Nowadays, paper is widely used in all aspects of our daily lives. People use paper in writing, delivering important documents, writing agreements, recording of business transactions and the likes. Moreover, cutting trees is a primary step in paper-making process in which the cellulose undergoes treatments to produce paper. Alternate sources of paper like cogon grass can be used in making it. Cogon grass is one of the best plants to use since it grows anywhere. It is the cause of some problems in the environment because this plant consumes a lot of space when grown. In relation, the researcher's study is to produce cardboard, a thick file of thin papers, which is made up of cogon grass as an alternative source instead of tree. .
Background of the Study.
Cogon grass is a pest plant, since it grows everywhere and consumes a lot of space when grown creating great competition between plants. Since people use paper in writing, delivering important documents, writing agreements, recording business transactions and the likes, the researchers plan on producing cardboard, a thick file of thin papers, which is made up of Cogon grass. This will lessen the cutting of trees which is used in paper making process and the Cogon grass's fast growth.
One particular material to be used in the study is the Imperata Cylindrica or commonly known as Cogon grass. It is a perennial, rhizomatous grass native to east and Southeast Asia, India, Micronesia, Australia and eastern and southern Africa. It was revealed that Cogon grass was of little economic benefit and could become a serious pest. Consequently, it was placed on the noxious weed list, which prohibits new planting. It is tolerant of shade, high salinity and drought. It can be found in virtually any ecosystem especially experiencing no disturbance. Following initial invasion, cogon grass often farms dense field-like monocultures. A pest in 73 countries, and considered to be one of the "TOP 10 Worst Weeds in the World", Cogon grass affects pine productivity and survival, wildlife habitat, recreation, native plants, fire behavior, site management costs more.
