Development of Sustainable Paper, Drinking Straw and Plate Using Zea mays Husk

Maize is a crop cultivated worldwide due to its high demand. It has been used to generate natural cellulosic fibers for the textile industry; its starch is used in preparing soups, sauces, gravies, and custards. The corn husks are often discarded or utilized to make crafts and cigarette packs. The present study focuses on extracting cellulose from the Zea mays (corn) husk by exploring different chemical methods to prepare papers and starch was also extracted from Manihot esculenta. The cellulose and starch obtained were analyzed for their Purity using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Cellulose extracted from different methods was used to prepare paper using the screen mesh and to make a straw. Binding agents such as Starch, Agar, gelatin, Polyethylene glycol (PEG), and Sorbitol are added to the cellulose in the synthesis of bioplastics. The bioplastics were analysed for their water absorption capacity, Tensile strength and biodegradation using microorganisms. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the impact of various materials on the hardness, expansion rate of paper, straw and to improve paper strength and durability. The results reveal that agar can be used in preparing the bioplastic along with cellulose. Corn husk, most promising agricultural wastes to make sustainable and eco-friendly products like Paper and straws and plates, which reduce environmental pollution, are biodegradable and compostable.