A Production of a Rope Using Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) Stem Fibers

 
Ryza Dian Frances B. Bercasio
Ezzy Gheanne R. Valeros
Rainster Allain A. Salen
Auxel Victor A. Orcena
Timothy Josh G. Jueves 
Jewel Anne E. Quiozon
Lovely May P. Manza
Cristopher O. Roman 
Ella May C. Estacion
John Paul S. Tarvena
Mark Noel F. Rasco
Chretien P. Auro
Angelica J. Raro
 
 
Vinzons Pilot High School 
Vinzons Camarines Norte
 
2022
 
 
Richard Porton
Research Adviser
 

Table of Contents
  
Title Pagei
 
Table of Contentsii
 
Introduction1
I.Background of the Study1
II.Statement of the Problem5
III.Objectives6
IV.Research Hypotheses7
V.Scope and Delimitations7
VI.Significance of the Study8
 
Methodology9
I.Research Design9
II.Materials10
III.Methods12
IV.Data Collection15
V.Statistical Data and Analysis16
 
Bibliography17
 

2
 
CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
 

I. Background of the Study

 As time is constantly changing, the need for natural material is highly

needed. This study will show how another plant source can be an alternative

material in rope production. We need to have another source of fiber so that

other plant species can develop as other plants that are widely cultivated are

used. We are currently finding another unknown source that is widely

cultivated and also has a sufficient amount of fibers that have the capability of

being a rope.

A. Fibers

Nature provides a wide variety of essential and functional materials,

one of which are plants, that yields high-quality materials. These plants

have one thing in common: fibers. Natural fibers in simple terms are non-

man-made fibers and are cultivated from organic plant materials. Synthetic

fibers, on the contrary, pollute the environment. Thus, natural fibers are

more efficient than synthetic fibers. Natural fibers have traditionally been

used in three categories: apparel, industrial, and household. These natural

fibers are deemed to be strong and resilient; they have greatly elongated

cells that have long tapering ends interlocked, thus providing maximum

support to plants (Sclerenchyma | Description, Types, & Function,

2018). Many useful fibers have been extracted from plant parts such as

fruits, seeds, leaves, and stems.

 Fibers are sustainable and easily found almost everywhere in nature.

It’s low-cost, lightweight, renewable, biodegradable, and has high specific

properties (Thyavihalli Girijappa et al., 2001). Natural fibers are practical

and viable materials because of their longevity and capability of being

recycled. According to Xiang Zhao et al. (2021) the natural fiber reinforced

polymer composite they produced can be recycled approximately 4-6 times

until their thermomechanical properties change. Natural fibers can also be

made like a rope due to their strong and promising characteristics and

properties. Ropes in this modern era are mostly made out of plastic and

such. Researchers from the University of Plymouth's International Marine

Litter Research Unit suggest that maritime ropes could be adding billions of

microplastics every year. These microplastic fragments will be eaten by

marine life and endangering them.

B. Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) plant 

Taro is known by several names, including arbi, dasheen, and eddoe, as

one of the world's oldest cultivated plants. Taro has a lot of fiber and

resistant starch. Taro is also high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which

help to fight against free radical damage and cancer. Dan Brennan, MD

(2020).
 Taro is a root crop found across the humid tropics and is one of the

Pacific's

most important dietary staples. It requires a long growth season with no

frost and enough water. Taro grows up to 1.5 meters tall with huge, light

green, heart-shaped leaves and meaty stems. Taro grows well in both

wetland and dryland environments. It thrives in moderate shade and makes

an outstanding understory plant. It has few flowers and rarely sets

seed. Frances and Jeff M.

C.   Hand Decortication

Historically, hand decortication was done by rural folk whereby the

leaves were pounded, and the pulp was scraped away with a

knife (Ashish Hulle 2015, et al). In this fiber extraction method, a knife or

ceramic plate is used (Asaye Dessie Wolela 2019). This process is carried

out by the preparation of a plate having different shapes (maybe a broken

plate) and a knife. This plate is used for scratching the pineapple leaf on a

flat surface, for extracting fibers. Wash out the fiber by the use of a

clamshell to remove any remaining gummy substances on the fiber surface

and whiten the fiber

soaping (Gemeda Gebino and Nuredin Muhammed nd). Fibers of the

leaf are scraped by means of a ceramic plate or coconut shell. A fast and
 skilled scraper can extract fiber from over 500 leaves per day after which

the fibers are washed and dried in the open air. In this process, a lot of fiber

is lost and the entire process is also very laborious. After drying, the fibers

are waxed to remove the entanglement and the fibers are knotted. During

the knotting process, each fiber is extracted singly from the bunch and

knotted end to end to form a long continuous strand. The fiber is then sent

for warping and weaving (Kazi Md. Hasanul Hoque nd).

Splicing is fundamentally different from draft spinning. In draft

spinning, retted (by partially rotting the stems to separate the fibers) and

generally, well-processed fibers are drawn out from a mass of fluffed up

fibers usually arranged on a distaff and twisted continuously using a rotating

spindle. In splicing, strips of fibers are joined in individually, often after

having been stripped from the plant stalk directly and without or with only

minimal retting (Gleba, M., Harris, S. 2019). 

D. Rope 

A rope is made up of twisted or braided yarns, plies, fibers, or strands

that have been twisted or braided together to produce a larger and stronger

structure. Ropes can be used for dragging and pulling since they have

tensile strength. A rope is thicker and more durable than cable, thread, and

twine of similar construction. A rope is a long, flexible assembly of fibers,

 filaments, or wires compacted by twisting or braiding. Cable is another

name for wire rope. Even when the rope is bent, twisted, and tugged, the

essential condition for service is that it remains securely compressed and

structurally robust. The tensile strength of a rope is its most important

feature.

Humans would not have been able to sail around the world, climb the

highest mountains, or construct monumental structures and skyscrapers

without a rope. It wouldn't be a stretch to suggest that rope paved the way

for civilization. Despite the significant impact rope has had on humanity,

and the usage you've probably gained out of it in your daily life, you're

likely to know relatively little about these mighty practical cords (Brett and

Kate Mckay, 2020).

E. Rope Making 

Ropes were first formed by twisting and braiding plant fiber

lengths, Daniel C. (2017) produced ropes by hand out of natural fibers such

as water reed, date palms, papyrus, and leather. The rope was regularly

manufactured with new natural fibers during the next several thousand

years, and increasingly frequently due to its vast capacities and strong

demand.
 Rope-making tools and machines evolved as well, becoming more

efficient. The original tools for making rope were simple and involved a

significant amount of manual labor, such as twisting rope with a handle.

Although rope twisting hasn't changed much from the beginning,

contemporary machines require very little labor and accomplish the

majority of the work automatically. This has made making rope easier, as

well as testing new materials in the future. Madeline K. (2019)

II. Statement of the Problem

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following research questions:

● Can taro stem fiber be an alternative material for the production of rope in terms of:

a. Rope strength

b. Elasticity

c. Resistance to Water

● Which kind of natural material of the ropes has more effective results:

a. Taro rope 

b. Abaca rope

c. Nylon rope

● Are there significant differences between Taro rope, Hemp rope, and Cotton rope?

III. Objectives
 Specifically, this study aims to:

1. Analyze the capability of the Taro branch fibers to be an alternative material in rope

production in terms of:

a. Rope strength

b. Elasticity

c. Resistant to water 

2. Determine which of the following ropes has a better and more effective result:

a. Taro rope 

b. Hemp rope

c. Nylon rope

3. Evaluate the significant differences between Taro rope, Hemp rope, and Nylon rope.

IV. ResearchHypotheses
● Alternative Hypothesis

- Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) stem fibers can be used as a material in rope production.

- Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) stem fibers have the characteristics of being a rope.
 - There is a significant difference in the properties of the Taro Rope and the different

materials of rope. 

● Null Hypotheses 

- Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) stem fibers cannot be used as a material in rope production.

- Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) stem fibers do not have the characteristics of being a rope.

- There is no significant difference in the properties of the Taro Rope and the different

materials of rope. 

V. Scope and Delimitations

This study focuses on determining if taro fibers are good materials for making

rope. The materials were collected from an area in Camarines Norte. The

researchers separated the taro fibers with the use of scraping and splicing

processes. The researchers chose taro because of its abundance in the

environment. Researchers will test its Strength, Elasticity, and Water Resistance.

This study will be conducted on Vinzons, Camarines Norte with a

limited amount of financial resources and time framework. The respondents of

this study are the students who will conduct this study at Vinzons Pilot High

School (VPHS).

Moreover, this study will be limited to determining the strength

of Lukban branch fiber and the strength of other types of rope. The period of the

study is limited to the time span of the school year. This study is also limited to
 the machines and equipment, this is why researchers chose processes without

many machines and may have a hard time conducting the experiment.

VI. Significance of the Study

This study is focused on a new source of fibers for rope production.

Furthermore, the results of the study will be beneficial to the following:

ENVIRONMENT. Taro is widely grown throughout the South Pacific, Asia,

and Africa. We simply wouldn't be able to just get rid of it. It has been quite

important to us.

COMMUNITY. They will be able to learn about a quick and easy technique

to get fibers from plants and make these fibers into ropes.

STUDENTS. This research can assist them in making productive use of Taro

stems that haven’t been used. Our study shows one of the benefits of Taro that

can help them too.

FUTURE RESEARCHERS. They can gain significance in this study. It may

serve as their guide to gathering information and it may serve them as a

building block to have a bigger study. 

CHAPTER 2
 METHODOLOGY
I. Research Design
The type of research used in the study to ensure the capability of Taro stems

as a rope was both experimental and descriptive using a quantitative approach.

The proponents used a descriptive method of research to observe and

determine the results of different materials of rope in different tests. Moreover,

the descriptive method emphasized the interpretation of gathered data and the

differences between the gathered data. Experimental research was used to

observe the relationship between the variables of Taro Stem through

decortication. The gathered data were compared statistically to determine

whether there were significant differences between different materials of rope.

Researchers will conduct trials in making the rope and testing it. Researchers

will observe numerical calculations gathered on different ropes used in several

trials.

This study will use an experimental research design. The procedures will be

done with 3 replications per item. The types of materials in making rope are

manipulated in different tests. The objects that will be used in the tests are as

follows:

● Taro Rope

● Abaca Rope

● Nylon Rope 
  

II. Materials
 

QUANTITY MATERIALS

20 kg Taro Stem

1  (Diameter – 1 centimeter)(Length – 5 Nylon Rope

meters)

1  (Diameter – 1 centimeter)(Length – 5 Hemp rope

meters)

12 Knives

1 Spinning wheel

1 Rope Making Machine

1 Machete

1 Weighing Scale

3 Trays

1 Timer
 600 kg loads

3 Containers

1 Ruler

13 Data Gathering Sheets

III. Methods
 

A. Preparation of Materials

First, researchers must collect all the needed materials for this study.

The taro stems will be harvested from local gardens of students

in Vinzonsand Daet Camarines Norte. The device and equipment will be

borrowed in Daet Camarines Norte.  

B. Extraction of Fibers Through Mechanical Retting 

 Taro Stem fibers were chosen to be the material for rope production in

this study. The Taro stems are cut into thin layers of sheets. The stems are

washed and dried for 24 hours and undergo hand decortication to extract

fibers from the Taro.

This extraction method is applied by Kazi Md. Hasanul Hoque

(2015). A metal scraper is used to scrape the stem fibers. Researchers will

scrape multiple stems, then wash and dry the fibers in the open air. A lot

of fiber is wasted in this procedure, and it's also highly time-consuming

and tiring. The fibers are waxed to remove tangling and then knotted after

they have dried. Each fiber is taken from the bunch individually and

knotted end to end to produce a long continuous thread during the

knotting process. After that, the fiber is delivered to be warped and

woven. These fibers are collected and stored in a clean and safe container.

C. Rope Making

The fiber will be converted using a spinning wheel into yarns. A

spinning wheel is an early machine for turning fiber into a thread or yarn.

This is done by separating fibers and twisting them to obtain a long

continuous thread.

 
 In rope making, researchers will be using methods in accordance

with H.A McKenna N. (2004). Using a device, a number of yarns or

threads are placed in a straight and horizontal line and twisted together to

form strands. These strands will be twisted again to make a small braid

rope.

D. Strength Test & Elasticity Test

The strength test will find how much the rope can carry. The elasticity

test will measure the force required to stretch rope fibers and their

capability to return to their original length. The measurements of the

ropes that are going to be used in this test are 1 meter.

Researchers need to find a post where the ropes can be hung then we

can hang them facing the ground. Measure the rope and then need to clip

a specific weight of the load to the end of the rope to measure how much

it can carry. Trying different weights must be examined and tested to find

the accurate capacity of the rope and how strong is the rope. Measure the

ropes while being stretched by the loads. After measuring ropes with

loads, we can now unload at measure once more the rope to find their

elasticity. All the data gathered will be recorded and observed.

 
 E. Water Resistant Test 

This test method is relevant to Tom Jones (2011)methods. A sample of

a particular rope is weighed with a weighing scale. Then it will be put in a

container full of water so it can soak. It will be held under weights, for

one hour. The rope is removed from the containers and will be hung in

the air for 5 minutes. It will be weighed again for the comparison of the

before and after soaking. The data will be recorded

F. Observation

Researchers will observe the data, information, results, and other

factors related to the study. These data will be recorded in researcher data

sheets.

IV. Data Collection
  

After the trials are done in different tests, data will be gathered and be listed

For the rope strength

Type of Rope Weight of load  Time

Taro Rope    

Hemp Rope     

Nylon Rope    

  

For Elasticity Test 

Type of Rope Weight of the load  Time  Length of the rope

      Before putting weights During After 

putting weights putting weights

Taro Rope        

Hemp Rope         

Nylon Rope        

  

For the Water-resistant test

Type of rope Weight of the rope

   Before soaking After soaking

Taro Rope    

Hemp Rope    

Nylon rope     

V. Statistical Data and Analysis

This study will use statistics in the analysis and interpretation of the results.

A one-way analysis of variance will be employed to detect significant

differences in different tests between the different materials used as a rope. It

will be performed on Microsoft Excel. 

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