Exploring the effectiveness of maize husks as an alternative to paper production. · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author: Bunu, Tariroyashe
Title: Exploring the effectiveness of maize husks as an alternative to paper production.
Abstract: The increasing demand for paper has prompted a need for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional paper production. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of maize (Zea mays), husks as a viable alternative to conventional wood-based paper production. The study was conducted from January 2024 to May 2024, at Bindura University of Science Education, Astra campus laboratories. The maize husks that were used for this research were randomly collected from the local farmers’ fields in Bindura. After collection, the maize husks were processed to create the maize husks paper samples. The paper samples were then evaluated for their functionality and physical properties including fold endurance, ink absorbance, opacity and transparency. The findings of the tests were analyzed using T. Test, a tool found in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences application, version 20 of 2011. From the results that were obtained, the maize husks paper had a low fold endurance, a high ink absorbance, a slightly low but good opacity, and a slightly low but good transparency. These findings proved that the paper is a viable alternative for paper production, and can be used in various applications which includes printing. However, the results also proved that there is need to introduce treatments and coatings to the maize husks paper production in order to increase its durability and efficiency.
Date: June 2024
Publisher: BUSE
Keywords: Maize Husks; Production
Supervisor: Mr A Kundhlande

Item sets: Department of Natural Resources

Media: Bunu - NRM.pdf