ENGINEERING SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Banana Cardava Pseudostem Fiberboard

A Great Alternative for Constructional Materials

____________________

A Research Study Presented to:

Ms. Melissa B. Bucayu
College of Engineering Department
National University Baliwag
_____________________

In Fulfillment for the Requirements in

Calculus-Based Physics for Engineers - LAB
for the Academic Course
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
____________________

By
Pile, Nico
Mallari, Mark Daniel
Fajardo, Jaira Mae
Recta, Charles
Santos, Mark Anthony
 Chapter III

Methodology

This part of the research contains the methods and techniques, procedure, research design,

and the statistical treatment used to obtain the objectives of this study.

Subject of the Study

The researchers made three different samples of the banana fiberboard to know which

samples were suitable as an alternative for construction material. Sample no. 1 has 95% of banana

pseudostem fiber and 5% binding agent, sample no. 2 has 90% banana pseudostem fiber and 10%

bonding agent, and sample no. 3 has 80% banana pseudostem fiber and 20% bonding agent. All

three samples undergo the same procedures in the making and the same tests to determine their

characteristics and quality. However, surveys, questionnaires, and respondents are not required in

conducting this research.

Data Gathering Procedure

The components of the banana fiberboard consist of two main ingredients, the banana fiber

and the binding agent. The binding agent can be organic, epoxy, or resin, as for this research, the

researchers chose to use epoxy due to its good resistance against acids, alkalis, oils, and saltwater

and outstanding adhesive strength.

To produce the fiberboards, the researchers manually extracted the fibers by cutting the
banana stem into small pieces and pounding it nicely with a hammer mullet until the fibers were

produced. It was soaked in a large pail of hot water to soften the fibers and then strained to discard

the excess. The researchers shredded it again to make sure that the fibers were produced. After the

extraction, the fibers are mixed with the bonding agent. The mixture was thoroughly mixed until

homogeneity was obtained and was then molded in the molder and left dry in the sun for 72 hours.

All produced fiberboards will undergo the same standard test for physical boards. The test

is conducted to determine if the board is suitable for construction purposes. The boards will be

tested through the following:

1. Density

The Density directly affects the strength, as an increase in the density increases the strength

too. To get the density of the fiberboards, the test specimen should be weighed and measured to

find its weight and volume. The density should be calculated as follows:

Density in 𝑔/𝑚3 = 𝑝 = 𝑚/𝑙𝑤𝑡

Were in,

m = mass of the specimen

l = length of the specimen

w = weight of the specimen

t = thickness of the specimen

2. Workability Test

The cardboards shall not crack, split or chip when drilled, sawed, or nailed perpendicular

to the plane of the board. The Three samples will be penetrated slowly by a 4" concrete nail. The

damage produced by penetrated nails will be measured and recorded.

3. Swelling in Thickness and Water Absorption Test

The thickness swelling results from a water soak test indicate the board's response to

misuse involving intermittent wet or exposure to extreme damp conditions for short periods. The

swelling in thickness of the three test pieces during a 24-hour immersion in cold water is measured.

The swelling and absorption ratio should be calculated as follows:

Swelling ratio = (Ws - Wd)/Wd × 100

Were in,

Ws = weight after swelling

Wd = original weight

4. Basic Strength Test

The primary strength test of fiberboards is done manually. It requires determining the

fiberboard's strength by loading some weights underneath the boards.

Research Design

This study has an experimental research design as it establishes a relationship between the

fiberboard and the effect of the standard set for particle boards. It is a causal design where the

researchers observe the impact caused by the tests on the fiberboards.

The researchers monitor the influence of the tests such as durability, water absorption,

swelling, tensile strength, flammability, and density from the fiberboards. It is a convenient

research method as it contributes to solving a problem.

According to Sugiyono (2016:80), experimental research aims to find the cause-effect

relationship among variables in a controlled condition. The essential feature of experimental

research is that investigators deliberately control and manipulate the conditions that determine the

events they are interested in, introduce an intervention, and measure the difference it makes. An

experiment involves changing the value of one variable – called the independent variable and

observing the effect of that change on another variable – called the dependent variable (Louis,

2017:291).