Philippine E-Journals

Utilization of Coco Peat, Stem, and Dry Leaves of Banana Plant as Eco-Materials In Manufacturing of Particle Board

Elliezar L Alegre | Justine Michael C Artagame | Anthony John B Balase | Nicole Marie M De Asis | Precious Abby M Guevarra | Sarah C Vanguardia

Discipline: production and manufacturing engineering

 

Abstract:

Bananas, from the trunk to the leaves, are not fully utilized and frequently end up in a landfill after the fruits have been harvested. The waste generated during the production of coconut and banana crops are not commonly used. Non-use of agricultural waste is a widespread issue in the Philippines. Industries ignore this waste, despite the fact that it has the potential to be turned into something useful. The objective of the study is to determine if utilizing the wastes from coconut and leaves and stem of banana plant is feasible to produce eco-friendly particleboards. The researchers performed experimental study and many trials to discover the appropriate material ratio to use, which will result in the good quality of a particleboard. Tensile strength test and water absorption test were done to assess the strength and durability of the product. After various testing, researchers determine that the optimal ratio of raw materials is 26% cocopeat, 35% ground banana stem, 26% ground banana leaves and 13% is the indirect material which is the polyvinyl acetate that is used as an adhesive. The researchers found out that stem and leaves of the banana plant, as well as coco peat, are important substance materials for use as fiber and feasible materials to produce a particleboard. Using these materials implies a viable alternative to the woods or wood chips that are primary materials used to make particleboard.