The Feastibility of Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) as an Economical and EnvironmentalFriendly Substitute for Card Board

A Research Study Presented to the Faculty ofStatefields School Inc.National Road, Molino III, Bacoor City, Cavite

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Science 8

By:John Patrick ArceoJohn Karlyle BaseMelliza Jovel CastilloSamantha Erica RuanesLe-ann Grace Servaez8A Churchill

Submitted to:Ms. Diana Alagar

February 2015

ABSTRACT The purpose of this experiment is to test the feasibility of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) if it can be a major ingredient in making cardboard. Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is boiled then, drained after it was drained, the researchers cut it into smaller pieces then later on blended using a blender. After that the researchers added glue then, mixed all the ingredients together until it is totally blended, then afterwards, placed on a 8x12 silk screen for its shape then dried under the sun. It showed positive results and it has a great potential as a major component in making cardboards.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The researchers would like to thank all those who helped in this study, and to the group of students who started this research for additional betterment for science. To the researchers friends and family that never stopped believing in this study and their never ending support. Also to their teachers who guided them so that they can succeed in this study. The last but not the least, to God, who gave them their knowledge, blessings and talents for this study.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page 1Table of Contents 3-4CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study 5 1.2 Statement of the Problem 6 1.3 Hypotheses 6 1.4 Objectives 6 1.5 Scope and Limitations 7 1.6 Significance of the Study 7 1.7 Definition of Terms 7CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 89FRAMEWORK 10CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY 3.1 Collecting Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) 11 3.2 Preparing the bowl, blender, grass, blower, glue and materials for boiling the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) 11 3.3 Measuring each ingredients 11 3.4 Boiling the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) 11 3.5 Making the cardboard mixture 11 3.6 Mixing the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Glue 12 3.7 Putting the mixture onto the silk screen 12 3.8 Finishing the cardboard mixture 12 3.9 Removing the mixture from the silkscreen 12

CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 Table 4.1 Bermuda grass (Cynodondactylon) mixture 13CHAPTER 5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5.1 Summary 14 5.2 Conclusions 14 5.3 Recommendations 15Cited References 16

CHAPTER ITHE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGI. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY The first commercial paperboard box was produced in England in 1817. (Marketing Communications, Volume 6, Issues 7-12, United Business Publications (1981). Reportedly, the oldest known box-making business was formed in Great Britain about 1817.) The Scottish-born Robert Gair invented the pre-cut cardboard or paperboard in 1890 flat pieces manufactured in bulk that folded into boxes. Gairs invention came about as a result of an accident: he was a Brooklyn printer and paper-bag maker during the 1870s, and one day, while he was printing an order of seed bags, a metal ruler normally used to crease bags shifted in position and cut them, and this led to the discovery of corrugated board. Meanwhile, Cynodon dactylon, also known as durva grass, Bermuda grass, dogs tooth grass, bahama grass is a grass that originated in Middle East. (Farsani TM, Etemadi N, Sayed-tabatabaei BE, Talebi M. Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) Using ISSR Markers. Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(1):383-92.) It is called Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) although it is not native to Bermuda. The blades are a grey-green colour and are short, usually 215cm (0.795.91in) long with rough edges. (Walker, Karen; Burrows, Geoff; McMahon, Lynne (2001). Bidgee bush: an identification guide to common native plant species of the south western slopes of New South Wales, Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory: Greening Australia. p.82. ISBN1-875345-61-2. )Retrieved 21 March 2010).Using this two common things we see, the researchers will make an experiment if this Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) can be also used for other purposes. The researchers will invent this because they want to discover something in the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) that can make a big change in our world. Also in this experiment, the researchers might discover other benefits of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) that might not yet been discovered.II. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMThis study aims to make use of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) as the main material used in making cardboards.This study specifically aims to answer the following questions:1. Is Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) suitable in making cardboards?2. What are the benefits we can get from using this cardboard made out of Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon)? 3. How stronger and more effective the cardboard will be than the commercially available one?III. HYPOTHESES1. Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) will be suitable in making cardboards.2. The researchers could lessen the land pollution in the earth and the use of plastic because this cardboard will be a substitute for it.3. It would me more durable than the commercially available cardboards.IV. OBJECTIVES1. To provide people with the opportunity to save the environment.2. To provide students with the knowledge about different uses of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon).3. To develop an environmental friendly cardboard using Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon).

V. SCOPES AND LIMITATIONSThe researchers will only use Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) as the main ingredient in making cardboards, and also, some of the materials that will be used will be the materials which are only available at home. The researchers will create a cardboard manually instead of using any mechanical machines.VI. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY This section will provide brief description on the various significance of the feasibility given; the three categories are Educational, Economic and Scientific. To students, they can use these cardboards for projects and materials for school, for economic, we can use this as substitute for plastic as packaging and packaging is commonly needed in our daily lives and lastly, for Science, we would discover other great uses of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon).VII. DEFENITION OF TERMS1. Feasibility - the state or degree of being easily or conveniently done.2. Bermuda grass a grass originated in Middle East3. Cardboard - A material similar to thick, stiff paper, that is made of pressed paper pulp or pasted sheets of paper. It is used for making cartons and signs.4. Cellulose pulp - A complex carbohydrate, (C6H10O5)n, that is composed of glucose units, forms the main constituent of the cell wall in most plants, and is important in the manufacture of numerous products, such as paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.

CHAPTER 2REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon), is one of the most common grass we can see in our surroundings. It is a warm-season grass native to southeast Africa, is widely grown in the southeastern United States and is gaining popularity in southern Missouri. The grass was introduced from Africa originally in 1751 and has spread throughout many countries.( 2.0 2.1 2.2 D. W. Cudney, Botany/Plant Sciences emeritus, UC Riverside; C. L. Elmore, Veg Crops/Weed Science emeritus, UC Davis, C. E. Bell, UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego Co. Bermudagrass. Revised 5/07). It is a deep-rooted, sod-forming grass that spreads by means of stolons and rhizomes and grows to a height of 15 to 24 inches. (Tom Hansen and Rick Mammen, MU Extension, Richard Crawford and Matt Massie, Southwest Missouri Center, Greg Bishop-Hurley and Robert Kallenbach, Department of Agronomy). A variable perennial, creeping by means of stolons and rhizomes, eight to 40 culms, (rarely) to 90 cm high: leaves hairy or glabrous, three to seven spikes (rarely two), usually 3-6 cm long and in one whorl, or in robust forms up to ten spikes, sometimes in two whorls: spikelets 2-3 mm long, rachilla often bearing a reduced floret (Chippendall, 1955). It differs from Digitaria scalarum (African couch) in the vegetative stage in that there is no obvious membranous ligule where the leaf-blade joins the sheath (Ivens, 1967).It has many uses like for golf, interspecific hybrids with C. transvaalensis are the most popular turfgrasses for golf courses, sports turfs, as well as for lawns and roadsides throughout the South (Turgeon 1996). It is a warm season turf grass and is best planted in spring to late spring or early summer. Plant Bermuda grass seeds when soil temperatures are consistently above 65 F (18C) -- this soil temperature is reached when daytime air temperatures are 80 or higher. The optimum soil temperature for germination and root growth of Bermudagrass is 75 to 80F (24 to 27 C) - Higher temps are acceptable provided moisture is maintained. Its Kingdom: Plantae Plants, Subkingdom : Tracheobionta Vascular plants, Superdivision: Spermatophyta Seed plants, Division: Magnoliophyta Flowering plants, Class: LiliopsidaMonocotyledons,: Subclass: Commelinidae, Order: Cyperales, Family: Poaceae/ Gramineae Grass family, Genus : Cynodon Rich. Bermudagrass, Species: Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Bermudagrass. In this experiment, the researches would use this very useful grass in making cardboards. The major step in making this experiment is to make cardboard out of the Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon). We will first boil the grass, because it needs to be softer so that it will be easily blended, then, we will blend it in the blender, so that it can be easily formed in a silkscreen, to form a rectangle shape. But, to explore more, we will make experiments in the materials, like the mixture A would have lesser water then for mixture B, normal amount of water and for mixture C, with high amount of water, for us to see what kind of mixture can make a better quality for cardboard. We would do it so that we could investigate and explore more, so that we can improve the quality of the cardboard that we would make. Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) spreads quickly so it means it is common in our surroundings, this characteristic makes the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) the right one to use in this experiment. It can stand severe fires due to the extensive rhizome development in most varieties and cultivars and it, this characteristic helps in the quality of the cardboard. Most of the Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) types are non-toxic but an occasional case of HCN poisoning may occur. In the United States, frosted Bermuda grass can cause photosensitization. Kidder, Beardsley and Erwin (1961) and Ndyanabo (1974) recorded 1.10 percent total oxalic acid in the dry matter but no toxicity, this means that most of the Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) is safe to use.

CHAPTER 3METHODOLOGY

Collecting Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon)FRAMEWORK

Removing the mixture from the silkscreenFinishing the paper mixturePutting the mixture onto the silk screenMixing the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) & glueMaking the cardboard mixtureBoiling the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon)Measuring each ingredientsPreparing the bowl, blender, blower, grass, glue and materials for boiling the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon)

CHAPTER 3METHODOLOGY3.1 Collecting Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) The researchers collected Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) in parks, garden. In order to identify a Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), it looks like hairy leaves or glabrous, consists of three to seven spikes, sometimes in 2 whorls; spikelet 2-3 mm long. The researchers collected Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) that is not easily/not withered. 3.2 Preparing the bowl, blender, grass, blower, glue and materials for boiling the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) The researchers prepared a medium- sized bowl, two large Elmers glue, blender, spatula or spoon, strainer, boiler, water (for boiling), silk screen (short bond paper size) and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon).3.3 Measuring each ingredients The researchers measured half a liter of water, 2 large Elmers glue and enough amount of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon). Then they cut the grass into smaller bits.3.4 Boiling the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) The researchers boiled half a liter of water in the boiler for 3-5 minutes, then added the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) onto the boiling water for another 5 minutes. These process with cleanse the grass. The researchers mixed the grass and the water while the water is boiling. 3.5 Making the cardboard mixture The researchers drained the boiled Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) until the water is completely drained. They set aside the boiled Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) onto a bowl and blend it using the blender, then added some small amount of water so that the blending would be easier. After the researchers blend it, they drained the excess water. They let it dry using a blower. Then, the researchers placed the mixture in a separate bowl to be prepared to add the glue.3.6 Mixing the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Glue The researchers combined altogether the boiled Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) onto the bowl then poured the glue in the bowl. They continued adding the glue until the mixture is soft, then they mixed thoroughly until perfectly combined and corporated in which their substance mixed together. The more concentrated it would be, the stronger it would be. 3.7 Putting the mixture onto the silk screen The researchers placed the mixture (Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) with glue) and then flatten it onto the silkscreen. The researchers decided on the thickness of a cardboard. They ensured that there is no space or holes so that it would be stronger. 3.8 Finishing the cardboard mixture The researchers let the mixture on the silkscreen dry under the sun and they had the choice to use the blower and wait for it to be totally dried and hard. They made sure that it is fully dried so that the quality would be better.3.9 Removing the mixture from the silkscreen The researchers removed the paper from the silkscreen carefully, and they made sure that it is completely dried, so that it will be easier for them to be removed from the silkscreen. After they removed it, then the cardboard made out of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is done.

CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONBERMUDA GRASSTIME OF BOILINGTIME OF BLENDINGAMOUNT OF GLUE

Bermuda Grass(Cynodondactylon)15 minutes7 minutes170 grams

Bermuda Grass(Cynodondactylon)210 minutes5 minutes105 grams

Bermuda Grass (Cynodondactylon)315 minutes4 minutes105 grams

(Table 4.1 Bermuda grass (Cynodondactylon) mixture) The researchers obtained these data during their experiment. The constant variable here is the amount of water which is 56 ounces, and the amount of Bermuda grass (Cynodondactylon). In their experiment, they observed that the more time you boil the Bermuda grass (Cynodondactylon), the easier for it to be blended and it takes less time. Also if the Bermuda grass (Cynodondactylon) is more fined, the less glue it is needed to be used in order to make the cardboard mixture. The researchers also noticed that once the Bermuda grass (Cynodondactylon )has been boiled, it makes the water turn into green. After measuring the different materials, and they already had the finished product, the researchers observed that the time for it to dry depends on how thick the cardboard is. It appears to be green like the color of the Bermuda grass (Cynodondactylon), so they added food color to make it better in appearance. The food color is not required, but it can make your output better in appearance and to make it more colorful.

CHAPTER 5SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS5.1 Summary The researchers started this experiment last 2014. They came out of a product already. Here are some of our conclusions and recommendations. The researchers concluded that the more boiled the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), the easier for it to be blended. Also, the more blended it is, the more compact the cardboard mixture is and also the brand of the glue is also important. The better brand of glue you have, the better the result is. After all this, the thickness and amount of the cardboard mixture is also important. The thicker it is, the longer the drying time and also it depends on how you will dry it, if using the sunlight or you will use blower. The longer time it will dry, the stronger your cardboard will be. 5.2 Conclusions The researchers therefore conclude that Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) can be an ingredient in making cardboards. In the experiment, the researchers observed the pulp of the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a bit strong, also the researchers chose this plant because it can be seen anywhere. The cardboard is not as readily available not like the commercially available one. But in this experiment, the researchers discovered the potential of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) as the main ingredient in making cardboards. Since the only used their bare hands to make this and also using simple machines, the output it not that stable as the commercially available one, because it really depends on how you will make it.

5.3 Recommendations The following recommendations were drawn based on the results and conclusions of the study. 1. The Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) should be not withered. The greener it is, the better.2. Cut the Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) into smaller pieces after boiling. It makes the blending procedure easier. 3. Blend it thoroughly. Not too much, just enough. Because if it is not too blended, it is harder to mold if making the cardboard mixture.4. Longer time in drying, better results

CITED REFERENCES D. W. Cudney, Botany/Plant Sciences emeritus, UC Riverside; C. L. Elmore, Veg Crops/Weed Science emeritus, UC Davis, C. E. Bell, UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego Co. Bermudagrass. Revised 5/07Tom Hansen and Rick Mammen, MU Extension, Richard Crawford and Matt Massie, Southwest Missouri Center, Greg Bishop-Hurley and Robert Kallenbach, Department of AgronomyFarsani TM, Etemadi N, Sayed-tabatabaei BE, Talebi M. Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) Using ISSR Markers. Int J Mol Sci. 2012;13(1):383-92.Walker, Karen; Burrows, Geoff; McMahon, Lynne (2001).Bidgee bush: an identification guide to common native plant species of the south western slopes of New South Wales.Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory:Greening Australia. p.82.ISBN1-875345-61-2. Retrieved21 March2010.Marketing Communications, Volume 6, Issues 7-12, United Business Publications (1981). Reportedly, the oldest known box-making business was formed in Great Britain about 1817.Farsani TM, Etemadi N, Sayed-tabatabaei BE, Talebi M. Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon Walker, Karen; Burrows, Geoff; McMahon, Lynne (2001). Bidgee bush: an identification guide to common native plant species of the south western slopes of New South Wales, Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory: Greening Australia. p.82. ISBN1-875345-61-2. )Retrieved 21 March 20103