Thesis (B.S.) -- Cagayan State University, 2024.
Includes bibliographical references.

Rice husk, an abundant agricultural waste, was investigated as a sustainable source of cellulose for sponges. Extraction methods such as alkali treatment and bleaching treatment were optimized for cellulose yield and purity. Fiber characterization such as Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were also done to examine the functional group and crystallinity of the cellulose. The resulting sponges following a facile process were evaluated for absorption, porosity, density, strength, and chemical reactivity. The 5%, 10%, and 15% cellulose content in the process of making sponge was evaluated. The results have found that the 10% RH cellulose sponge content was advantageous for fluid holding capacity but did not withstand deformity as represented by tensile strength. The 10% RH cellulose water holding capacity, oil holding capacity, porosity, density and tensile strength are 813.23%, 592.89%, 92.99%, 0.1070 g/cm3, and 0.005 MPa, respectively. The results were compared to the commercial cellulose sponge (CCS) made of cellulose from wood in terms of their characteristics. The following are the results of CCS: 471.77%, 500.00%, 88.58%, 0.1745g/cm3, and 0.0092 MPa with respect to mentioned tests. Additionally, the developed sponge's chemical reactivity has the same effect as commercial cellulose sponge.

Keywords: Cellulose sponge, rice husk, cellulose extraction, XRD, FTIR, fiber characterization, sponge characterization.