Development and Evaluation of Paper from Corn Husks (Zea mays L.) and Snake Plant Fibers (Sansevieria zeylanica)

Paper is one of the products that are used for many purposes. In line with this, increasing demand for paper was leading to rapid environment destruction. The present environmental issue can resolve by using non-timber resources for making paper. This study aims to produce quality paper out of corn husks and snake plant fibers. It also seeks to determine the qualities of produced paper through laboratory experiment and sensory evaluation. Experimental design was utilized in developing paper. The results revealed that for the basis weight, pure corn husks obtained the closest standard measurement. For the thickness, pure snake plant fibers, 75 % corn husks and 25 % snake plant fibers, 50 % corn husks and 50 % snake plant fibers, and 25 % corn husks and 75 % snake plant fibers followed the standard measurement. For the burst index, 25 % corn husks and 75 % snake plant fibers obtained the closest standard measurement. On the other hand, for the tensile index, all treatments followed the standard measurement and for the folding endurance, all of the treatments except 50 % corn husk and 50 % snake plant fibers were also followed the standard measurement. Based on the sensory evaluation, the study revealed that 75 % corn husks and 25 % snake plant fibers was the most acceptable among all the treatments. The color of the paper is significantly different with each other as evaluated by the three categories of respondents. The level of acceptability of corn husks and snake plant fibers as raw materials for making paper is significantly different regarding texture, color, and thickness.