potato starch were acceptable, but Treatment 2 or 50% snake plant fibers and 50% potato starch was the most acceptable among the treatments since the produced paper was smooth in texture, durable, light yellow in color and ideal in thickness.

DISCUSSIONS

From the conducted study, the amount of snake plant fibers used in paper production has a significant effect on the quality of the paper. The more the snake plant fibers used, the rougher, more durable and thicker it gets.