1.

MASS PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF THE PORTABLE ENGINE-

POWERED ABACA SPINDLE STRIPPING MACHINE
Feliciano G. Sinon. National Abaca Research Center, Leyte State University, Visca, Baybay
City, Leyte, 6521-A, no year

ABSTRACT

Selected Abaca Research: Cultural Mgt. & Marketing Practices, 1980

2. THE MARKETING OF ABACA FIBER IN BICOL REGION

R.L. Nasol, D.A. Geuvara, C.F. Habito, E.V. Awitan, R. Panopio, A.T. Espela, and H.T. Diokno.
Pp69-92

ABSTRACT

A total of 151 abaca buyers engaged in the marketing of abaca were interviewed to
determine the marketing practices involved, to find out the marketing cost and margins and to
determine the marketing channels through which abaca fiber pass through. During the period of
study 147,699 kg of abaca fiber were produced, 44,058 kg in an all-in basis at an average price
of P3.00; normal grade, 98,196 kg; residual grade, 3,900 kg and wide strip 1,475 kg at an
average price of P3.06, P0.92 and P0.57 respectively. All buyers disposed their abaca fiber
through the middlemen. Disposal of products was done through delivery, picked-up and FOB in
case where ships is the only means of transport for delivery. The significant problems confronted
by buyers was the sudden price fluctuation and price being controlled by the exporter.

3. THE MARKETING OF ABACA FIBER DAVAO DEL NORTE

R.L. Nasol, E.P. Mariano, J.B. Williams, E.V. Awitan, R.O. Panopio, A.T. Espela and H.T.
Diokno. Pp93-106

ABSTRACT

The marketing channels of abaca are the route through which products flow from the
producers through intermediate to end-users. In Davao del Norte, the middlemen who link the
producers to the end users are the assembler-wholesaler, wholesaler reporters and wholesalers.
The wholesalers had the highest return from marketing, ₱47.28/100 kilos; followed by
assembler-wholesaler, ₱30.80/100 kilos and the lowest to exporters, making ₱12.74/100 kilos.
While wholesalers made the most as a result mainly of low cost and high gross margin, they also
handled the lowest volume of abaca fiber. On the other hand, the exporters had the lowest net
return as a result of relatively high investment and operating cost coupled with low gross margin.
The marketing problems confronting the middlemen were poor quality of fiber produced by
farmers, lack of marketing association that could deal directly to exporters, lack of effective price
information and lack of sufficient knowledge in grading fiber in accordance to the standard grade
followed in the grading establishment.
4. ABACA MARKETING STRUCTURE AND MARGINS: FARM LEVEL PHILIPPINES
Bureau of Agricultural Economics, pp107-141

ABSTRACT

The study covered 1,201 abaca farms from the seven abaca producing regions with a total
farm area of 6.004 hectares and an average farm size of 1.9 hectares. Fibers produced for the 13-
month period of study was recorded at 824, 409 kilos averaging 63,416 kilos monthly. Of the
volume harvested, only 51.3 percent were sold either by the farmer’s direct trading (delivery to
the buyers’ place) or picked up by buyers at farmers’ place. Standardized baling and grading
practices were not observed at the farm level and thus 94.2 percent of fibers traded were mostly
unclassified. Fiber pricing was based on several determinants such as color, variety and
cleanliness of the fiber. Marketing functions performed by the farmers were mostly confined to
selling. Financing was one of the deterrents to effective productive and marketing among the
abaca farmers.

5. ABACA MARKETING STRUCTURE AND MARGINS STRIPPER LEVEL.

PHILIPPINES
Bureau of Agricultural Economics, pp142-181

ABSTRACT

Majority (93%) of the 461 stripper-respondents were farm strippers. The rest were
custom strippers. The rest were custom strippers. Over a week’s time total man-hours rendered
by custom strippers were shorter than the farmer stripped but the former showed higher average
output than the latter. Cash and in kind payments are almost equally practiced. Custom strippers
received higher wages than farm strippers, the former averaging ₱9.63/day while the latter,
₱8.46. The popular outlets of the stripper-sellers were the barrio and town traders. Fibers are
either delivered (94%) or picked-up (5%). Buyers’ price remained dominant and ranged from
₱1.01 to ₱1.92 per kilo. With regards to gross revenue, farm stripper paid in kind and in cash
averaged ₱87.47 and ₱23.30, respectively. Custom strippers, on the other hand who were
compensated in kind received an average gross revenue of ₱424.44 while those who were paid in
cash grossed an average of only ₱50.11.

6. ABACA MARKETING STRUCTURE AND MARGINS TRADEL LEVEL-PHASE I.

PHILIPPINES
Bureau of Agricultural Economics. Pp182-214

ABSTRACT

This study covered 384 throughout the Philippines; 46.1 percent were barrio traders, 39.1
percent were town traders, 7.3 percent were provincial traders, 5.9 percent were regional traders,
and 1.6 percent were agents and broker. Majority of the traders were buying fibers on a regular
weekly basis from regular suppliers. Fibers sold in unsorted form was found prevalent at lower
trading level. Gross margins in trading of unsorted fibers were found to be directly proportional
to the level of trading. They ranged from an average of ₱0.17 per kilo for the barrio traders to
₱0.83 per kilo for the regional traders. Survey findings pointed out the oligopolistic structure of
abaca market in the Philippines. It was also found out that the cooperative membership among
abaca traders in the country was generally poor.

7. REJUVENATION OF OLD/NEGLECTED ABACA PLANTATION

C.D. Carcallas and R.M. Santiago. Department of Horticulture, Visayas State College of
Agriculture, Terminal Report, 1986.

ABSTRACT

At 18 mo old, the sample plants did not vary significantly in terms of middle and top
stalk circumference, number of plants per plot and number of suckers per hill. Significant
variations were observed with respect to plant height and base stalk circumference. Plants in T1
and T2 were comparable in height and both were taller than those in T3. On the other hand, base
stalk circumference in T2 and T3 were similar but both were inferior to those in T1.

Fiber yield components of the sample plants did not vary among treatments but the
highest total fiber yield was obtained in T1 and the lowest, in T3. T3 had a lower pest incidence
than T1 and T2 and the corm weevil count appeared to have a direct relationship with rainfall. All
the treatments had a negative income.

Book of Abstracts Regional RDE Symposium, July 2009

8. THE POTENTIAL OF TWINING COIR AND WASTE ABACA FIBER USING NARC
TWINING MACHINE
Feliciano G. Sinon and Alberto C. Martinez. National Abaca Research Center, Visayas State
College of Agriculture,

Twisting and twining machines for abaca fiber yarn and twine production was developed
and fabricated at the National Abaca Research Center to ease the traditional twine production.
However, due to the increasing cost of raw fiber material, twine production was only profitable
at fiber cost of not more than 25 php/kilogram. Thus, the potential of using other natural fibers
which are cheap and abundant in the locality such as coir and waste abaca fiber was evaluated.

Coir fiber from coconut husk was used as raw material in twine production using the
NARC developed coir twining machine. Technical performance of the machine was evaluated in
the laboratory. After some modifications, the coir twining machine was brought to Javier, Leyte
and Matalom, Southern Leyte for pilot testing. Positive response was received from different
operators. However, profitability evaluation comparing the manual and machine coir twine
production yielded a negative net income of -249 and -208 php/day respectively. This is
basically due to the low buying price of coir twine at 0.12 php/m.
 Waste and low cost abaca fiber were also used in the production of twine using the
NARC twining machine. The physical properties of the different abaca fiber types were
evaluated. In terms of cleanness and whiteness of yarn and twine, both TOW and Waste fibers
got lower ratings since both yarn and twine products are darker in color. These twines have also
more protruding fiber tips. Furthermore, TOW twine had lower strength rating since Waste, M1
and S3 were more or less in the same strength level, although the waste fiber has high variation
in strength which ranges from 90 to 190 kg breaking load. For typing fiber bales and other
purposes which requires strength of not more than 80 kg the Waste fiber is suitable.
Economically, Waste and M1 fibers have shown higher potential. The high twisting
recovery of M1 fiber has reduced its production cost while the zero cost of Waste fiber makes it
more economical for twine production, even though it only has 50% twisting recovery.

Generally, Waste and M1 fibers showed high potential as raw materials in the production
of twines for applications which does not require whiteness and cleanness such as tying bales
and packages.

9. REENGINEERING THE ABACA SPINDLE STRIPPING MACHINE

Feliciano G. Sinon1 and Roberto c. Guarte2. 1Project leader, “Development and Dissemination
of Portable Abaca Stripping Machine”, National Abaca Research Center, VSU, Baybay, Leyte.
2
Program coordinator on abaca processing, “Utilization of Abaca Fiber in the Automotive
Industry”-PPP Abaca Project in the Phil, VSU, Baybay, Leyte.

ABSTRACT

Automotive manufacturers in Europe considered abaca fiber as potential material to

replace glass fiber in the production of composites for the interior and exterior of car’s body.
However, 80% of the abaca fiber produced in the Philippines is still done by hand stripping
method. This fiber is of low quality (contains many impurities not suitable for composite
manufacturing) and the process of stripping is tedious and very slow. Existing machines produce
high quality fiber but the machines are expensive, fixed and uneconomical to use. The raw
materials (contain 10% fiber only) have to be transported from the farm (scattered at an average
distances of 2 km) to the stripping center. Thus, only few farmers adopted machine stripping in
fiber production. It was therefore the main object of this research to develop a portable and
economical abaca stripping machine.

Farmers in the abaca producing municipalities in Leyte and Samar were assessed as to
their farming conditions and stripping needs. The existing stripping machines were also
evaluated as to the design aspect, operational mechanism, costs, and production system. Torque
requirement in abaca stripping was also evaluated at optimum tuxy feeding using a torque meter
attached at the spindle shaft of the fixed-type machine.

A portable stripping machine was developed. Its power source and sizes of shaft and
blade fram were determined based on stripping torque requirement of 160 N-m and spindle speed
of 400 RPM. The machine weighed a total of 93kg including the 2.6 kW engine. Portability and
high machine efficiency were achieved using high flywheel speed computed through the kinetic
energy equation. A total pulling torque of 27358 N-m was obtained by the portable machine as
compared to only 22000 N-m in the fixed model.

Field evaluation study showed that the machine could be brought to the farm manually by
three persons or drawn in a sled by a carabao. It produced 100kg of fine, strong, and
homogenous fiber per day with 5 liters of gasoline fuel.

10. DEVELOPMENT OF TWISTING AND TWINING MACHINES FOR ABACA

TWINE PRODUCTION
Feliciano G. Sinon and Alberto C. Martinez Jr. National Abaca Research Center, Visayas State
College of Agriculture, 2008, Terminal Report Phase 1.

ABSTRACT

Abaca twine production has been a traditional source of income in Bicol, Leyte and in
other abaca producing areas of the country. However, the existing method of producing twines is
slow, tedious and backbreaking. The process requires twisting the raw fiber into yarn by rubbing
them between the palms and the legs or by using a spinning wheel which requires skill to
operate. Two or more yarns are then twisted together into twine or small rope using simple
devices operated by at least three persons.

A fiber-twisting machine was developed at the National Abaca Research Center (NARC),
VSU for village-level application. The machine can twist different classifications of abaca fiber
into yarn and automatically spool and arranged them in the reel. Different sizes of twisted yarn
ranging from 1/8”Ø to ½”Ø was produced by the machine by changing the gear combinations of
the pulling and twisting mechanism. Using abaca fiber (17 serrations), evaluation results showed
that the machine has twisting capacity of 360m/hr.

Some modifications were done on the machine to produce twisted yarn from abaca
bacbac materials (dried outer leafsheath of abaca stalk which is an excellent material for
handicraft and furniture making). Comparative evaluation of the twisting machine (after the
modification) with the traditional twisting wheel using bacbac materials showed that the machine
has higher output capacity than the traditional at 216 m/hr and 167 m/hr respectively. It has also
higher efficiency at 74% than the traditional technique at 72% even though the operators who
operated the machine were experts in the traditional wheel twisting which signifies that if they
have used the machine for longer period, their efficiency could have been much higher.
11. MECHANIZATION OF THE VILLAGE-LEVEL HANDMADE PAPER-MAKING
Feliciano G. Sinon, Richard L. Balaresia and Sherwin L. Ludevese. National Abaca Research
Center, Visayas State College of Agriculture, 2008, Terminal Report.

ABSTRACT

Handmade paper-making involves the following basic steps: cutting the fiber, cooking,
pulping, sheet forming, couching, pressing, and drying. The manual method of sheet forming
makes the handmade paper unique and distinguishable from the large-scale mechanized process.
Thus, mechanization of handmade paper-making focused on pulping, water removal and drying.

The National Abaca Research Center (NARC) has designed and fabricated an abaca
pulper, paper dryer, and heated roller, modified a wet and dry vacuum cleaner as excess water
expeller; and adapted a household electric blender for complete disintegration of cellulose fiber.

The initial model of the village-level pulper has a liquid capacity of only 60 liters and
powered by a 2 Hp single-phase electric motor. Evaluation of the machine showed a pulping
capacity of only 0.5 kg pulp per hour. Another prototype was designed and fabricated using
impact principle of disintegrating the fiber into pulp. The new prototype pulper has a liquid
capacity of 200 kg and pulping capacity of about 3 times more than the previous model. Relative
efficiency of the improved pulper was about 77% as compared to the previous one. A handmade
paper dryer was fabricated using ½ “G.I. pipe as burner and gauge # 16 GI sheet as the drying
surface. The dryer utilizes LPG fuel to heat the drying surface. Evaluation showed that 40 sheets
of letter sized handmade paper can be dried simultaneously on the dryer. Another two models for
paper dryer using different sources of heat such as: electricity and steam was also tested. These
have almost similar drying performance with the dryer fueled with LPG.

Comparative drying of handmade papers using sun drying technique and the developed
dryer showed significant differences in terms of drying time, percent moisture removed.

12. DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-STRANDED YARNING MACHINE FOR ABACA

FIBER
Feliciano G. Sinon and Macuin F. Delantar. National Abaca Research Center, Visayas State
College of Agriculture, 2005, Terminal Report.

ABSTRACT

A multi-stranded yarning machine was developed at NARC, LSU, Baybay, Leyte to fill-
in the need of the fiber-craft industry. The machine can produce 2 continuous yarns
simultaneously with lengths of 1.2 kilometer by wrapping around the abaca fiber with polyester
yarn. The yarn produced is also automatically arranged in the spool while a timing device
automatically locks up when the yarn reached 1.2 kilometer long. Mechanisms of the machine
were improved to allow easy joining of the binder in case it breaks during the operation.
 Evaluation showed that an unskilled operator produced yarn at the rate of 380-430 m/hr
at an efficiency of 80-95%. The quality of yarn from the machine was not significantly different
with the yarn of the traditional method.

A nicely woven product comparable to “sinamay” was produced from the multi-stranded
yarn at the Matalom Abaca-Based Integrated Project (MABIP), Matalom, Southern Leyte.

Comparative cost and return analysis showed that the machine has daily net income of
P193, payback period of 0.88 year and a return on investment of 114% while, manual tinagak
production has negative net income since one person can produce 1 kilo of yarn in 1 week time.

The Philippine Journal of Crop Science Vol 29 Supplement no1 March 2004
13. DEVELOPMENT OF A VILLAGE-LEVEL FIBER TWISTING MACHINE
Feliciano G. Sinon and Alberto C. Martinez,Jr. National Abaca Research Center, Visayas State
College of Agriculture, 2005, Terminal Report.

ABSTRACT

A village-level twisting machine was designed and fabricated at the National Abaca
Research Center-LSU using locally available and adapted spare parts. Results of the evaluation
showed that the machine can produce twisted yarns at different sizes ranging from 1/8ӯ to 1/2
“Ø. Performance evaluation revealed twisting capacities of 360m/hr and 220m/hr using abaca
fiber and bacbac, respectively. Acceptability evaluation of the produced bacbac yarn showed no
significant difference with the commercially available (manually processed) yarn. The cost and
return analysis showed that the machine has a payback period and ROI of 0.73 years and 138%,
respectively. Using bacbac material, the machine has a payback period and ROI of 0.52 year and
192% respectively.

NARC has also improved a manually operated Korean made rope making machine using
rice straw as raw material. Improvement was introduced by 1) changing the pedal with an
electric-driven power source and 2) by integrating an automatic feeding system for twisted yarn
material. The machine produced 2 or 3-filament abaca twines ranging from ¼”Ø to ½”Ø by
changing its gear combinations. Performance evaluation on the twining capacity and operators’
efficiency showed that the twining machine is significantly better than the traditional method.
While the traditional method requires four persons, only one person is needed in the machine just
to set the spooled yarn. The efficiency of the machine was higher since the machine can run
automatically and continuously with no operator needed to feed the yarn. Setting the yarn is done
only once in about 2,000 meters of twine produced.

Acceptability evaluation of bacbac twines revealed highly significant differences between

the two types of twine in terms of cleanness, uniformity and degree of twist, and general
acceptability. The machine twine had higher acceptability rating of 8.63 compared with 7.7 for
the manually produced twine. Cost and return analysis of operating the twining machine using
bacbac-yarn material showed a net income and payback period of P393/day and 0.51 yr,
respectively. Using abaca fiber-yarn, the machine has a net income and payback period of
P192/day and 1.17 year, respectively.

Abstracts of Paper in 15th ViCARP-RRDEN, 2003

14. COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE DIFFERENT ABACA
STRIPPING MACHINES IN REGION VIII
Veronica L. Reoma, Nestor O. Morales and Vivencio A. Pelesco. Southern Leyte State College of
Science and Technology, Sogod Southern Leyte,

ABSTRACT

Six portable and one non-portable (traditional) stripping machines were evaluated to
determine their capacity and efficiency in terms of the fibers produced per unit time, quality of
fibers in terms of texture, color and fiber length and fresh fiber moisture content. The study also
attempted to identify the portable abaca stripping machine/s preferred by the abaca farmers and
stakeholders

Among all portable stripping machines, the Catalo design is the most preferred by the
abaca farmer evaluators in the pair-wise evaluation.

In terms of the quality of the fiber output of the different stripping machines, the abaca
farmer evaluators agreed to rank SLSCST machine the best to produce quality fibers followed
closely by Visca and traditional machines.

Across all stripping machines, the traditional machine has the highest capacity of fiber
produced per unit time. Among the portable types however, Visca machines has the highest
average output followed by Catalo and Marte designs.

On the cost of fuel in a given quantity of fiber produced, among all machines, the
traditional machine has the lowest fuel cost but across all portable types, Catalo design has the
lowest followed by the Marte design. SLSCST machine on the other hand, had the highest cost
of fuel used per kg dried fiber produced.

Income-wise, all diesel engine-driven machines registered positive net incomes and
investment returns with the traditional machine having the highest in both. On the other hand, all
gasoline engine-driven machines gave negative net incomes due to high fuel costs which
correspondingly obtained negative investment returns.

Based on the above findings it is recommended that the gasoline engine driven-stripping
machines be driven by diesel engines or any other power source to make them more fuel cost
efficient.

Considering the result of the farmers’ technology evaluation and researchers’ technical
evaluation, diesel engine driven machines as recommended for the following reasons: (a)
machine’s features which includes safety mechanisms, fiber output and quality and over-all
maneuverability are much acceptable by the farmer-evaluators, and (b) economy-wise, these
machines registered positive income and investment return.

15. DEVELOPMENT OF A PORTABLE ENGINE-POWERED ABACA SPINDLE

STRIPPING MACHINE
Feliciano G. Sinon. National Abaca Research Center, Leyte State University, Visca, Baybay,
Leyte 6521-A, 2000

ABSTRACT

The existing spindle stripping machines in abaca-producing towns of Leyte and Samar
were assessed as to the design aspect, materials and method of construction, stripping techniques,
common features and others. Assessment studies were also conducted on the factors affecting the
spindle stripping process. A portable engine-powered spindle stripping machine was designed,
developed and fabricated based on the results of the assessment studies and from locally
available materials. The total weight of the machine is 175kg (excluding engine) and can be
dismantled into 4 main components. It can be carried anywhere by a pick-up or by a sled. It costs
about P 65,000.00 (including the 7.2 Hp gasoline engine). It has an output capacity of 80-120 kg
of dried fibers per day depending on the skill of the operator. Cost and return analysis comparing
the operation of the existing and the portable stripping machines revealed that the portable
machine reached a payback period earlier (2.84 years) than the existing one (3.52 yrs).

The first model of the portable stripping machine was made of lumber materials,
however, due to several factors such as durability, transportability and the difficulty to repair, a
new model of the portable stripping machine was developed. The new prototype was fabricated
using steel materials which can be dismantled into four different components in 15 minutes and
can be assembled back in less than 30 minutes. The acceptability of the machines was improved
as proven from the number of units fabricated (more than 60 units of the machine prototypes
have been fabricated since 1996 up to the present time) based from orders of private owners,
family entrepreneurs, cooperative and government units from different parts of Leyte, Samar,
Panay Island, Bicol and in some areas in Mindanao.

16. FIBER QUALITY AND RECOVERY OF THREE ABACA VARIETIES AS

AFFECTED BY TUXY GROUP AND SETTING POSITION IN SPINDLE STRIPPING
Andres L. Alemania, R.M. Santiago and N.M. Gloria. Department of Agronomy and Soil Science,
Visayas State College of Agriculture, VISCA, Baybay Leyte, Philippines. Annals of Tropical
Research Vol 4 No 2, 1982. pp 127-135.

ABSTRACT

Three abaca varieties (Linawaan, Inosa and Laylay) were evaluated for fiber quality and
recovery. Except for stretch percentage, Linawaan variety showed the highest recovery and
tensile strength, and the heaviest tuxies and dry fiber recovered per stalk. However, Laylay
variety produced more fiber of higher grade than the others. The outer group of leafsheaths
produced stronger fibers than the middle and inner groups, In that order. Middle, Inner and outer
groups ranked first, second and third, respectively, in weight of dry fiber per 15 stalks and
average weight of tuxies stripped in 5 min. The downward position with the tips of tuxies
stripped first produced the highest weight of dry fiber per 15 stalks, while the downward position
with butts stripped first appeared to have better quality fiber compared to the rest of the
treatments. No significant interaction between group of leafsheaths and different positions of
setting tuxies into the spindle was observed.

17. FIBER RECOVERY AND QUALITY OF TEN ABACA VARIETIES

R.P. Bales, R.M. Santiago and N.M. Gloria. Department of Agronomy and Soil Science, Visayas
State College of Agriculture, Baybay Leyte, Philippines, 6521-A. Annals of Tropical Research
Vol 3 No 4, 1981, pp 266-274

ABSTRACT

The 10 abaca varieties significantly differed in almost all of the parameters considered.
Lawaan x Tangongon had the heaviest weight of fresh stalk and tuxies in the outer and middle
groups of leafsheaths, produced the highest weight of dry fiber recovered, and ranked second in
terms of tensile strength per group of leafsheaths. Pacol x CES 2 ranked second in terms of
weight of fresh stalks, produced the heaviest weight of tuxies from the inner group, ranked
second heaviest in the outer and middle groups, but produced the lowest fiber recovery and
percentage fiber stretch in the 3 groups of leafsheaths. Furthermore, Pacol x CES 2 produced the
lowest tensile strength from the outer and inner groups and ranked second to the lowest in the
middle group. Linawaan produced the highest fiber recovery while the Ginabaki and Bulao
Luno produced the highest tensile strength and percentage fiber stretch in all groups of
leafsheaths, respectively. With respect to fiber quality, Bulao Luno x Lawaan x Tangongon,
Linawaan, Casilihon, and Amokid had better quality fiber than the rest of the varieties tested.

18. THE EFFECT OF DRYING SURFACE ON THE DRYING RATE OF ABACA FIBER
UNDER THE SUN
Carlos B. Cabahug. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 1984

ABSTRACT

Results showed that the rate of drying abaca fibers under the sun significantly varied with
drying surface. The fibers dried over the corrugated G.I. sheets had the greatest rate of moisture
reduction throughout the drying period, while the slowest to dry generally were those hand on
bamboo pole. Said difference in drying rate was caused by the great variation in temperature and
area of the drying surface if G.I. sheet or concrete floor is compared with bamboo pole. There
was no significant effect of the drying surface and variety on the tensile strength of the abaca
fibers.
19. EFFECT OF AIR FLOW RATE AND VARIETY ON THE RATE OF DRYING
ABACA FIBERS
Ma. Merline I. Iturralde. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 1984

ABSTRACT

The results of the study showed that there was no significant interaction effect between
variety and air flow rate on the rate of drying abaca fibers.

Variety had no significant effect on the rate of drying except on the first 30 minutes.

On the other hand, the air flow rate had greatly affected the rate of moisture reduction.
The shortest drying time for 9 abaca stalks (9.1 kg of fresh fibers) was 1.47 hours which was
obtained using an air flow rate of 3.5 m3/min/m2 of floor area. This was followed by 1.82 hours
using 2.5 m3/min/m2 of floor area and 2.30 hours using 1.5 m3/min/m2 and 2.95 hours for the
control.

20. THE EFFECT OF VARIETY AND STRIPPING KNIFE ON THE RECOVERY AND
TENSILE STRENGTH OF THE ABACA FIBER FROM STRIPPING WASTES
Francisca G. Jayectin. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 1984

ABSTRACT

Inosa variety stripped with the use of Benito knife No. 24 gave the highest waste fiber
recovery and the greatest dry weight of the recovered fiber. Fibers recovered from Minenonga
variety stripped by the use of Benito knife No. 46 had the highest tensile strength.

21. EFFECTS OF RETTING DURATION AND DEPTH OF WATER SUBMERGENCE

ON THE RECOVERY AND QUALITY OF ABACA FIBER
Adriano D. Deligero. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, April 1985

ABSTRACT

This study was aimed to determine the effect of retting duration and depth of water
submergence on the percent fiber recovery and quality of abaca fiber and to compare the best
retting method (duration and depth of water submergence) with the traditional method of
extracting fiber.

Results show that fiber recovery and quality were not significantly affected by the
different depths (25cm, 50cm, 75cm and 100 cm) of water submergence, regardless of leafsheath
groups.
 On the other hand, retting duration of one week was found to give the highest fiber
recovery and the best quality compared to other retting durations (two, three and four weeks).

In terms of fiber recovery, retting for one week was comparable to non-retting (traditional
method). However, in terms of tensile strength, fiber stretchability and fiber grades, the
traditional method of extracting fiber was found superior over the retting method (one week
duration).

Retting therefore is not recommended to be used in the extraction of abaca fiber since it
only entails more labor and higher production cost. It does not give any added advantages over
the traditional method.

22. EFFECT OF KNIFE SERRATION AND STRIPPING HEIGHT ON THE QUALITY

AND RECOVERY OF ABACA FIBERS
Virgilio A. Awayan. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, April 1985

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to determine the effect of knife serration (12, 24 and 36 teeth
per inch) and stripping height (overhead, waistline and kneeline) on the quality and percent fiber
recovery.

In terms of fiber grade and tensile strength, the 36-teeth knife serration was found the
best. Stripping height did not cause any significant effect on these two properties of the abaca
fiber. Fiber stretchability was not affected by knife serration while it was found significantly
highest with overhead stripping height compared to the other two stripping heights.

In terms of percent fiber recovery, the 12-teeth knife serration was found significantly
better than the other two serrations.

The above results suggest the following: a) for the manual extraction of abaca fiber, the
stripping height should be at the waistline level for convenience purposes, b) if quantity of fiber
is the main aim, one should use knife having fewer teeth, and c) if quality of fiber is the main
aim one should use knife having more teeth.

23. PERFORMANCE OF THE MIXED-MODE SOLAR DRYER FOR DRYING ABACA

FIBERS DURING DAYTIME
Gregorio G. Damicog, Jr. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and
Agri-Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, April, 1987

ABSTRACT
 This study was conducted to evaluate the drying performance of the mixed-mode solar
dryer for abaca fibers and to compare the physical characteristics and tensile strength of the
fibers dried inside and outside the dryer. Due to economic constraints, this study was limited
only to one loading density of 42 kg for the drying chamber area of 4 m2. The abaca fibers were
hung inside the dryer using bamboo poles following the farmers’ practice of hanging the fibers
when dried directly under the sun.

Pre-evaluation of the study revealed that the temperature was higher and the relative
humidity was lower inside the dryer than outside. Temperature inside the dryer was high (35°c)
even until 12:00 midnight. However, this information was not used to decide the proper drying
time.

Results of the study indicated that the abaca fibers under the sun dried faster than the
fibers inside the solar dryer. This opposite result needs further verification because the method
employed might have caused it. In spite of this result, the dryer still offers some advantages
because it was able to dry the fibers within 5 hours and a second batch drying on the same day
may be possible since its temperature was still high until midnight. Furthermore, the fibers are
protected from adverse condition of weather and the attacks of insects, pests, and mold growth.

There were no significant differences between the color and tensile strength of the fibers
dried inside the solar dryer and the fibers dried directly under the sun.

24. THE EFFECT OF STRIPPER BLOCK CUSHION MATERIALS AND LENGTH OF

LEVER ARM ON THE QUALITY AND RECOVERY OF ABACA FIBERS
Henry T. Sabarez. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, April 1988

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to determine the effect of stripper block cushion materials and
the length of lever arm on the quality and recovery of abaca fiber.

Stripper block cushion materials significantly affected the percent fiber recovery, fiber
quality, tensile strength, and the fiber stretch. Rubber and canvass-rubber cushion pads were
found better in terms of quality and tensile strength. While maong cloth-rubber and maong cloth-
canvass cushion pads were better on fiber recovery and fiber stretchability.

Length of lever arm significantly affected only the stretchability of abaca fibers. It was
found significantly highest at 100 cm length and lowest at 140 cm length.
25. PROCEDURE IN USING THE SHIMADZU UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE
FOR TESTING STRENGTH OF ABACA FIBERS
Teodulo J. Milleza, Jr. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 1988

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to utilize the Universal Testing Machine, which is normally used
to test construction materials, in testing abaca tensile strength.

The results indicated that the UTM could be used in place of the standard testing machine
for fibers. However, the reading from the UTM needs to be corrected before using, following the
equation Y = 10.94 + 1.08 X, where: Y is the estimated tensile strength of the abaca fiber, X is
the corrected UTM reading, and 10.94 and 1.08 are the regression constant and coefficient,
respectively.

26. THE EFFECTS OF HEATING ABACA LEAFSHEATH AND OF USING TWO

BLADES IN TANDEM ON THE QUALITY AND RECOVERY OF FIBERS
Manuel V. Abihay. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, April 1988

ABSTRACT

This study was done by subjecting abaca leafsheath to different heating durations (0, 10,
20, 30, and 40 minutes) and stripping knife combinations (No. 0, Nos. 0 and 4, Nos. 0 and 8, and
Nos. 0 and 12).

Results showed that leafsheath which were not heated significantly produces the highest
recovery and best grade fibers. Knife combination did not affect the recovery and grade of fibers.

In terms of fiber tensile strength, the combination between the twenty-minute heating
duration and Nos. 0 and 4 knife combination gave the highest.

Fiber stretchability was not affected significantly by any of the different treatments. It
significantly differed only between leafsheath groups.

27. EFFECT OF LOADING DENSITY AND SUPPLEMENTAL HEATING ON THE

DRYING CHARACTERISTICS OF ABACA FIBERS
Tomas Gilbert B. Garcia. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and
Agri-Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, April 1989

ABSTRACT
 Result of the study indicated that there was no significant interaction effect between
loading density and supplemental heating on the rate of drying abaca fibers. However, the rate of
drying abaca fibers was affected individually by loading density and supplemental heating.
Drying was fastest at a loading density of one (1) kg/m and with supplemental heating using two
burners. However, the optimum density of drying abaca fibers was three (3) kg/m which could
be air dried safely to 14% moisture content fiber after 18 hours. Supplemental heating using two
burners hastened drying of abaca fibers but the drying rate did not compensate for the additional
expense for fuel.

28. STORAGE PRACTICES FOR THE ABACA FIBERS IN LEYTE

Gerardo G. Jabonete. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 1989

ABSTRACT

Classifying and packaging abaca fibers are storage practices observed by both farmers
and traders. Barrio traders and farmers used any available space of their houses as the storage
space for abaca fibers. However, town traders built either rooms or houses for abaca fibers
storage. Greater quantity of abaca fibers is stored during dry season. Traders store abaca fibers
for longer period compared to the farmers.

The problems related to the storage of abaca fibers mentioned by both farmers and traders
were lack of equipment, lack of technical knowledge, and lack of storage space. In addition, theft
was a problem among farmers who stored abaca fibers within or near the abaca plantation area.

Quality deterioration of abaca fibers during storage was primarily due to the fiber quality
produced after drying. In order to produce high quality abaca fibers, appropriate pre-storage
practices especially harvesting, stripping and drying must be observed.

29. DRYING OF ABACA FIBERS USING THE HOHENHEIMER SOLAR TUNNEL

DRYER
Marlon S. Dalde. Visayas State College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Agri-
Industries, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 2001

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the drying characteristics of abaca fibers,
expressed in terms of the instantaneous moisture content and drying rate during the different
stages of drying using the Hohenheimer solar tunnel dryer, and compare the tensile strength of
abaca fibers dried in the solar tunnel dryer and directly under the sun. the experiment was
conducted using a 2 factor-factorial experiment in RCBD with the kinds of leafsheaths (inner,
middle, and outer) and loading density (1, 2, and 3 kg/m2) as factors.
 The instantaneous moisture content of fibers was significantly affected by the leafsheaths
during the first two hours of drying. Similarly the different loading densities significantly affect
the instantaneous moisture content during the whole duration of the drying process. The different
sections of the solar tunnel dryer and the interactions between the kind of leafsheaths and
different loading densities did not have any significant effect throughout the drying process. In
terms of the tensile strength, fibers dried under the sun was found to be stronger than those dried
in the solar tunnel dryer. The tensile strength of the outer leafsheaths was the strongest followed
by the middle and the inner leafsheaths, in the order.

The drying time to reach the desired moisture content of 14%, wet basis, was shorter by
one hour in the solar tunnel dryer than sundrying of 3 hours and 4 hours, respectively using a
maximum loading density of 3 kg/m2.

30. EVALUATION OF THE NARC SPINDLE-STRIPPING MACHINE FOR ESCUJEDO

FIBERS
Jerome P. Junco. Leyte State University, College of Engineering and Agri-Industries,
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 2003

ABSTRACT

The NARC spindle-stripping machine can extract 2.31 kg/hr of escujedo fiber about six
times faster than the traditional hand-stripping.. Stainless-steel sheet (gauge #28) cushion table
casing had higher machine capacity and durability as compared to ordinary GI sheet (gauge #
26). Generally, the individual factors namely-spindle speed, blade pressing force, cushion table
casing material and number of tuxy fed had no significant effect on the fiber recovery and tensile
strength. However, a combination between blade pressing force 562.66 kgf and GI sheet cushion
casing produced the highest fiber recovery. Nevertheless, NARC spindle-stripping machine
surpassed the manual-stripper in terms of capacity, recovery and tensile strength.

31. EXTRACTION OF SECONDARY FIBERS FROM ABACA TUXY WASTES USING

A ROLLER PRESS AND A PORTABLE SPINDLE STRIPPING MACHINE
Lyman Denis O. Moreno. Leyte State University, College of Engineering and Agri-Industries,
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 2005

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of secondary fiber extraction using
a roller machine and spindle stripping machine available at NARC. The factors used in the
experiment were the group of tuxy waste, the number of passes of tuxy waste in the rollers, and
the roller press spring pressure. The effects of these factors were evaluated in terms of fiber
recovery produced from the fibers extracted from the tuxy wastes. The gross income from the
secondary fiber, on a per hectare per cropping basis, was also computed.

The fibers extracted from the tuxy wastes using the roller press and the spindle stripping
machine were of good quality. The extracted fibers were classified predominantly with the S-I
grade. The fiber recovery of the tuxy waste was significantly affected by the group of tuxy waste
and the spring pressure. However, the number of passes had no significant effect on the recovery.
The spring pressure of 46 KPa, using the outer and middle tuxy waste groups, produced the
highest fiber recovery of 1.92% and 1.74% respectively. The gross income on a hectare per
cropping basis produced from the secondary fibers was more than three times higher than the
gross income generated from the primary fibers of about ₱46, 039 and ₱10, 760, respectively.

32. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE NARC COMBING MACHINE

Saul Jerome Q. Mantua. Leyte State University, College of Engineering and Agri-Industries,
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, October 2005

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to evaluate the performance of the NARC combing machine and
analyze the cost benefit in comparison with the existing method.

The NARC-developed combing machine can comb 0.852 kg/hr of abaca fibers, about
twice faster than the traditional or manual combing. The three individual factors namely: variety
of fiber, amount of fibers fed, and combing process had no significant effect on the combing
capacity of the machine.

Amount of fibers fed and combing process showed significant and highly significant
effect on the combed fiber recovery, respectively. The bigger the amount of fiber fed, the lower
was the recovery while the application of wax showed higher fiber recovery than the unwaxed.
There was no significant difference observed on the recovery of the combed fiber as affected by
the interaction of two combinations of factors and three combinations of factors.

The machine has a benefit cost ratio of 3.07 while the manual combing has 2.29. The
NARC combing machine exceeds the manual method in terms of capacity and financial benefit.

33. EFFECTS OF DRYING METHOD, LOADING DENSITY AND KIND OF

LEAFSHEATH ON THE DRYING CHARACTERISTICS OF ABACA FIBER AND
MODELING ITS DRYING BEHAVIOR
Gretel R. Arinday. Leyte State University, College of Engineering and Agri-Industries,
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 2008

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to determine the drying characteristics of abaca fibers using
two different drying methods, a portable solar dryer and direct sundrying. The experiment was
conducted using the analysis of variance for split-split-plots in a randomized complete block
design and regression analysis to determine the best model to describe the drying curve of the
abaca fibers. The main plot factor were two different drying methods which is portable solar
dryer and direct sundrying; and the subplot factor were the loading density of 1, 2 and 3 kilogram
per meter and kind of leafsheath of inner, middle and outer,

Results of the study indicated that drying method and kind of leafsheath is not
significantly affecting the drying characteristics of abaca fibers. However, it is affected by
loading density. Drying was fastest at a loading density of one (1) kg/m and slowest at three (3)
kg/m

The moisture content values were then fitted in a two-parametric regression models
namely: Lewis, Modified Page and Approximate Diffusion models. In fibers dried directly under
the sun, Lewis equation best fitted to fibers dried at 1 kg/m loading density while Modified Page
equation fitted best at 2 and 3 kg/m loading density. Generally, Modified Page equation fitted
best the relationship of moisture content as a function of drying time and loading density for
fibers dried directly under the sun.

In fibers dried using a portable solar dryer Modified Page equation fitted 1 kg/m
and Lewis equation best fitted 2 and 3 kg/m loading density. Lewis equation fitted best the
relationship of moisture content as a function of drying time and loading density for fibers dried
using a portable solar dryer.

34. EFFECTS OF KNOTS AND FOLD ON THE TENSILE STRENGTH OF ABACA

FIBER
Jonas R. Buhay. Visayas State University, College of Engineering, Department of Agricultural
Engineering, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 2010

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the effects of knots and fold on the tensile
strength of abaca fiber. The experiment was conducted using the Laylay variety at ten (10)
replications only. Data obtained was arranged in a 5 x 2 x 3 factorial experiment.

The results of the study showed that a fold of 17.40 kPa had no significant effect on the
tensile strength of abaca fiber from any location and position in the stalk.

Also, the results revealed that the tensile strength of the fiber was greatly affected by the
type of knot used in the experiment. The tensile strength of the abaca fiber was reduced about 50
to 60% regardless on its position and location in the stalk. The square knot reduced the strength
of the fiber to about 58.27% while the sheet bend knot and angler knot reduced the strength of
fiber to about 64.68% and 60.34%, respectively. However, no significant difference was
observed on the three different knots evaluated.
35. SECONDARY FIBER RECOVERY OF FOUR ABACA VARIETIES
Juliet P. Casing. Visayas State University, College of Engineering, Department of Agricultural
Engineering, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 2010

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to determine the percentage secondary fiber recovery of four
different abaca varieties in three fiber locations. The factors used in the experiment were the
varieties of abaca, the types of fiber, and the group of tuxy and tuxy wastes. The effect of these
factors was evaluated in terms of percentage fiber recovery from the tuxy wastes and total fiber
recovery which includes the primary and secondary fibers.

The fibers recovered from the tuxy wastes were good both in quality and quantity. These
fibers were significantly affected by the varieties of abaca and the groups of leafsheath.

The Laguis abaca variety produced the highest fiber recovery of 1.99 percent using the
inner leaf sheath while the Balunan variety produced the least using outer leaf sheath. The total
gross income from the secondary fiber on a hectare per cropping season using the Laylay variety
was ₱33, 746.00 which was about 29.55% of the gross income (₱114, 198.33) generated from
the total fiber recovery. Using the Inosa variety, the additional gross income from secondary
fiber on a per hectare per cropping basis was ₱45, 986.92 which was about 45.71% of the income
derived from its total fiber recovery.

36. COMPARISON OF METHODS OF TENSILE STRENGTH MEASUREMENTS OF

ABACA FIBER
Catherine R. Regulacion. Visayas State University, College of Engineering, Department of
Agricultural Engineering, Visca, Baybay Leyte, 6521-A, March 2010

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to compare the specific tensile strength or tenacity of abaca
(Musa textilis Nee) fiber using two methods of tensile strength measurement (single strand and
bundles-of-ten strands) and two tensile strength meters (pendulum-type and Zwick) at the
NARC-VSU and to determine the tenacity of the fiber based on its location in the stalk (outer,
middle and inner).

Results showed that tensile strength using the “single strand” (64.21 cN/Tex) is
significantly higher than the “bundles of ten strands” with the mean tenacity of only 39.00
cN/Tex. Also, the tenacity of the fiber using the Zwick meter was significantly higher than the
pendulum type meter. The Zwick was also found to be more precise and accurate to read
different variations in the readings of the fibers’ tensile strength. It has also smaller least count of
0.01 gram as compared to 1 gram in the pendulum type. Moreover, a significant interaction
between the methods of measurement and the meters was observed. The tenacity of the “single
strand” fiber with Zwick meter was higher than the other combinations of methods and
instruments. However, no significant difference was observed on the tenacity of the fiber at
different locations in the stalk.

GRADUATE THESES/DISSERTATIONS ON ABACA

1. DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMPROVED VILLAGE SCALE ABACA PULPING
MACHINE
Irven B. Cuen. Master of Science (Agricultural Engineering), Leyte State University, Visca,
Baybay, Leyte, 6521-A, March 2007

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to develop an improved village level abaca pulping machine and to
evaluate its optimum capacity and their quality of pulp produced such as brightness, capillary
rise, texture, and tear index. A constant angular speed of beating (230 rpm) was used in the
evaluation using “Inosa” variety of abaca fiber, cooked for eight hours in a 20 percent sodium
hydroxide or caustic soda solution. Three levels of pulp-water ratio and the eight level of beating
time were used to evaluate the machine. This was replicated three times.

Results showed that the optimum capacity of the improved beater was 3 kg fiber per
batch per day as compared to 0.67 kg fiber per batch per day capacity of the existing NARC
beater. The relative efficiency of the improved beater was 78% brightness ranging from 45% to
50% was not significantly affected by the different levels of the two factors. The capillary rise
however was highly affected only by the cooking batch. The respective means obtained were
173.4mm, 174.6mm and 124.36mm for batches 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The texture was highly
influenced by the beating time. An increase of the beating time produces finer texture of the
pulp. Pulp produced from the control did not significantly differ in texture with the one-hour
beaten pulp of the improved beater. The tear index was solely dependent on the time of beating.
There was also an increasing trend of it as the beating time increases. The smallest tear index
obtained by the improved beater was 11.15mN.m2/g and the highest was 15.06mN.m2/g from the
eight hours of beating. The tear indices of the eight levels of beating of the improved beater did
not show any significant difference. It was the tear index from the control (5.5mN.m 2/g) which
greatly varies from among others. The means of tear indices of one hour to eight hours of beating
were 14.45, 13.38, 11.15, 12.89, 14.72, 14.22, 14.11, and 15.06mN.m2/g respectively.

The total machine cost was ₱36, 252.00. The payback period and rate of return on
investment was 0.511 year or 102 days and 196% respectively. Based on the results in the
performance tests and economic assessment, the improved beater was advantageous and is
economically viable.