Identifying the optimal boiling time for saba banana pseudodtem (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) to produce durable and biodegradable material for eco-bags /
by Geraldine A. Jardiolin, Carl John G. Mayormente, Rico S. Alimonsurin, Christine Q. Barillo, Franchesca Chloie L. Barraca, & Oscar Henry S. Hembra.
- [Iloilo City] : [Ateneo de iloilo], c2025.
- 62 p.
This study investigates the tear strength and biodegradability of banana pseudostem fibers as a sustainable material for eco-bags, emphasizing the effects of varying boiling times (30, 45. and 60 minutes) on their mechanical properties and environmental degradation. The mechanical properties were assessed through tear strength testing in both the machine and cross directions, while biodegradability was evaluated via soil burial tests for 7 and 14 days. Results showed that boiling time significantly influenced the fibers' degradation rate, with the 45-minute boiling time achieving the highest biodegradability (96.15% weight loss after 14 days) while maintaining sufficient durability (63.11 g tearing force in the machine direction). Although the 30-minute boiling time exhibited higher durability in the cross direction, it degraded at a slower rate, while the 60-minute boiling time showed more consistent but moderate results in both durability and biodegradability. Statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed that boiling time had a significant impact on biodegradability but not on durability. The study concludes that 45 minutes is the optimal boiling time for balancing durability and environmental sustainability, making banana pseudostem fibers a promising biodegradable material for ec0-bag production.