Characterization of bio-wax extract from taro leaves (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) for corrugated cardboard coating applications/
Josa Adora V. Roxas, Claire C. Santelices, and Angeline Gale L. Soriano .--
- Manila: Technological University of the Philippines, 2024.
- 109pages: 29cm.
Thesis (undergraduate)
College of Science.--
Includes bibliography:
This study characterized the bio-wax extract obtained from Taro leaves (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) using the Solvent Extraction method, yielding an average of 0.2427
grams of wax per gram of fresh leaves. The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT- IR) revealed the presence of long aliphatic chains, esters, or fatty acids. The Differential
Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) results showed two distinct melting events at 75.80°C and 79.24°C, indicating the presence of multiple components in the bio-wax. The solubility tests revealed that the bio-wax exhibited solubility in non-polar solvents while it remained insoluble in polar solvents. Heat sensitivity tests demonstrated that the bio-wax is thermally stable up to 60°C, with degradation starting at 90°C and complete melting at 120°C. The coated cardboard was found to be hydrophobic according to the measured contact angle of droplets of distilled water on its surfaces above 90°. Chemical resistance revealed that the coated cardboard resisted penetration by 0.1 N hydrochloric acid and 4% sodium hydroxide but was penetrable by ethanol and n-hexane. Water absorption tests demonstrated that the coated cardboard absorbed significantly less water compared to uncoated cardboard. Further research is recommended to explore the potential of bio-wax as a sustainable and renewable hydrophobic material for various applications. Keyword: Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Bio-wax, Hydrophobic, and Contact Angle