A Study of Banana (Pseudo-Stem) as a Eco-

Friendly Alternative to Disposable Face Mask

1. Background of the Study

Since our world today change because of Covid 19 as it brought

various negative impact to the world. This pneumonia-like disease has
launched a global economic tsunami and disruption to our lives that was later
on declared as a pandemic.The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
such as disposable face masks, gloves, etc. serves as a new hygiene habit
and protection against the virus resulting in 300% increase in demand at the
pinnacle of this pandemic.According to UN News 2020, disposable face will
help to fight this covid 19 but it can also bring various negative impact to our
environment which eco-friendly replacement must be promoted.
Banana is the most important fruit crop in the country that the
Philippines is known as the second largest banana exporter in the world
producing approximately 3.5 million metric tons of bananas annually.All parts
of it like its fruit, flower bud, trunk, leaves and pseudo-stem can be used for
various purposes.The wide availability of the banana pseudo-stem transform
them into potential source of raw material.With that the researcher think
about a solution to lessen the mass pollution by creating an eco-friendly face
mask out of banana pseudo-stem.Banana plants belong to the family of
Musaceae that typically grow in tropical and subtropical countries like
Philippines of South-east Asia.The nanofiber from the banana peel is
synthesized through various methods such as preparatory treatment by hand
stripping then grinding it through a mixer, then subject to water afterwards.
The soaked pile will be placed under sunlight for 1-2 days or for faster
production in 100°C to 120°C for 4-5 hours.Face masks are usually made with
3 layers - an inner, outer, and filter layer.And compile the layers of the
biomasks then sew it all together with the ear-loop of course. Masks made
from banana pseudo-stems or biomasks will be present to filtration efficiency
tests that focused on air permeability, water absorbency, and water
repellency.

REFERENCE

(1. ) https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/covi d-responsible-businesses-

during-thecoronavirus-pandemic/
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(4) Carag Jeniffer,2021.Banana Pseudo-Stem Face Masks as Post-Pandemic
Future Business Venture