PROCESS OF PRODUCING COGON GRASS (Imperata cylindrica) PAPER

Abstract

The present utility model relates to a process of producing handmade cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica) paper intended for commercial applications such as functional lamp manufacturing and other paper-based products. The process comprises boiling clean cut cogon grass with 1 liter of water mixed with about 24 grams of caustic soda flakes for 3 hours until a mushy texture is obtained; straining the boiled cogon grass; rinsing the mushy-textured material with fresh water to remove slimy residues; blending the rinsed cogon grass to produce a fine pulp; bleaching the pulp with 4 grams of chlorine for about 15 minutes; rinsing the bleached pulp to remove excess chlorine; boiling the rinsed pulp with about one liter of water and 4 grams of fast-dye to impart color; rinsing the dyed pulp to remove excess dye; molding the colored pulp with water using a mold and deckle set; pressing the molded pulp onto a clean cloth to remove excess water; sun-drying the molded pulp on a breathable cloth substrate under vertical suspension to achieve uniform moisture removal; and removing the dried cogon grass paper from the cloth.