Group 1 RDL 12
Group 1 RDL 12
Group 1 RDL 12
Biodegradable Face-mask
Prepared by:
Group 1, XI - Zara
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE…………………………………………………………………………………………i
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….……..1
Research Objectives……………………………………………………………………….…3
Research Hypothesis…………………….……………………………………………………4
Definition of Terms…………………….…………………………………………………………6
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Foreign Literature and Studies…………………….……………………………………………8
CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
Conceptual Framework…………………….……………………………………………….…14
Research Paradigm…………………….………………………………………………………14
Research Design……………………………………………………………………………….15
Research Method…………………….……………………………………………………..….15
Research Instrument………………………………………………………………………..…16
Research Procedure……………………………………………………………………………17
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Respondents of the Study…………………….………………………………………………17
Sampling Procedure…………………….………………………………………………….…18
Statistical Treatment………………………………………………………………………..…18
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Chapter 1
Introduction
In recent years, there has been a greater awareness of the environmental impact of the
widespread use of synthetic materials, particularly in disposable products such as face mask.
The multiple plastic fibers content in the face mask will persist in the environment for decades
and possibly centuries while disintegrating into smaller micro and nanoplastics. As these
disposable masks make their way into environment, it also sometimes pollute waterways or
are disposed of in landfalls. This increasing concern has paved the way for the investigation of
sustainable and biodegradable alternatives in a variety of industries. There has been a
significant increase in the use of surgical face masks as an effective measure to combat the
spread of infectious diseases in recent years. While these masks serve an important public
health function, their widespread adoption has ended up resulting in an alarming spike in
environmental pollution attributed to the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. To address
this issue, researchers and scientists have been investigating novel solutions, one of which
comes from an unexpected source: the unassuming banana pseudo-stem (Musa Acuminata).
Knowing that the pseudo-stem of a banana degrade naturally over time without harming
the environment, they make a great alternative for reducing the accumulation of disposable
materials. Additionally, the cellulose fibers found in a banana's pseudo-stem serve as a strong
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foundation, ensuring the mask's efficacy in filtering airborne pollutants and acting as an
effective barrier against potentially harmful pathogens.
As the world struggles to strike a balance between public health concerns with
environmental sustainability, studies looking into pseudo-stem of bananas as biodegradable
face masks provides a promising avenue. Through continued research and development, we
may be able to transform this underutilized waste product into a valuable tool in our fight
against pandemics, fostering a greener and healthier future for all.
Now, by making an biodegradable face mask out of banana stem, doors may open for
new opportunities and possibilities.By then, not only the process would be faster and easier,
the output would also be of better quality. But before that, this experimental study must be
conducted. This research will be conducted by group 1 of 11 - Zara STEM in the Academic
Year 2022 - 2023.
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Statement of the Problem
1.How may the pseudostem of a banana as a biodegradable face mask be described in terms
of:
1.1 breathability;
1.2 color;
1.3 durabilty;
1.4 flexibility; and
1.5 smell?
2.How may the biodegradable face mask made out of banana (Musa Acuminata) be compared
in terms of:
2.1 breathability;
2.2 color;
2.3 durabilty;
2.4 flexibility; and
2.5 smell?
3.Is there is significance difference between biodegradable face mask out of banana (Musa
Acuminata) to commercially produced face mask?
Research Objectives
1.How may the biodegradable face mask out of banana (Musa Acuminata) in terms of
breathability, color, durability, flexibility and smell.
2.Compare the biodegradable face mask out of banana (Musa Acuminata) to commercial face
mask in terms of breathability, color, durability, flexibility and smell.
3.Determine if there is significant difference between the the biodegradable face mask out of
banana (Musa Acuminata) to commercial face mask.
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Assumptions
1. The face mask made out of banana stem (Musa Acuminata) is dark, rough, and odor-free.
2. The face mask made out of banana stem (Musa Acuminata) is dark, rough, and odor-free
while commercial face mask is light, smooth, and odor-free.
3. There is a significant difference between the face mask made out of banana stem (Musa
Acuminata) and commercial face mask.
Hypothesis
H0: There is no significant difference between the Face Mask made out of banana stem (Musa
Acuminata) and commercial Face Mask in terms of breathability, color, durability, flexibility and
smell.
H1: There is a significant difference between the Face Mask made out of banana stem (Musa
Acuminata) and commercial Face Mask in terms of breathability, color, durability, flexibility and
smell.
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Scope and Limitations
The researchers strongly believe that this study will benefit the following:
1. Medical Field. They can use it because it is one of their tools to reduce viral transmission
during treatment.
2. Frontliners. Due to the fact that the number of covid-19 is increasing, this is one of the
things they can use to prevent the spread of the disease. So they can serve to our community.
4. Researchers. They could have a more in-depth understanding of their research, which can
inspire them to spread the word about how important it is to recycle and use natural products.
5. Future Researchers. They can support it to give us strength to make this research even
better.
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Definition of Terms
The researchers defined the following terms for a better understanding of this study:
Biodegradable. Biodegradable is able to decay naturally and in a way that is not harmful. In
this study we will recycle the banana pseudostem to make it an biodegradable face mask to
reduce the waste coming from it.
Drying. Drying is a mass transfer process consisting of the removal of water or another
solvent by evaporation from a solid, semi-solid or liquid. In this study, it will be part of research
procedures to remove moisture and finish of the experimental face mask.
Pseudostem. Pseudostem is considered and appears as a stem but a part of the leaves. The
leaves are overlapped to form the circular layers which gets arranged to form the stem. In this
study we will use banana pseudostem as the input product for creating a face mask.
Sodium Hydroxide. Lye and caustic soda are other names for sodium hydroxide, an inorganic
substance having the formula NaOH. In this study we will use sodium hydroxide as a mixture
for the banana stem to affect the dependent variable.
Iterative. "iterative" refers to the repetitive and cyclic nature of the design, fabrication, testing,
and evaluation process employed in the development of biodegradable surgical face masks
using banana pseudo-stem. In the context of this research, it signifies the continuous
refinement and improvement of the masks through multiple iterations, where each iteration
involves gathering feedback, analyzing data, making modifications, and repeating the cycle to
enhance the masks' biodegradability and filtration efficiency.
Breathability. Breathability is the ability of a fabric to allow moisture vapor to be transmitted
through the material. in this study the term breathability will use as how comfortable a person
breath wearing the face mask made from banana stem.
Color. The characteristic of a material or item with regard to the light it reflects, typically
assessed visually by measuring the color, saturation, and brightness of the light. in this study
the color of the mask will be controlled using sodium hydroxide.
Musa Acuminata. Musa acuminata is a species of banana native to Southern Asia, its range
comprising the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. in this study the stem of musa
acuminata will be use as a biodegradable face mask.
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Deckle. A removable wooden frame or fence used in manual paper making. in this study
deckle will be used to mold the banana stem extract in place.
Blending. The action of mixing or combining things together. in this study bleeding will be part
in the research procedure.
Commercial Face-Mask. These masks are made from commercial off cuts with
recommended fabrics like scuba, spandex, neoprene, cotton stretch, cotton knit. in this study it
will be used as comparison for the banana stem face mask
Molding. Using stationary tools, it entails molding a liquid or malleable raw material. via fixed
frame. in this study, it will be part of research procedures to shape the banana stem as a face
mask.
Treatment. It is any independent variable that the experimenters manipulate,
and the type of research being done will determine the specific form. in this study there will be
3 treatments involving different ratio composition of banana stem and sodium hydroxide.
Durability. The ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage. in this study this will serve as
the terminology of the face mask strength.
Flexibility. Flexibility in a object mean's can be bent easily without breaking. in this study this
will be part in the research sop.
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Review Related Literature and Studies
This chapter presents the relevant literature and studies that the researcher considered
in strengthening the importance of the present study. It also presents the synthesis of the art to
fully understand the research for better comprehension of the study.
Foreign Literature
Saikia et al. (1997), stated that banana is one of the most important fruit crop plants and
belongs to the genus Musa. After harvesting the fruit, the plant is cut down and thrown away,
mostly as waste. The banana plant is largely divided into three parts- pseudostem, peduncle
and leaf. The pseudo stem portion of the plant fiber is suitable for making ropes and twines.
However, Mythili et al. (2015), stated that banana fibers have a huge contribution for
textile and packaging industry. However, the banana stem forms a major source of waste
material. But today, most of banana fibers are used for making ropes and cordage. They have
compositions, properties, and structures that are suitable for using in industrial applications.
In the study of Ferdoushi et al. (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.
On the other hand Pereira et al. (2014) emphasizes that banana pseudostem is a large
biomass resource that is usually wasted, inspite of the possibility that it can be used as a
source of organic compounds such as cellulose and hemicellulose .The banana fiber spin
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ability and weaving performance were invested, so that it can be used as a good substitute for
jute in making of sacks and packaging materials.
Furthermore, Akpabio et al. (2012) have studied the utilization of banana pseudostem
as a bioresource, even using a biorefinery, usually consider the whole trunk as a uniform
material. However, the pseudostem can be separated into several sheaths. The
physicochemical properties of each sheath may be different, because they have different
physiological ages and functions. So, it could be possible to fractionate the same pseudostem
in several sheaths, as a simple physical pretreatment, and each group of sheaths can be used
for the most suitable application in accordance to its properties instead of using a mixture of all
the fractions and performing chemical treatments to separate each organic fraction.
Foreign Study
According to Sato et al. (2019). This study concludes that the filter layers themselves
are less effective than the standard mask at filtration, which is the mask's second line of
defense. In this instance it can be said that while the biodegradable facial masks are usable,
they are failed by their lack of efficacy in terms of absorbency. The biodegradable facial masks
that have a lack of efficacy in terms of absorbency would mean that the breath and the water
droplets that are made by the wearer would be trapped in the mask for a long time due to the
data showing that the water is being absorbed for sixty (60)+ seconds, this results to the
wearer feeling uncomfortable.
In a recent study Heaven (2018), they measured the effectiveness of facial masks when
in a polluted area. They also tested each facial mask by having three different dummies with
three different rates of air intake and measuring the amount of penetrations per facial mask.
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filtration efficiency of facial masks by substantially decreasing the pressure drop inside the
filters
In the conducted by Sen et al. (2020), banana stem fiber was extracted from banana
peel and was utilized for the development of a newly researched facial masks. It was
concluded that the bio facial mask would be competitive in the market and can benefit
frontliners and civilians from the transmission of the virus.
Furthermore, MacIntyre et al. (2015). emphasize that the purpose of this study is to
develop facial masks constructed out of alternative, readily available, and cost-effective
materials that are on-par, if not better, at filtering particle penetration on the airborne and
droplet vectors, making them effective as a form of protection against respiratory illnesses.
Local Literature
According to Acevedo et al. (2021) that in the Philippines, banana is hugely produced
for its flavor, value, and availability throughout the year; unlike other yields that are very
seasonal. However, this huge production is also aligned with huge amount of wastes.
Bananas contain 60% pulp and 40% peel, and since peels are commonly deemed useless,
that 40% just falls to landfills.
But in contrary to what many people believe, peels of all species of banana are rich in
fiber. According to the study of Subagyo (2018) entitled “Banana Fiber: Preparation,
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Characteristics, and Applications”, banana fibers consist cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin;
which makes banana peels applicable as a raw ingredient for creating an alternative paper.
That alternative paper is then characterized for low density, high stiffness, high disposability,
high renew ability, and high tensile strength.
Additionally, a literature from Espejo et al. (2019) reported that utilizing banana peel
may affect paper in terms of color, texture, and odor. First, banana peel are green (if unripe)
or yellow (if ripe) so the paper will be faint green, yellow, or brown in color as well. Second, it
will tend to be rough in texture as a result of drying. Third, it will have moderately foul odor at
start that goes away after 1–2 Days.. This is different from commercial paper that is light in
color, smooth in texture, and odorless. This implies that the kind of peel to be chosen and the
step-by-step procedures to be executed can impact the paper’s overall quality.
To explain why color and odor of paper fades, there is a study from Villazon (2021).
Concerning color, paper may undergo photo-degradation when exposed to sun. Ultraviolet
rays attack the molecule that gives color to paper called chromophore, ensuing it to lose its
ability to absorb or reflect visible spectrum: following a faded appearance. Concerning odor,
paper may undergo adsorption, absorption, or oxidation over time. Smells fade when scent
particles disperse on air to a concentration below detection threshold of humans.
Local Study
According to Aguilar et,al. (2021), 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.
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Likewise, Barreto et al. (2010) have study on chemically modified banana fibre structure,
dielectrical properties and biodegradability observed that by XRD that chemical treatment with
NaOH increased the 15 crystalline fraction of the banana fibre, due to partial removal of the
lignin (amorphous phase). The vibrational modes obtained by IR spectroscopy did not suffer
significant changes after this alkaline process and the main bands appeared approximately in
the same range wave number. The dielectric permittivity and the loss factor are dependent on
the alkaline solution concentration. It was obtained 12.59 for dielectric permittivity at 10 Hz with
the major concentration. The values for the dielectric loss were approximately between 10-1
and 10-2 depending on the sample. These values are reasonable and could also be utilized as
an electronic device in conjunction with other materials to do a composite phase.
According to Davies et al. (2013), another key factor for facial mask efficacy is water
repellency. A measure used to decide how effective a mask is at guarding against droplet-
based transmission vectors, which are common in most respiratory illnesses such as COVID-
19. Water repellency is important in testing a facial mask because it is used to determine if the
facial mask is capable in preventing the spread of the disease through droplet-based
transmission.
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According to Balda et al. (2021), natural fibres of plant and animal origin have been
explored vastly over the last two decades and are gaining importance over synthetic
counterparts owing to their biodegradability, renewability, lightweight and better biochemical
and strength properties. Plant-based natural fibres such as banana, coir, sisal, jute, kenaf and
many others have been studied for industrial applications. Among these, banana fibre is of
major interest as banana is one of the most consumed fruit worldwide with annual production
of 115.7 million tonnes in the year 2018 and is grown in 130 countries, which makes banana
waste available locally. Various parts of banana plant such as fruit, fruit peel, flower bud,
leaves and pseudo-stem (banana trunk) are utilized for different industrial purposes. Pseudo-
stem is the major portion of banana waste biomass and yields good quality fibre that has the
potential for industrial applications in the making of sanitary pads, textiles, pulp and paper,
food and reinforced composite materials for automobiles, construction material, aerospace and
other composite materials. Recently, Philippine Department of Science and Technology
prepared masks from banana fibre which can cut the usage of single usage plastic. This
review outlines various methods of extraction of fibre, biochemical and mechanical properties
of banana fibre and its applications.
In the conducted by (Sen et al. 2020), banana stem fiber was extracted from banana
peel and was utilized for the development of a newly researched facial masks. It was
concluded that the bio facial mask would be competitive in the market and can benefit
frontliners and civilians from the transmission of the virus.
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CHAPTER 2
Conceptual Framework
This research is conceptualized based on the study of Cuison et.al. (2021) entitled
Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber A Sustainable Face Mask this study aim to create face mask
made from banana pseudo stem in comparison with commercial face mask. This study follows
the process of gathering banana pseudo stem, cutting, extracting, boiling, bleeding with
sodium hydroxide, molding through deckle, and drying.
Similarly to the study of Cuison et.al. (2021) this research will follow the process of gathering
banana pseudo stem, cutting, extracting, boiling, bleeding with sodium hydroxide, molding
through deckle, and drying. But the researcher will have 3 different treatment involving different
ratio compositions combining the two. treatment 1 (T1) will consist of 90% banana stem and
one cup of sodium hydroxide, treatment 2 (T2) will consist of 70% banana stem and two cup of
sodium hydroxide, treatment 3 (T3) will consist of 50% banana stem and three cup of sodium
hydroxide. this treatment can affect the dependent variable of this study.
Research Paradigm
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE
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Research Design
defines experimental design as the type that strictly follows a scientific approach
applied to one or more dependent variables. The effect is usually measured and
recorded in a controlled environment over some time, to come up with results that
can either support or reject hypothesis. The researchers chose it since making
experiment.
side to it. Describing paper in terms of breathability, color, durability, flexibility and smell needs
sensory evaluation that cannot be done by the researchers to maintain objectivity or avoid bias
— so there would be respondents. This is also to effectively address their statements of the
problem.The sub-descriptors for color are light (3), moderate (2), or dark (1); for odor are
scented (3), odor-free (2), or foul (1); and for texture are smooth (3), moderate (2), or rough (1)
— then they just have to check what best describes their response. That goes the same for the
second part which asks respondents to give their sensory evaluation for commercial mask.
Research Method
In this study, Prototyping method will be employed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of
developing biodegradable face masks using the psuedostem of a banana (Musa Acuminata).
This research method will involve the iterative design that is based on a cyclic process of
prototyping, testing, analyzing, and refining a product or process. The fabrication of prototyping
the masks using banana psuedostem materials will be followed by testing and evaluating their
performance in terms of biodegradability and filtration efficiency.
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Subject of the Study
In this study, wastes of banana stem will be used. First, banana (Musa acuminata is a
herbaceous plant up to 3.6 m tall. Its large, solid green leaves are oval-shaped with a light
green or yellow midvein. The stem is relatively short and dull green to reddish green (Lim,
2012).
Research Instrument
In this study, survey questionnaire (likert scale) and observation sheet will be used to collect all
the data needed to answer the SOP. In survey questionnaire, there are two parts. The first part
asks respondents to give their sensory evaluation for four treatments of experimental paper
given that Treatment 1 (T1) has 90% banana stem: 1 cup of sodium hydroxide; Treatment 2
(T2) has 70% banana stem; 2 cups of sodium hydroxide; Treatment 3 (T3) 50% banana stem:
3 cups of sodium hydroxide
In observation sheet however, the researchers will have to fill in five tables. First, Table 1 asks
them to tally the responses of respondents for four treatments of experimental mask using
frequency. Second, Table 2 asks them to identify the best treatment of experimental mask
using weighted mean. Third, Table 3 asks them to tally the responses of respondents for
commercial mask using mean. Fourth, Table 4 asks them to compare the best treated
experimental mask weighted mean and commercial mask mean. Last, Table 5 asks them to
treat data by applying T-test statistic and providing information about mean difference,
standard error, t-value, degree of freedom, a level, and critical value between the
best treated experimental mask and the commercial mask in terms of breathability, color,
durability, flexibility and smell in order to draw appropriate decision and inference.
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Research Procedure
Gathering of banana stem. The researchers will collect banana stem on their respective
households or other places where the materials/ingredients are found to be available.
Preparation and extraction of banana stem. Extract the fiber and cut banana stem into to
smaller pieces
Boiling the banana stem. Put 2kg chopped banana stem and 1 cup of sodium hydroxide and
boiled it for 30mins.
Filtering. Filter the banana stem to remove water. After that put the seeds and spread them
evenly.
Drying. Use sponge to remove excess water and transfer the sheet from frame to the fabric.
Let it dry.
Sewing. Hand-sew it together as well as the ear loop on both sides. Then press it again.using
the iron.
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Sampling Procedure
In this study, incidental quota sampling will be used. Edgar and Manz (2017) defines
incidental sampling as a type of non-probabilistic method of gaining information from thosewho
are readily available and capable of participating on the research. On the other hand,
Aprameya (2016) defines quota sampling as a non-probabilistic method of determining a
specific number of individuals to be
Statistical Treatment
Mean. According to Bhandari (2020), it is the sum of all values divided by the total number of
values in a given set of data. It is the most common measure of central sampled. All in all, 30
respondents (quota) would be selected at random (incidental).
Weighted Mean. According to Carter (2010), it involves multiplying each data point in a set by
a value which is determined by some characteristic of whatever contributed to the data point.
In this study, it will be used as part of answering SOP 2.
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