1.) Practical Application and Experiences on S&T Services
2.) Effect of Exposure and Refrigeration Duration on Bivoltine Silkworm Eggs Hatchability
4.) Sampling Techniques for Fabric Weight Determination of Woven Fabrics
5.) Performance Wear Test Evaluation of Two PTRI-Developed Indigenous Fiber-Based Fabrics
6.) Rejuvenation of Old and Unproductive Mulberry Tree Through Ground-Level Pruning
Practical Application and Experiences on S&T Services
Virmila B. Alvarez
Abstract
The paper articulated the various science and technology (S&T) services and interventions of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) and highlighted the impact and practical applications for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
The PTRI's experiences along this field have addressed the SME's common problems and could serve as lessons learned to avoid its recurrence. Other SMEs in various regions could relate and find solutions to similar problems and experiences encountered. Recommendations for successful S&T services and interventions were also discussed toward empowering the SMEs.
Effect of Exposure and Refrigeration Duration on Bivoltine Silkworm Eggs Hatchability
Adelfa M. Basaen, Kye-Myeong Kim, Bruno Boedts and Rosemarie Delos Reyes
Abstract
The relationship of exposure and cold storage duration of silkworm eggs was studied to determine its effect on the hatchability. Two bivoltine silkworm hybrids, PTRI SW 3 and PTRI SW 4, produced locally under semi-temperate conditions were tested by subjecting there under seven different exposure durations of 25oC and four refrigeration or cold storage periods of 31 days, 50 days, 60 days and 70 days at 5oC - 7oC.
The results revealed that three days of exposure at 25oC gave the highest hatching percentage. On the other hand, the highest hatchability for PTRI SW 3 was attained with cold storage of 70 days while PTRI SW 4 required 90 days. The effect of the combination of exposure and refrigeration periods proved that newly laid silkworm eggs exposed for longer period must undergo longer refrigeration to break the diapause to give hinger hatchability.
Christopher J. Belmonte
Abstract
Yellow ginger (Curcuma longa L.) is good source of orange-yellow color pigment that consists of a mixture of curcuminoids, namely, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. This study aims to evaluate the curcuminoids in the yellow ginger dye powder produced using the Philippine Textile Research Institute's (PTRI) developed powder production methods, namely; the water extraction-spray drying and acid extraction-air drying. The dye powders were subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and compared with a curcuminoid standard. The revealed one spot, which was assumed as bisdemethoxycurcumin, while the acid extraction-air drying method showed the presence of the three pigments identical to the standard. The calibration graph using UV-Vis spectophotometer revealed that the water extracted-spray dried powder has 0.6% curcuminoids while the acid extracted-air dried has 16% curcuminoids. Results obtained indicated the positive advantage of the latter method over the former procedure.
Sampling Techniques for Fabric Weight Determination of Woven Fabrics
Rowena Caridad C. Jurado
Abstract
Two sampling techniques for fabric weight determination were compared using light, medium, and heavy weight woven fabrics. The first technique using a pneumatic sample cutter is accurate, easy and fast to use but very expensive. The second technique using a template as a guide for the specimen size is a crude method, tedious and time-consuming but very cheap and affordable.
The sampling was done in paris. Results showed the two techniques were not significantly different, which means that both techniques could be used. Therefore, the use of a simple template as a replacement for a pneumatic sample cutter would be beneficial for testing laboratories that could not affored the exorbitant price of a pneumatic sample cutter.
Performance Wear Test Evaluation of Two PTRI-Developed Indigenous Fiber-Based Fabrics
Nora B. Mangalindan
Abstract
The performance of two indegenous fiber based fabrics from cotton/polyester/pineapple and cotton/polyester/kenaf blends developed by the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) was evaluated through actual wear test. Eighty female and 20 male respondents strictly followed the instructions in the conduct of the performance test for six wearings. A survey questionnaire was distributed to record observations specifically on the fabrics' handle expressed in terms of softness, smoothness, confort and itchiness as well as colorfastness of the dyed fabric, strength and fabric weight. The fabrics' properties were also tested using the established methods of test for textiles.
Respondents' ratings and observations revealed that both indegenous fiber based fabrics have promising textile potentials although the fabric handle properties of the resulting fabrics, particularly the kenaf based, still need improvement. Laboratory test results also showed that the fabrics are considerably strong but quite inferior in terms of handle properties. Clearly, there is still a need to improve the fabric finishing technology to minimize their harsh feel and impart the necessary "body" to the fabric.
Rejuvenation of Old and Unproductive Mulberry Tree Through Ground-Level Pruning
Pepito M. Toring, Zenaida I. De Guzman, and Adelfa M. Basaen
Abstract
The effect of ground-level pruning in the rejuvenation of old and unproductive mulberry trees was evaluated at the mulberry field of the Philippine Textile Research Institute-Technology Center (PTRI-TC), La Trinidad, Benguet from May 1998 to 2001.
Ground-level pruning was found to be as easier and cheaper method than totally uprooting and replanting a mulberry. Ground-level prunning was completed in just 5 man-days to rehabilitate the 800 old mulberry trees. Activities on the preparation of planting materials, land preparation, transplanting and the maintenance of a nursery were eliminated. Consequently, labor cost was decreased to P750.00. Harvest time was substantially shortened and reduced to about 6 months.
