The Feasibility of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Kernel with Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Mucilage as an Eco-Paper Jarenz Ace P. Cule Ma. Albe Rose A. Juanillo Mary Winmae C. Ramirez Bais City National Science High School Bais City October 6, 2023 Carmelo A. Jamito Jr. Research Adviser 2 The Feasibility of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Kernel with Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Mucilage as an Eco-Paper Abstract In many countries around the world, paper products are widely used for various purposes, such as writing, recording information, and mathematical computations. However, with the increasing demand for paper products, there is a hastening loss of trees and a rise in waste production. This study was conducted to explore the production of paper from alternative sources. Coconut kernel was chosen as the main component because it contains fibers and other carbohydrates like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which are primary source in paper production. To evaluate the formulated paper, the tensile strength and folding resistance tests, along with a survey, were conducted to evaluate the formulated paper’s tensile strength, pliability, permanence of ink, and texture. A commercialized paper also underwent the same test to compare its results with the results from the formulated paper. The statistical tools, t-test and U test were utilized in analyzing the results. For the tensile strength test, the p-value from the t-test is 0.162911, while the folding resistance test has a p-value of 0.00749. The p-value from the U test from the survey is 0.01208. All tests had a significance level of 0.05 and showed a significant difference except for the tensile strength test, where the commercialized paper was more efficient in the folding resistance test and the survey. Based on the results, the researchers have concluded that coconut kernel can be utilized in making paper but may differ compared to a commercialized paper depending on the qualities looked for. Keywords: Paper, coconut, kernel, fibers, carbohydrates, tensile strength test, folding resistance test 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their invaluable support and contributions to this research study: First and foremost, we are immensely grateful to our supervisor, Sir Carmelo Jamito Jr., for his guidance, expertise, and continuous support throughout the research process. His valuable insights and constructive feedback have greatly shaped the direction and quality of this study. We would also like to acknowledge our parents for their financial support that made this study possible. Their investment in our work allowed us to conduct experiments, gather data, and analyze the results effectively. We would also like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez along with our school, Bais City National Science High School for providing the necessary resources and facilities to carry out this study. Their support enabled us to conduct the experiments and collect the data required for this study. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the participants who willingly volunteered their time and actively participated in this research. Their cooperation and willingness to share their experiences have been instrumental in obtaining valuable data and insights. We also wish to thank our families for their unwavering support and understanding during the entire research period. Their love, patience, and belief in our abilities have been a constant source of inspiration. Without the contributions of these individuals and organizations, this study would not have been possible. We are deeply grateful for their support and assistance. Although we have made every effort to include everyone who has contributed to this research, we apologize if we have inadvertently missed anyone. 4 Lastly, we want to thank the Almighty God for giving us many blessings during our experiments, as that has allowed us to be successful in our study while being safe. 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page1 Abstract2 Acknowledgement3-4 Table of Contents5-7 INTRODUCTION A.1 Rationale8-9 A.2 Statement of the Problem10 B. Goals/Expected Outcome/Hypothesis10 Review of Related Literature11-13 METHODOLOGY C.1 Location and Duration of the Study14 C.2 Research Design14 C.3 Flowchart of the General Procedure 15 D. General Procedure D.1 Gathering of Materials and Equipment15 D.2 Preparation of Materials and Equipment15 D.3 Pulping of Recycled Paper16 D.4 Extraction of Okra Mucilage16 6 D.5 Mixing of Raw Materials17 Table 1. Measurements of Each Component17 D.6 Molding of Paper17 D.7 Drying of Paper17 D.8 Tensile Strength Test18 D.9 Folding Resistance Test18 D.10 Survey for the Permanence of Ink and Texture18 D.11 Statistical Analysis Tool19 D.12 Risk Assessment and Proper Disposal19 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 2. The Tensile Strengths of the Formulated Paper and Commercialized Paper20 Table 3. t-Test Results of the Tensile Strength Test between the Formulated Paper and Commercialized Paper20 Table 4. Folding Resistance Test of the Formulated Paper and Commercialized Paper21 Table 5. t-Test Results of the Folding Resistance Test between the Formulated Paper and Commercialized Paper21 Table 6. Survey Results for the Permanence of Ink and Texture 22 Table 7. Mann-Whitney U test Results of the Survey for the Permanence of Ink and Texture23 7 CONCLUSION24-25 RECOMMENDATIONS25 REFERENCES26 APPENDICES E.1 Process of Making the Formulated Paper27-29 E.2 Evaluation of the Formulated Paper and Commercialized Paper30-31 E.3 Sample Survey Questionnaire32 E.4 ISEF Forms33-39 8 INTRODUCTION A.1 Rationale The world's issues are exacerbated by the production of paper. Deforestation, air pollution, and water pollution are all caused by it. Paper accounts for 34% of municipal waste, and 35% of harvested trees go into paper manufacture (Mace, 2015). In the past 40 years, there has been a 400% growth in global paper use. In terms of energy consumption, the pulp and paper industry ranks fifth globally, accounting for 4% of all global energy use (Toner Buzz, 2021). In the Philippines, deforestation is a huge problem. The country is experiencing a fast rate of tree loss. In 2021, the country lost over 37.7kha of natural forest. From 2002 to 2021, the country lost over 158kha of humid primary forest or 12% of its total tree cover loss (Vizzuality [V.], n.d.) Since paper production contributes to many global problems like deforestation and global warming, the researchers were inspired to make paper that would help solve these problems. The researchers also aim to make paper that is cheap to produce so that people in faraway areas can have access to affordable paper. The researchers are also eager to make paper that is more efficient than commercialized paper. Along with other organic materials like cellulose, fiber is utilized in the production of paper. During the process of making paper, fiber and cellulose obtained from wood are compressed and dried. In order to determine the quality of the paper, fiber is crucial in creating paper. Ink will spread on paper that has been written or printed on if the paper is thin and poor in fiber content (World Paper Mill, 2019). The researchers also used coconut (Cocos nucifera) kernel as the main ingredient in making the alternative paper since it is rich in fiber and other carbohydrates, which are found in paper. The fruit has a hard shell on the outside, enclosing the kernel and liquid inside of it. It is typically grown 9 in tropical countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 1999). The kernel inside the shell is rich in fat, calories, fiber, and other carbohydrates like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. It contains about 10–15% of carbohydrates on a wet matter basis and will increase as the kernel thickens when the fruit matures (Coconut Handbook, 2017). Since coconut kernel is rich in fibers and other carbohydrates like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, it is suitable for use as an ingredient to make paper. Another variable to be used is Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a green finger-shaped fruit grown in tropical countries like the Philippines, Nigeria, India, and Mexico. The plant contains mucilage, which can be used in recycling paper. Okra mucilage contains 80% carbohydrates, of which are polymeric carbohydrates, which are found in a glycoprotein. In addition, because of the sugar's hydroxyl group, okra mucilage has a significant ability to bind water (Chawra et al., 2021). Using okra mucilage instead of commercialized glue for paper binding is better, more efficient, and less expensive when mixed with other substances like flour, water, and cornstarch (JKws, 2015). The researchers can assure that there are no similar studies to this one. Paper that is already on the market that is somewhat similar to this study is one that is produced commercially. The researchers expect that the alternative paper will help solve many global problems, like deforestation and global warming. 10 A.2 Statement of the Problem This study was conducted to measure the tensile strength, pliability, permanence of ink, and texture of the paper made from coconut kernel to determine if it has a significant difference from a commercialized paper. B. Goals/Expected Outcomes/Hypotheses ● Create paper that is cheap to produce and buy; ● Test the quality of the alternative paper in terms of: a) Tensile strength; b) Pliability; c) Permanence of ink; d) Texture; and ● Create paper that will help solve global problems like deforestation and global warming. ● H0: µF = µC: There is no significant difference between the formulated and commercialized paper in terms of the following: tensile strength, pliability, permanence of ink and texture. ● Ha: µF ≠ µC: There is a significant difference between the formulated and commercialized paper in terms of the following: tensile strength, pliability, permanence of ink and texture. 11 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Paper Production and Cellulose The primary ingredient used to create paper is fiber. The only method for making paper was with the use of wood and certain types of trees. It has been easy to get paper fiber, which comes from timber and paper products. To create a thin piece of paper, the cellulose pulp and wet fiber obtained from wood or other plants are compressed together and dried. Fiber and other substances like carbohydrates and aluminum sulphate contribute significantly to paper making. The quality of the paper is also important when making paper because some papers have low stability and have a shorter lifespan. Papers with little fiber content and that are thinner than necessary start to spread ink when printed or written on. Two characteristics of high-quality paper are its thickness and the substance used to produce it. The thickness of the paper is determined by its weight in grams per square meter (g/m2). Low-quality copier paper weighs roughly 80g/m2, while good letterhead weighs about 120g/m2. Therefore, the gram per square meter is used to assess the paper's quality. Every paper has a unique characteristic that can be helpful for particular kinds of work (World Paper Mill, 2019). A lot of plants are possible sources of paper because they contain cellulose fiber, which is a significant component of plant stems; several of these have been turned into pulp in experiments. Cellulose fibers have high strength and high durability. A sizable number of plant sources have been employed for commercial use, albeit only on a small scale, in a variety of settings. In fact, the tradition of using cereal straws for paper dates back to the use of wood pulp and is still prevalent today in all countries, albeit on a limited scale. Due to the lack of forests in many places of the world, the growth of the paper industry in countries lacking forests appears to be heavily dependent 12 on the use of annual plants and agricultural fibers. Non-woody plant stems are different from wood because they include more other substances and less overall cellulose and lignin. As a result, pulps with a high cellulose concentration have a low yield, while pulps with a high yield contain a large proportion of other components. Papers created from these pulps without the addition of any additional fibers are stiff and dense with poor opacity and tear resistance (Britt, 1999). Coconut and Carbohydrates The coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a fruit that is typically only grown in tropical regions. It is a fruit with a hard shell on the outside with a husk in between the kernel and shell along with a clear water inside. As the coconut matures, its weight and kernel composition change along with it. The kernel inside is rich in fat, calories, fiber, and other carbohydrates while also containing a variety of minerals, vitamins, and proteins. According to the Coconut Handbook (2017), the kernel inside the coconut shell is also rich in carbohydrates, containing about 10-15% of carbohydrates (both soluble and insoluble carbohydrates) on a wet matter basis. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which are insoluble carbohydrates, can be found inside the kernel. Those carbohydrates increase as the kernel thickens when it matures. Since the coconut kernel is rich in fibers and other carbohydrates like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, it is suitable for making paper. One category of substances is carbohydrates. It is present in almost all plant species. Additionally, it is necessary for all plant life. Carbohydrates include substances such as fibers, cellulose, starch, and lignin (Davidson, 2022). Fiber is separated, cleaned, and decontaminated during the papermaking process. The entire procedure is known as pulping (US Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). To produce high-quality paper, long fibers that are purely made of cellulose are needed during papermaking. Which is why lignin is removed during the process, as lignin is the natural glue that holds cellulose fibers together in plants. 13 Okra Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a green finger-shaped fruit plant that is grown in warm, tropical, and subtropical countries like the Philippines and is one of the plants that contains mucilage. One nation with a rising interest in okra farming is the Philippines. The mucilage from okra can be used as a component in the recycling of paper. Approximately 80% of the carbohydrates in okra mucilage are polymeric carbohydrates, which are found in a glycoprotein. Additionally, because of the sugar's hydroxyl group, okra mucilage has a significant ability to bind water (Chawra et al., 2021). The okra mucilage combined with other ingredients such as flour, water, and cornstarch creates a better, more effective, and cheaper alternative than using commercial glue for paper binding (JKws, 2015). A binding component called okra gum enhances the hardness, friability, and rate of dissolution of numerous tablet formulations. On the other hand, this natural binder inhibits the breakdown of some medications that are just slightly soluble, making it a possible option for formulations that require binding. The binding ability of okra fruit polymer is noticeably greater. Okra gum in varying percentages (3%, 4%, and 5%) and three different grades of Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in concentrations of 30%, 60%, and 90% can be used to make compression coated tablets. Despite being a hydrophilic polymer, the new polymer okra may be used successfully in sustained release formulations due to its swelling characteristics, as can be shown in the characterization. If the reaction is in zero order, drug release can be successfully postponed. The study sheds light on the utilization of okra gum as a polymer that is rate retardant and may be used well as a binder in table compression (Chawra et al., 2021). 14 METHODOLOGY C.1 Location and Duration of the Study This study was conducted at one of the researchers’ residence located at Obrero St., Bais City and at the Science Laboratory of Bais City National Science High School. The study was conducted over the span of two months. C.2 Research Design Two group design was used in this study in comparing the quality between the paper made commercially and the paper made with coconut (Cocos nucifera) kernel in terms of tensile strength, pliability, permanence of ink and texture. In determining the quality of the alternative paper and commercialized paper, the researchers observed and evaluated their tensile strength, pliability, permanence of ink and texture based on tests and a survey conducted. 15 C.3 Flowchart of the General Procedure Figure 1. The flowchart above shows the summary of the general procedure of the study. D. GENERAL PROCEDURE D.1 Gathering of Materials and Equipment The researchers gathered all the equipment needed for the experiment that were all found at one of the researchers’ own residence. The researcher also bought the materials needed for the experiment at the Bais City Satellite Market located at the Western Nautical Highway. D.2 Preparation of Materials and Equipment Before starting the experiment, the researchers prepared all the materials and equipment that were going to be used in the experiment. 16 PRODUCTION OF PAPER D.3 Pulping of Recycled Paper After preparing the materials and equipment, the researchers took several sheets of recycled paper and tore them into several pieces. The researchers then placed it inside a blender along with water and proceeded to blend until they got a smooth mixture. D.4 Extraction of Okra Mucilage After blending the recycled paper, the researchers proceeded to cut several pieces of okra into small pieces, which were then boiled inside a pot filled with water to extract the mucilage of the okra. The researchers then proceeded to strain the contents of the pot to separate the boiled pieces of okra from its mucilage. 17 D.5 Mixing of Raw Materials After preparing the okra mucilage and recycled paper pulp, the researchers placed 160 mL of the coconut kernel into a blender along with 160 mL of recycled paper pulp and 120 mL of okra mucilage and blended it until the consistency of the mixture was smooth and viscous. The researchers used the same amounts of coconut kernel, recycled paper, and okra mucilage for each trial. Table 1. Measurements of Each Component The table below shows the amount of each component used in making the formulated paper. Formulation 1 (COCONUT KERNEL BASED PAPER) 1st trial 2nd trial 3rd trial Coconut Kernel Okra Mucilage Recycled Paper 160 160 160 120 120 120 160 160 160 D.6 Molding of Paper After mixing the raw materials, the researchers poured the mixture into a container filled with water and stirred the mixture to ensure that the mixture was evenly dispersed inside the container. The researchers then placed a deckle and mold inside the container and collected the solid pieces of the mixture, which contained the fibers of the coconut kernel until the deckle was filled. D.7 Drying of Paper After molding the paper, the researchers separated the deckle from the mold and placed the deckle on a cloth sitting on a flat surface, with the side containing the molded paper facing the cloth. The researchers then used a sponge on the other side of the deckle to extract excess moisture. They then let it sit for at least 24 hours to dry the molded paper. 18 EVALUATION OF PAPER D.8 Tensile Strength Test In evaluating the tensile strengths of the formulated and commercialized paper, there were 1 three trials. The paper samples were cut into 2 × 12 inch rectangles. Each paper was labeled A – C. Afterwards, the samples were hooked on the spring scale to measure their tensile strength. The samples were then subjected to increasing force in pulling to determine their tensile strength. The data was then collected by the researchers. D.9 Folding Resistance Test In evaluating the pliability of the formulated and commercialized paper, there were three 1 1 trials. The paper samples were cut into 32 × 22 inch rectangles. Each paper was labeled A – C. To determine their pliability, each sample was subjected to continuous folding until the researchers were unable to continue. The data was then collected by the researchers. D.10 Survey for the Permanence of Ink and Texture In evaluating the permanence of ink and texture of the formulated and commercialized paper, surveys were conducted to determine and compare the data. 15 respondents were instructed to answer questions based on how they felt as they wrote on both the formulated and commercialized papers. The data was then collected by the researchers. 19 D.11 Statistical Analysis Tool The data of the study was recorded and analyzed using the following statistical tools: ● t-Test which was used to determine if there is a significant difference between the formulated and commercialized paper in terms of tensile strength. ● t-Test which was used to determine if there is a significant difference between the formulated and commercialized paper in terms of pliability. ● Mann-Whitney U test which was used to determine if there is a significant difference between the formulated and commercialized paper in terms of the permanence of ink and texture. D.12 Risk Assessment and Proper Disposal While experimenting, the researchers followed strict safety measures to ensure their safety. After experimenting, the researchers disposed the materials and cleaned the equipment used in the experiment. They also cleaned and inspected the area where the experiment took place to ensure the safety of the researchers and the people around the area. 20 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 2. The Tensile Strengths of the Formulated Paper and Commercialized Paper The table below shows the tensile strengths of the formulated and commercialized paper in newtons (N), each with 3 trials. The means of the tensile strengths of the formulated and commercialized paper were calculated. This explains that the commercialized paper is more efficient in terms of tensile strength because it has a mean of 2.84 and a standard deviation of ±0.51 which is greater than the formulated paper where its mean is 2.55 and a standard deviation of ±0.1. TRIALS/SAMPLES A B C 𝑥 s FORMULATED PAPER 2.55 2.45 2.65 2.55 ±0.1 COMMERCIALIZED PAPER 3.43 2.55 2.55 2.84 ±0.51 Table 3. t-Test Results of the Tensile Strength Test between the Formulated and Commercialized Paper The table below shows the t-test result between the formulated and commercialized paper. The computed p-value is 0.162911 that resulted with no significant difference at a level of significance of 0.05. This means that there is no significant difference between the formulated and commercialized paper in terms of tensile strength. p-value Formulated Paper 0.162911 Commercialized Paper Level of significance = 0.05 Decision Remarks Accept H0 Not Significant 21 Table 4. Folding Resistance Test of the Formulated and Commercialized Paper with the Number of Times It Can Be Folded The table below shows the number of folds applicable to the formulated and commercialized paper, each with 3 trials. The means of the number of folds of the formulated and commercialized paper were calculated. This explains that the commercialized paper is more efficient in terms of pliability because its mean of 5 and a standard deviation of 0 which is greater than the formulated paper where its mean is 3.33 and a standard deviation of ±0.58. Formulated Paper Commercialized Paper Trial A Trial B Trial C 𝑥 S 3 4 3 3.33 ±0.58 5 5 5 5 0 Table 5. t-Test Results of the Folding Resistance Test between the Formulated and Commercialized Paper The table below shows the t-test results between the formulated paper and commercialized paper. The computed p-value is 0.00749 that resulted with a significant difference at a level of significance of 0.05. This means that there is a significant difference between the formulated paper and commercialized paper, where the commercialized paper is more efficient in terms of pliability. p-value Formulated Paper 0.00749 Commercialized Paper Level of significance = 0.05 Decision Remarks Reject H0 Significant 22 Table 6. Survey Results for the Permanence of Ink and Texture The table below shows the results of the survey using the Likert Scale. The means of the results of the survey of the formulated and commercialized paper were calculated. This explains that the commercialized paper is efficient in terms of permanence of ink and texture because it has a mean of 4.24 and a standard deviation ±0.77 which is greater than the formulated paper where its mean is 3.1 and a standard deviation of ±0.962. Statements 1. The paper is smooth for writing. 2. The color of the ink is visible. 3. The ink can’t be easily smeared by hand. 4. The texture is appropriate for writing. 5. The texture is soft. 𝑥 Legend Formulated Paper 𝑥 s VD Commercialized Paper 𝑥 s VD 2.8 ±0.98 Neutral 4.47 ±0.62 Strongly Agree 3.6 ±0.61 Agree 4.4 ±0.71 Strongly Agree 3.53 ±1.02 Agree 3.93 ±1 Agree 2.67 ±1.19 Neutral 4.2 ±0.75 Strongly Agree 2.67 ±1.01 Neutral 4.2 3.1 ±0.962 Neutral 4.24 VD = Verbal Description s = Sample Standard Deviation ±0.75 Strongly Agree ±0.77 Strongly Agree 𝑥 = Sample Mean 23 Table 7. Mann-Whitney U test Results of the Survey for the Permanence of Ink and Texture The table below shows the Mann-Whitney U test results between the formulated paper and commercialized paper. The computed p-value is 0.01208 that resulted with a significant difference at a level of significance of 0.05. This means that there is a significant difference between the formulated paper and commercialized paper, where the commercialized paper is more efficient in terms of permanence of ink and texture. 𝑥 s Formulated 3.1 ±0.962 Paper Commercialized 4.24 ±0.77 Paper Level of significance = 0.05 VD p-value Decision Remarks 0.01208 Reject H0 Significant Neutral Strongly Agree 24 CONCLUSION The researchers were able to conduct the study "The Feasibility of Coconut (Cocous nucifera) with Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Mucilage as an Eco-Paper". The researchers concluded that the formulated and commercialized paper are different in terms of their tensile strength, pliability, permanence of ink and texture, according to the results of each test. While comparing both papers in terms of their tensile strengths, there is no significant difference between the formulated and commercialized paper, as shown in the results of Table 3. t-Test Results of the Tensile Strength Test between the Formulated and Commercialized Paper. The commercialized paper has a mean of 2.84, which is greater than the mean of the formulated paper, which is 2.55, and according to the t-test results, there is no significant difference at p < .05. This explains why there is no significant difference between the formulated and commercialized paper in terms of tensile strength. In terms of their pliability, as shown in the results of the folding resistance test, the commercialized paper has a mean of 5, while the formulated paper has a mean of 3.33. According to the t-test results, there is a significant difference at p < .05 where the commercialized paper is more efficient in terms of pliability. As for their permanence of ink and texture, the survey results show that the respondents are more in favor of the commercialized paper than the formulated paper. According to the results of the U test, there is a significant difference at p < .05 where the commercialized paper is more efficient in terms of permanence of ink and texture. The researchers therefore conclude that there is a significant difference between the formulated paper and commercialized paper in terms of pliability, permanence of ink and texture, 25 where the commercialized paper is more efficient in terms of pliability, permanence of ink and texture. But there is no significant difference between the formulated paper and commercialized paper in terms of tensile strength. Therefore, coconut kernel can be utilized in making paper but may differ in its qualities compared to commercialized papers depending on the qualities that are looked for. Recommendations The researchers recommend that future researcher/s to experiment with other kinds of binders to measure the formulated paper's tensile strength and pliability and to also determine if it is better than a commercialized paper in terms of tensile strength and pliability. Furthermore, the researchers recommend to future researcher/s that they try other formulations and add other variables to the formulation to see if there are any changes in the formulated paper in terms of tensile strength, pliability, permanence of ink and texture; and to also determine if there is a significant difference between the formulated and commercialized paper in terms of tensile strength, pliability, permanence of ink and texture. Additionally, the researchers would also like to recommend to future researcher/s that they try to make the formulated paper thin by either compressing it or through other methods to see if there are any changes in its brittleness and texture. 26 References Britt, K. W. (1999). Papermaking | Process, History, & Facts. In Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/papermaking Chawra, H., Mishra, A., Singh, S. K., Sonawane, G., & Pansare, K. (2021, December 17). Okra Mucilage: Potential Role in Drug Delivery. Suresh Gyan Vihar University. https://www.gyanvihar.org/journals/index.php/2021/12/13/okra-mucilage-potential-rolein-drug-delivery/ Coconut Handbook. (2017, March 13). Composition https://coconuthandbook.tetrapak.com/chapter/composition Davidson, E. A. (2022). Carbohydrate | Definition, Classification, & Examples. In Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/carbohydrate JKws, H. (2015, February 23). EFFICACY OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus) MUCILAGE AS COMPONENT FOR PAPER RECYCLING. Prezi. https://prezi.com/whqlu31io4ml/efficacy-of-okra-abelmoschus-esculentus-mucilage-ascompon/ Mace, R. (2015, September 25). The Impact of Paper Production on the Environment. eFileCabinet. https://www.efilecabinet.com/impact-of-paper-production-environment- paperless-office/. Toner Buzz. (2021, June 3). Facts About Paper: How Paper Affects the Environment. https://www.tonerbuzz.com/facts-about-paper/ Vizzuality [V.]. (n.d.). Philippines Deforestation Rates & Statistics | GFW. Global Forest Watch. Retrieved September 20, 2022, from https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/PHL/?category=forest-change. World Paper Mill. (2019, January 30). What is a Paper? https://worldpapermill.com/what-is-apaper/ 27 APPENDICES E.1 Process of Making the Formulated Paper Raw Materials Used in Making the Formulated Paper Pulping of Recycled Paper 28 Extraction of Okra Mucilage Mixing of Raw Materials Molding of the Formulated Paper 29 Drying of the Formulated Paper Formulated Paper after Drying 30 E.2 Evaluation of the Formulated Paper and Commercialized Paper Tensile Strength Test Folding Resistance Test 31 Survey on the Permanence of Ink and Texture 32 E.3 Sample Survey Questionnaire 33 E.4 ISEF Forms Salvacion A. Adana July 2, 2023 34 Salvacion A. Adana July 2, 2023 35 Salvacion A. Adana July 2, 2023 36 37 38 39 40 41 E.3 Survey Questionnaire Sample 42 M i 43 Drying of Formulated Paper Formulated Paper after Drying 44