Development and Evaluation of Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) Leaves and Banana Pseudo Stem (Musa Acuminata) as an Alternative Hydrophobic Paper Bag

Abstract

This study aims to develop an alternative hydrophobic paper bag out of taro leaves and banana pseudo stems using different concentrations of the coating such as 1 coat, 2 coats, and 3 coats of bio-wax from taro leaf and petroleum jelly. The results of bio-wax and petroleum jelly coat significantly affect TS and EAB samples and the paper bag showed quick degradation. In terms of water absorption significant changes (P≤0.05), the amount of water absorbed was accounted at the range of 72.65 % for T1, 71.27 % for T2, and 52.78% for T3 for temperature (25 ºC). Also, the 3 coats of bio-wax and petroleum jelly resulted in more hydrophobic samples. The findings recorded that the overall desirable paper bag is T3. Also, treatments that were treated resulted in hydrophobicity. The taro leaves and banana pseudo-stem fibers can be potential materials for developing hydrophobic paper bags.