BANANA PSEUDO-STEM FIBER AS AN ALTERNATIVE

MATERIAL IN MAKING ECO-FRIENDLY FACE MASK

A Quantitative Research
Presented to the Faculty of Sciences and Technology Department
MANUKAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Poblacion, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte

in partial fulfillment of the requirements in

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2

Bendoy, Ronyan T.
Caylaluad, Limineree L.
Lopez, Lei Nicole L.
Ongga, John Christian G.
Sangoan, Charlene Grace A.

Grade 12- STEM

Odette Jean V. Rubin, LPT

Research Adviser

December 2022
 ABSTRACT

Our extinction is being hastened by the world’s ongoing battle with challenges like
climate change, pollution, violence, security, terrorism, and other global problems that all
have their roots in risky pursuits or activities. The list continues on, and we were all instantly
engulfed by the infamous COVID-19. This pneumonia-like illness that interrupted our lives
and brought about a global economic tsunami was subsequently deemed a pandemic.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is becoming an essential component of daily life;
hence, a growth in PPE production will inevitably result in an increase in global plastic
waste. Face masks have suddenly become popular, and because they are only meant to be
worn once, they produce an enormous amount of plastic and other debris. Consequently, a
landfill will be used to dispose of thousands of tons of rubbish. In order to combat this, the
researchers developed environmentally friendly face masks using fiber from banana pseudo-
stems, which is biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. The goal of the study is
to develop a banana face mask using banana fiber as a replacement material for face mask
production. The banana pseudo-stem face mask may serve as a physical barrier to viruses
like the Corona virus. It offers a high level of safety, is environmentally friendly, and has a
high economic value in comparison to regularly used face masks on the market, like surgical
masks.

Keywords: banana pseudo-stem, face mask, banana fiber, corona virus, eco-friendly,
plastic waste
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to thank those who contributed for the completion of this
research. First and foremost, we would like to thank Manukan National High School for
providing us with this learning opportunity, which taught us valuable life lessons such as
patience, perseverance, teamwork, resilience, cooperation, and, most importantly, the never-
ending pursuit of knowledge.

Second, we’d like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Odette Jean V. Rubin for
her invaluable guidance, support, advice, comments, suggestions, and provisions that
contributed to the completion and success of this study. Working and studying under her
direction was a great privilege and honor.

We’d also like to thank our parents for their unending love, prayers, and support. We
would also like to express our greatest gratitude towards our parents for their endless love,
prayers, support, and sacrifices. This would not have been possible without their unselfish
love and support given to us at all times.

A big thanks to Almighty God for giving us the strength, knowledge, ability and
opportunity to undertake this research study. Without His guidance and mercy, we would not
be able to accomplish this research and all of our daily endeavors. To God be the Glory!

Lastly, our thanks go to all the people who have supported us to complete the research
work directly or indirectly.
 The Researchers

DEDICATION

This research paper is dedicated to the parents of researchers who gives their outmost
support, and never-ending inspiration throughout the study. They are the one who provide the
resources that needed in the making of this study. It also dedicated the teachers who are
behind in making this research possible through guiding the researcher to complete this study.

The researchers would also like to dedicate this study to the students that may need in
help in battling their mental health issues. Also, this study is also dedicated to the school who
gives opportunity the researchers to nurture, test their skills, and cooperation to build this
study.

We looked up and dedicated this entire study to our Almighty God, who provided us
with the strength, knowledge, wisdom, protection, and will to continue and remain positive in
order to complete this research.

The Researchers
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGES

TITLE PAGE I

ABSTRACT II

ABSTRACT III

DEDICATION IV

TABLE OF CONTENTS
V

CHAPTER

I. INTRODUCTION 1
Background of the study
1
Conceptual framework
2
Research hypothesis
2
Statement of the problem
3
 Significance of the study
3
Scope and delimitations
3
Definition of terms
4
II. REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES 5
Related literature 5
Related studies 7
III. METHODOLOGY 8
Research design
The setting/locale
The sample
The instruments
Intervention

Chapter I
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The mandatory use of face mask was implemented to reduce the transmission of the
virus and to minimize the number of deaths around the globe. According to UN News (2020),
disposable face masks can help us fight COVID-19 but it can also bring various negative
impacts on the environment. It contains plastic produced from polymers such as
polypropylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and polyethylene.
As a result of single use masks, a massive rise within the sum of littering on the streets,
beaches, canals, oceans, and rivers have been witnessed and around 75% of it have been
reported (Food and Drug Administration, 2020).
Amid the past a long time, the world has been fighting plastic contamination.
Moreover, the widespread has contributed to the issue since of the sudden request and utilize
of expendable confront covers, gloves, and other gear to guarantee everyone’s security
against infection. Contribution to this, thousands of engineered veils will as it were heap up
and takes so long to break down. Bananas are among the most well-known and important
plants in the world. For years, the world has been fighting climate change caused by plastic
pollution. In addition, the epidemic has exacerbated the current situation. Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) such as disposable face masks, gloves, and other items serves as a new
hygiene habit and virus prevention, resulting in a 300 percent rise in demand at the peak of
the epidemic.
As the second-largest producer of bananas in the world, the Philippines has developed
into a prominent participant in the export of bananas. The fruit, flower buds, trunk, leaves,
and pseudo-stem of the banana are all edible and helpful in different ways, making it the most
significant and practical plant in the world. Bananas are perfect for generating specialized and
high-quality sanitary facilities products like fabrics, diapers, and even currencies because of
their pseudo-naturally stretchy cellulose stems (Cuison et al., 2021). In several Asian
countries, pseudo-stems’ tender cores are consumed as a vegetable and are said to have a
number of therapeutic advantages (Dayod & Abat, 2018). Due to its eco-friendly
characteristics, the banana pseudo-stem is thought to be the greatest substitute for an artificial
polymer matrix, also known as glass-reinforced plastic and made of a thermoplastic or
thermoset material (Chafidz & Subagyo, 2018).
With pseudo-stem fiber serving as a sustainable facemask, we may anticipate a future
with lower waste, improved health results, more jobs being created, and surroundings that are
safer and healthier for both people and the environment. Pseudo-stem fiber could take the
role of plastic in the creation of various forms of personal protection equipment during the
pandemic (Cuison et al., 2021). The synthetic facemask that people wear also seems to have
the same purpose as the pseudo-stem fiber from banana plants. Face masks made of pseudo-
stem fiber are both affordable and environmentally good since they enable farmers generate
new jobs and prevent plastic pollution since they are all-natural, which helps to reduce
COVID-19 PPE waste and the rising demand for face masks as necessary PPE (Carag, 2021).

Conceptual Framework

Controlled Variable
Sodium Hydroxide

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Banana Pseudo-stem Face Mask Quality
Research Hypothesis

H1: Banana pseudo-stem fiber can be used as an alternative material in producing organic
face masks.
H0: Banana pseudo-stem fiber cannot be used as an alternative material in producing organic
face masks.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine whether fiber from banana stem can be an alternative
material in making face mask. This study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of sustainability of the BPS (banana pseudo-stem) face mask in
terms of:
1.1 Acceptability
III.2 Durability

2. Does banana pseudo-stem fiber a good alternative material in making an organic face
mask?

3. Will it be comfortable to use the BPS ( pseudo-stem) face mask?

Significance of the Study

In this study, the researchers wanted to help in solving the problem of plastic waste.
This
research aims to assist people who use disposable surgical masks by replacing them with our
biomask or banana fiber mask. Findings from this study will be significant in the following
ways:

Facial Mask Manufacturers. It will be expected that the findings from this study will
instigate them to make banana(Musa) pseudo stem into a face mask and find other
biodegradable alternative for face masks.

Students. This study will benefit students because they will get knowledge from this
study about the effectiveness of banana fiber as a face mask.

Frontliners. This study will help frontliners in battling COVID-19. It will serve as
eco-friendly protection against COVID-19 virus.
 Community. Findings from this study are expected to make a contribution to the
existing waste problem in a community due to improper disposal of plastics such as face
masks.

Future Researchers. This research can serve as a model for future improved
researches.

Scope and Delimitation

The goal of this study is to find and develop an environmentally friendly face mask
made of banana pseudo-stems that will reduce the world’s consumption of plastic. The
purpose of the study is to determine whether environmentally friendly face masks are
superior than conventional surgical face masks.

Moreover, this study was conducted with a relatively small sample size and was done
using only one alternative material. It is recommended, if possible, that future inquiries
compare other local, biodegradable materials, to these banana fiber sheets and that these
studies utilize a larger sample. Due to constraints the banana fiber sheets here were pre-
constructed rather than extracted from pseudo stem, the study was unable to control for the
efficacy of mask as constructed by a community rather than by professionals.

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of the study, certain important terms used we’re given their
conceptual and operational meanings.

Banana Fiber - also known as musa fibre is one of the world's strongest natural fibres. It is
biodegradable and the natural fibre is made from the stem of the banana tree and is incredibly
durable.

Banana pseudo-stem - a part of banana tree that look like trunk.

Sodium Hydroxide – also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the
formula NaOH. It is used to remove the fiber out of banana pseudo-stem.

Micro-plastic – small plastic pieces with can be harmful to our ocean and aquatic life.

Musacae – family of flowering plants and is native to topics of Africa and Asia.

Polypropylene – uses range from plastic packaging, plastic parts for machinery and
equipment and even fibers and textiles.

Mass pollution – huge dumping of waste consuming massive space and contributing
environmental hazardous.

Surgical Masks- it is a personal protective equipment used by healthcare professionals that

serves as a mechanical barrier that interferes with direct airflow in and out of respiratory
orifices.

Chapter II

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Foreign Literature

Based on an article in world economic forum, a French firm is making

biodegradable face masks using hemp (Cannabis sativa) leaves. Due to the fact that the
estimated disposable face masks is estimated 129 billion that are thrown away every month,
the factory in rural France aims to produce face masks out of hemp plants a way to
reduce plastic waste during coronavirus pandemic from single-use protective gear
that environmentalists say will take centuries to decompose and is also causing pollution in
the ocean. Biodegradable and compostable face masks, made from materials such as hemp
and plant fibers, are being made or developed around the world.

According to print.in(2020), fiber from a relative of the banana tree could replace plastic
in millions of face masks and hospital gowns the world is making to fight the coronavirus.
This material, banana fiber sheets was found to have a high permeability and water
Repellency, key aspect of mask efficacy, but as a material suffered in that it was unable to
have a shirt water absorbency times, reducing its efficacy as a filter material. Given that
findings with regards to water repellency is most likely a result of the barrier layers being
constructed out of non-woven polypropylene, at this time no firm conclusion can be reached
on the efficacy of these biodegradable facial mask compared to standard facial mask. Other
than that, they are usable and easily constructed.

This study analyses the number of different types of face masks usage in Australia,
America, UK, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and India, through a public survey analysis. The study
reveals that the number of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic. These additional
enhanced face masks containing plastic contributed to micro-plastic pollution in the aqua
environment and also significantly impact the soil. Further, upcycling this mask waste and
producing construction materials such as artificial aggregates, light weight plastic block and
production of ecological mortar can be a viable solution in the near future to reduce the
plastic waste and environmental and health impact.

According to Khan et al. (2013), Banana stem was cooked by the craft process with
different chemical charges and a wide range of time and temperature and the optimal pulping
conditions were established. Heikal (1976) also stated that the fiber lengths were varied from
medium to longer range from species to species. While the study of Simmond (1962) also
stressed that Banana fiber composite is less and indicates banana as a good insulator.

The mask is made of different types of plastic, which is not decomposable, and it
induce the negative impact on the environments. Therefore, without disrupting the economy,
any innovative steps can be taken with respect to the environment and the social well-being
of people. On the other hand, instead of using different types of plastic raw material, steps
should be taken to replace some decomposable raw material in production of face masks. In
addition, the waste mask can be recycled by different methodologies and used as a
supplementary material in any innovative products such as construction materials. Different
types of face masks give different levels of protection to the user. Depending on the type,
mask can be used for either protection of healthy persons or to prevent transmission.
Research has been accelerated towards improving the quality and performance of face masks.
Face masks of all kinds have become ICONIC in the pandemic.

Local Literature

According to Calonzo(2020), it is indicated that the structure and properties of Banana

fibers depend on different regions along the length and across the thickness of the truck.
Appearance of banana fiber is similar to that of the bamboo and ramie fiber. Chemical
composition of the banana fiber includes lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. It is a very
strong fiber. It has smaller elongation as compared with other fibers. It has a lustrous
appearance when it is extracted and it is lightweight with potent and fast moisture absorption,
as well as releasing, capacity. The fiber is biodegradable and has no negative impact on the
environment and thus can be categorized as an eco-friendly product.

According to Prechtl (2013), pseudo stem and peduncle are the major source of fiber
for banana. These fibers can be used as raw naturals for making paper, card boards, tea bags,
and etc. Poonam and Gupta (1991), also stated that other agricultural residues such as banana
stem possesses characteristics is suitable for paper making. Banana stem is easily available
raw material as a source of making paper pulp for production of various types of papers. The
process of making pulp is economically violable.

According to Malin(2020), throughout the past year, face masks have become one of
the most prominent symbols of the coronavirus pandemic, both on our faces and, according to
experts, in pollution scattered across the planet’s beaches, streets and bodies of water.Experts
said reusable cloth face masks are a more sustainable option than single-use disposable
masks, and some companies further incorporate recycled fabric into their masks, as well as
organic materials. The face masks below meet the CDC’s guidance in regards to reusable
face coverings and are made with the environment in mind, according to the brands behind
them.
 The year 2020 has been marked by the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19). This virus reached many countries and has paralyzed the lives of many people
who have been forced to stay at home in confinement. There have been many studies that
have sought to analyze the impact of this pandemic from different perspectives. In the other
side We found only weak evidence hygienic tool to prevent the spread of a viral infection.
Importantly we found evidence for significant respiratory compromise in patients with severe
obstructive pulmonary disease. This could also happen in patients with lung infection, with or
without SARS-Cov-2. Further, if the prevailing pandemic situation is to be continued, the
people should adapt to live with the safety precaution, which can give them a healthy life.
Thus, the mask production will be significant and increase the mask waste in near future.

Foreign Studies

According to Li et al. (2010), the banana pseudo-stem fiber is an ideal material for
pulping and papermaking because of its high holocellulose content and low lignin
concentration. Biomass from banana pseudo-stems presents an interesting alternative for fiber
production.

According to upworthy.com, scientists in Canada and the United Kingdom have

investigated what happens to masks when they are discarded, and their
conclusions are not encouraging. Fortunately, the company produced the product
Oceanshield, which is a N95- style mask that is biodegradable and made entirely out of plant-
based ingredients in the world. The cutting-edge filtration material used in the Oceanshield
was developed prior to the epidemic. Because the Oceanshield ismade from plant-based
materials, it will biodegrade in about 90 days. However, that doesn’t mean you have to throw
them in the trash. The company also aims to stop the spread of Covid-19 and toxic plastic
waste.

In the study of Mohiuddin, Saha, Hossian, and Ferdoushi (2013), Banana is one of the
most important fruit crops grown everywhere in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, pseudo stem is
abandoned and is a hazardous waste while other countries used it to make different products.
The study provided the usefulness of banana, not only the fruit itself, but also the benefits of
recreation through banana pseudostem. They concluded that the research information they
gathered will be of immense help to the farmers, entrepreneurs, planners, scientists as well as
the Bangladesh government to take proper initiatives for the betterment of their nation.The
banana plant has a very juicy aerial stem, properly denoted as the pseudostem, which is a
clustered, cylindrical aggregation comprised of leaf stalk bases of leaf-petiole sheaths
(Fanquiero, Mukhopadhyay, Senturk, & Yusuf, 2008). There is also a subterranean stem,
known as the corm, as well as the part that supports the banana fruit, peduncle, stalk, or
rachis. The leaves and stalk of the pseudostem are disposed of after the fruit has been
harvested. Collectively, the waste of banana production is an estimated 220 tons of byproduct
per hectare annually (Padam et al., 2012).

According to (IBGE, 2010), Brazil is a big producer of bananas. Brazil’s banana

production is the second highest in the world Patel R (2013). In many tropical countries, fruit
production is an important industry. In 2009, Brazil produced 6.8 million tons of bananas, 1.8
million tons of papaya, and 1.2million tons of mangoes (IBGE, 2010). In addition, banana-
growing regions are frequently impoverished, adding value to their trash would increase the
quantity of work and family revenue in those places, such as Vale do Ribeira in Brazil (Junior
IPB, et al., 2018). This amount of waste can be transformed into fibers; studies show that 37
kg of stems is required to make 1 kg of fiber (LewinM. 2006). Furthermore, (Vigneswaran et
al., 2015) described the historical use of banana fibers in Japan since the 1600s, ranging from
mats to recently designed composite products and garments.

However, because all of the textiles are created, the scalability of banana fabrics is not
viable or inexpensive. Banana leaves are commonly used in food processing in some
countries, as Indonesia, food esthetic, food packaging, and other applications. Because of its
high nutritional content, the banana fruit is one of the most popular fruits and an important
part of any diet (Vu HT, et al., 2018), as a result, it has become a valued commodity all over
the world. The bananapseudo-stem has also been studied for usage as a pulp and paper raw
material, fiber for textiles, and filler or structural reinforcement incomposite materials (Annie
Paul S, et al., 2008).

Local Studies
 In the study entitles “Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber: A Sustainable Face Mask”, the
results showed that Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber has the potential to be utilized
as farmers may benefit from the use of an alternate face mask. Because they
are ecologically sustainable, have a low density, and are abundant, banana pseudo-stem fibers
can be employed as a reinforcing material for artificial matrix polymers.

Carag(2021) studied banana pseudo-stem face mask as post-pandemic future

business venture. Results show that banana pseudostem made masks met and somehow
exceeded the baseline standards for facial masks. Water repellency measures the of biomask
against droplet-based transmission vectors which are common in respiratory illnesses like
COVID-19. Air permeability is crucial to ensure the wearer can breathe easily. Although
water absorbency is almost at par with the baseline, bio-face masks are still a safe and
acceptable alternative.

Ting. et al.(2020) stated that "While a study has shown that surgical face masks could
prevent transmission of coronaviruses from individuals, some experts argue that it may limit
the intake of air which can produce discomfort.6,7 Some runners also fear that wearing face
masks while running may decrease their amount of oxygenation in the body to hazardous
levels." In this study the researchers proved the fact that wearing a surgical face mask during
jogging does not result to a statistically significant decrease in oxygen saturation after
examining 10 healthy individuals in a longitudinal analysis. This research study will
contribute a lot to our study as we examine and experiment the pros and cons of our product
especially when talking about the user's breathing. If it is usable even when doing outdoor
activities such as jogging. In this challenging time when taking every precaution to avoid
contracting or spreading the COVID-19 infection is prudent, should you fear that
oxygenation in your body will decrease if you wear a face mask while jogging? Probably not.
Ting, et al. (2020).

Aguilar et al.(2021) studied the sir permeability, water repellency, and water
absorbency of the biodegradable face masks made from banana pseudo-stem.The study was
able to identify a biodegradable alternative with which to construct facial masks. This
material, banana fiber sheets, was found to have high air permeability and water repellency,
key aspects of mask efficacy, but as a material suffered in that it was unable to have short
water absorbency times, reducing its efficacy as a filter material. Given that the findings with
regards to water repellency is most likely a result of the barrier layers being constructed out
of nonwoven polypropylene, at this time no firm conclusion can be reached on the efficacy of
these biodegradable facial masks compared to standard facial masks, other than that they are
useable and easily constructed. It is, however, possible to conclude that of the two distinct
setups, those masks with three filter layers rated higher in air permeability and are therefore
better for use than four-layer masks. His findings revealed that the materia, baba fiber sheets
was found to have a high air permeability and water repellency.

According to the study done by Amolap(2021), face mask made from banana pseudo-
stem fiber is biodegradable which makes it eco-friendly. In addition, the study conducted by
Ascaño, Labrador, Perez, & Viaña(2020) and Cabael(2018) shows that it can also made as an
eco-friendly paper and bag. It proves that the banana pseudo-stem as a new product.