Fabrication of hydrophobic paper from abaca (musa textilis) with kapok (ceiba pentandra) and chitosan for packaging applications/ Princess Rolene S. Boñon, Ervin R. Dana, and Robert D. Grones.--

Bachelor's thesis

College Of Science.--
Bachelor of applied science in laboratory technology: Technological University of the Philippines,
2025.

Includes bibliographic references and index.

Abaca (Musa textilis) was used as the base material for 70% of the biodegradable
paper for packaging applications. Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) fibers (30%) as the reinforcing
material and chitosan as an additive were added as an antibacterial. Defatting,
delignification, and sheet formation are among the processing techniques used in the study
that were modified from Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI)
methods. Physical characterization showed that the manufactured paper had a moderate
tensile strength of 1.56 MPa and a mean thickness of 0.553 mm, making it Heavyweight
under Non-corrugated Paper Packaging criteria. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
revealed a smooth fiber surface with a hint of roughness, suggesting successful chemical
treatment, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the existence of
cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin components in the composite. For applications
requiring high temperature exposure, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed
thermal stability up to about 350°C. Contact angle tests, however, revealed inadequate
hydrophobicity, as water droplets were instantly absorbed. Antimicrobial tests also showed
no zone of inhibition against E. S. coli and S. aureus, most likely because of suboptimal
pH levels and inadequate chitosan content. Although more refinement is required to
improve hydrophobicity and antibacterial qualities, this study offers important new
information for creating eco-friendly substitutes for traditional packaging materials.