Alingod, Maricris T.  <br/><br/>
Development of Ipomoea Aquatica (kangkong stalk) as paper art material/  
Maricris T. Alingod, Francine R. Eballa, Aira M. Pomarejos, and Olivia V. Topacio .-- 
 - Manila:   Technological University of the Philippines,   2026. 
 - xv, 93pages:   29cm.  
<br/><br/> Bachelor's thesis  
<br/><br/>College of Industrial Education.--  
<br/><br/>Includes bibliographic references and index. 
<br/><br/> This study examined the feasibility of using ipomoea aquatica (kangkong stalk) as an alternative raw material for producing eco-friendly paper art materials. An experimental research design was employed to determine the most effective alkaline treatment for breaking down lignin content in kangkong stalk fibers and to evaluate the mechanical strength of the developed paper. Two alkaline pulping agents washing soda (sodium carbonate) and baking soda were used to compare their effectiveness in pulp formation, while natural binders were incorporated to enhance fiber bonding and sheet integrity. The paper making process involved pulping, sheet formation, drying, and laboratory testing, with tensile strength testing conducted using a load cell apparatus to assess the durability and structural integrity of the final paper prototype. Laboratory results showed that washing soda was more effective in lignin breakdown, producing finer and more workable pulp suitable for handmade paper production. The final paper prototype achieved a tensile strength of 26.10 N/25 mm, which falls within the acceptable range for handmade and crafty paper applications.  User evaluation results indicated strong acceptance of the developed paper art material. The mean rating for durability was 4.50 (SD = 0.132), the usability with a mean of 4.70 (SD = 0.450), and eco-friendliness with a mean of 4.95 (SD = 0.050), demonstrating that respondents highly valued the material in all three criteria. These findings confirm that kangkong stalk fibers are a viable, biodegradable alternative to conventional wood-based paper, with strong potential for educational, artistic, and craft-related applications.   
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>Industrial education --home economics <br/>Paper arts <br/>Kangkong stalk fibers 
<br/><br/><label>LC Class. No.: </label>BTH TX 145   / A45 2026