Development of product from wasted peel of taro stem for taro producer group in ban mo district, saraburi province to promote community economy

Abstract

This research aims to produce paper and strands from taro fiber in order to develop into craft products and to transfer the body of knowledge and technology to community. The research consisted of 5 main steps: 1) development of paper – study concentration level of sodium hydroxide, duration of pulp boiling, suitable condition for breaching and softening, reactive dyeing, paper setting, and physical testing of paper; 2) development of strand – stranding with machine, strand spinning, fiber combining and carding, drawing, reducing size of fiber, and yarn spinning; 3) fiber property testing – cross-sectional test, length, crimp, and fiber fineness; 4) product development – making, evaluating, and improving draft models of rubber-coated artificial flowers, hanging clocks, multipurpose boxes, and product prototype development; and 5) transfer of technology to members of Talad Noi Agricultural Community Enterprise, as well as nearby communities in Ban Moh district, Saraburi province. Results of the study showed that the most suitable condition in separating fiber was boiling in 15 grams-per-liter sodium hydroxide solution at 100 Degree Celcius for 1 hour. Then, breach with 9 grams-per-liter hydrogen peroxide solution at 100 Degree Celcius for 20 minutes. Next, soften the fiber with 6 grams-per-liter anion softener at 60 Degree Celcius for 20 minutes. The, use the fiber to set 40x40 centimeter piece of paper by spreading 20 grams of fiber equally. The resulting 0.237mg thick piece of paper was fairly resistance to piercing pressure and tearing force, and was suitable to make craft products. In addition, development of strands by yarn spinning method was suitable to produce strands which had more strength than strands from other plants. The strands were also suitable for further industrial production. The prototypes of utility and furnishing products were evaluated by consumers as highly suitable in 3 aspects - uniqueness of local product, attractive design, and size, shape and weight – with mean values of 3.72, 3.96, and 3.94, respectively. Price was evaluated as averagely suitable at a mean value of 3.12. Results of technology transfer showed that, overall, trainees were highly satisfied with the technology transfer process at a mean value of 4.55. Assessment of satisfaction and data for course improvement were both in the highest level, with mean values of 4.60 and 4.51, respectively.