1

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BANANA STEM FIBER AS

A MASK

A Research Presented to the Senior High School Department

General Santos City LAGAO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ANNEX

In Partial Fulfillment of
The Requirements in Practical Research II

Pepito Mark Jan B

Ballelos Marco Y
Ariellyn Guanzon A
Langeras Eric
Misperos Rj Lance
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ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 virus has become a global pandemic, posing serious

hazards to civilization. People are wearing face masks to protect themselves

and avoid spreading the virus. Mostly, face masks are made of petroleum-

based non-renewable polymers that are non-biodegradable, hazardous to the

environment, and create health issues. Banana fibers are highly absorbent,

breathable, dry rapidly, have high tensile strength, are biodegradable, and

have no negative environmental impact. This study aims to reduce the

extensive use of non-biodegradable face masks by producing a banana stem

fiber mask. Also, the research determines if it is possible to use banana fiber

masks against the spreading virus.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This project would not have been possible to complete without the

participation and assistance of persons whose names may not all be listed.

We sincerely appreciate and gratefully acknowledge their contributions.

However, the group would like to express their deep appreciation and

indebtedness particularly to the following:

Ma’am Mary Jane S. Galanida, for being understanding and considerate

to us. Also, for her teaching, guidance, and advice.

To all relatives, friends, and other people close to us who shared their

endless support, either morally, physically, and financially, thank you.

Above all, to the Almighty God, the creator of all living things, for His

undying love. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

l Title Page………………………………………………………………

l Abstract…………………………………………………………………

l Acknowledgement……………………………………………………..

l Table of Content………………………………………………………..

l Chapter I – Introduction…………………………………………………

I. Background of the Study………………………………………

II. Statement of the Problem…………………………………..

III. Significance of the Study……………………………………

IV. Scope and Delimitation……………………………………..

l Chapter II – Review of the Literature and Conceptual Framework…

I. Related Literature…………………………………………….

II. Conceptual Framework………………………………………

III. Research Hypotheses………………………………………..

IV. Definition of Terms……………………………………………

l Chapter III – Methodology………………………………………………..

I. Research Design…………………………………………………

II. The Sample…………………………………………………….

III. Intervention……………………………………………………..

IV. Data Collection Procedure…………………………………….

V. Plan for Data Analysis……………………………………….…

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Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter of the paper presents the problem and its setting. It includes

the background of the study, the statement of the problem, significance of the

study, and scope and delimitation of the study.

Background of the Study

The covid-19 pandemic had vastly impacted humanity, the economy,

and our environment. In order to avoid spreading the virus, the government

implemented health protocols and guidelines. Wearing masks in public is one

of the essential things that people need to follow. Face masks are typically

constructed of non-renewable petroleum-based polymers that are non-

biodegradable, toxic to nature, and cause health problems. If not disposed of

for recycling, it will end up in the environment and cause pollution.

To control the spread of the virus, face masks are used as primary

personal protective equipment (PPE). Thus, the production and usage of face

masks significantly increased as the COVID-19 pandemic was still escalating.

Further, most of these masks contain plastics or other derivatives of plastics.

Therefore, this extensive usage of face masks generates millions of tons of

plastic waste to the environment in a short span of time. This study aims to

investigate the environmental impact induced by face mask wastes and

sustainable solutions to reduce this waste. An online survey was carried out to
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identify the types of face masks and number of masks used per week by an

individual from 1033 people. Based on this survey and available literature, this

study quantifies the amount of plastics waste generated by face masks.

However, this survey was limited with certain ages, countries and durations

(July–August 2020). Thus, the prediction of plastic waste generation, only

provide fundamental knowledge about the mask wastes. Results revealed that

there is a huge plastic waste remaining in the land and marine environment in

the form of mask waste, which will contribute to micro-plastic pollution.

Therefore, this paper also highlights the sustainable approach to mask

production by integrating the use of natural plant fiber in the woven face mask

technology to reduce the plastic waste induced by masks. Further, upcycling

the mask waste and producing construction materials was also discussed.

(Selvaranjana, Navaratnamb, Rajeevc, Ravintherakumarand, April 2021).

As the pandemic continues, our country suffered infections and even

deaths from the covid infectious virus. The pandemic affects the lives of

Filipinos, the economy, etc. Wearing facemasks is just a preventive way to

lessen infecting others. But the fact that the waste it gives to the environment

causes pollution to land and sea. If historical data is a reliable indicator, it can

be expected that around 75 percent of the used masks, as well as other

pandemic-related waste, will end up in landfills, or floating in the seas. Aside

from the environmental damage, the financial cost, in areas such as tourism

and fisheries.
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These days, the people of General Santos City use non-biodegradable

facemasks as a protection against the infectious covid virus. But with a

population of more than 660,000 people, General Santos City generates

almost 140 tons of trash every day. This includes an estimated 480,000

masks that are now being disposed of daily since the pandemic began last

year, according to the municipal waste management office (WMO). These

used face masks often end up in environmentally sensitive areas if they’re not

collected efficiently, (John Duane Hitalia, 2021).

In this regard, the researchers would like to determine if the Banana

Stem Fiber as a Face Mask can replace the traditional disposable facemask

in General Santos City considering that this study is a major factor of literacy.

This study would like to determine the quality, its usefulness and level of its

consideration for a safety use.

Statement of the Problem

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This research generally aims to determine the quality of banana fiber as a

face mask. Specifically, this sought to answer the questions:

1. What are the satisfaction level of the participants to the quality of banana

fiber mask?

2. What are the insights/recommendations of the participants to the banana

fiber mask?

3. What is the implication can be drawn base on the result of the study?

Significance of the Study

The researchers believe that the outcome of this study will help the following:

Students – For them to have knowledge about the topic.

Teachers – For them to have information about banana stem fiber masks
for their researches and lessons.

Researchers - For them to have a reference if they would have a topic

related to this study. This research can serve as related study for the future
researchers having a similar topic.

Scope and Delimitation

The researchers conducted this study to determine the effectiveness of

banana stem fiber as a mask. This research involves 15 respondents from

General Santos City who are chosen by convenience sampling method.

They are going to evaluate the quality of banana fiber mask that were

given to them and produced by the researchers. The comparison of the

effectiveness of banana fiber mask and other existing masks will not be

discussed in the study.

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Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter of the paper presents the review of related literature, the

conceptual framework, the research hypotheses, and the definition of terms.

Related Literature

This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the through

and in-depth search done by the researchers. This will also present the

synthesis of the art, theoretical and conceptual frameworks to fully understand

the research to be done and lastly the definition of terms for better

comprehension of the study.

The risk of airborne ash, air pollution and airborne and droplet-based

diseases are among the plethora of hazards that severely increase due to

generally poor housing conditions available to those in extreme poverty.

Given the socioeconomic ability of these people, the preferred solution would

be to prevent rather than incur the need for expensive and inaccessible

medical care. Facial masks are used for protection against various bacteria

and viruses. Facial masks are made with normally 3 layers, an inner and outer

barrier layer which uses polypropylene and a filter layer. These are tested

through pressure differential tests, breaking force strength and more. The

study focuses on air permeability, water absorbency and water repellency

since these focus on bacterial penetration and breathability. There are

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different ways to make a facial mask, it could be made in a factory or

handmade, most facial masks are sewn together (Davies et al. 2013).

Amongst the large pool of related literature, studies were incomplete in

that none could determine the quantitative efficacy of facial masks as

protection (Cummings et al. 2016), none examined the possibility of facial

masks composed of unconventional materials (Davies et al. 2013). The setup

of certain experiments were flawed for a lack of control variables that ensured

less of the experiment would be affected beyond the tested variables

(MacIntyre et al. 2015). Therefore, the purpose of the 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.

Different studies have manufactured biodegradable materials to benefit

their research. In a study of Chia-Yuan et al. (2016), electrospinning was

utilized to make fibrous material out of lignin solution, similar to using naturally

occurring fibers in plants for weaving. Findings have shown that the filtration

efficiency tests conducted revealed the material was inadequate, and that the

consistency factor suggested that due to high penetration values, the filters

would not meet the requisite quality requirements. The procedures of these

related methods on facial mask creation were incorporated into the

methodology for the banana fiber facial mask. A study by Chowdhury et al.

(2020), made filters that use Glycyrrhiza glabra.

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It was made a solution to undergo electrospinning. It was found that the

electrospinning process was shown to enhance the fabric’s breathability,

indicated by high air permeability. These will be utilized in the study by

applying the same tests that their samples went through. The procedures that

will be applicable to the creation of the banana fiber facial mask would be

following the general guidelines of a facial mask, 3-layer structure which is

aligned with the surgical mask structure.

Other studies dealt with bacterial penetration through the droplet vector

by demonstrating superior clinical efficacy of the continuous use of N95

respirator (also known as “airborne precautions'') against infections presumed

to be spread by the droplet mode, including influenza (MacIntyre et al. 2017).

Observing material composition is a practice done in other studies. A study

(Chia-Yuan et al. 2016) examined how banana fiber is used to form as a filter

for the facial mask due to the characteristics of lignin-based nanoscale fibers

that improved the filtration efficiency of facial masks by substantially

decreasing the pressure drop inside the filters.

To determine if facial masks constructed using banana fibers as

material for the filter layers functioned on-par with baseline standards for

facial masks, it was necessary to compare the masks in terms of air

permeability, water repellency, and water absorbency which are the tests

given by PTRI. Air permeability is crucial for facial masks, given that if air

cannot permeate through the masks, the wearer may find it difficult or be

entirely unable to breathe. The study found that air permeability in both the

three-layer and four-layer setups were significantly higher than the baseline
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standard, indicating that in terms of breathability the material encountered

little to no issues functioning.

Another key factor for facial mask efficacy is water repellency (Davies

et al. 2013), 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 (Davies et al. 2013). The study found, however, that both the

three-layer and four-layer setups had the same rating of water repellency,

which was significantly higher than the baseline standard for this variable.

In this it can conclude that the banana fiber facial masks are better

than standard facial masks at repelling these particle penetrations from the

droplet vector. In relation to the findings the study had regarding air

permeability, this set of results speaks to the efficacy of the material selected,

large enough to allow ease of use but capable of repelling aspects of droplet-

based transmission vectors that indicate this facial mask is efficient at

reducing potential transmissions. Finally, the study found that both the three-

layer and four-layer setups’ water absorbency, measured in wetting time in

seconds, was significantly longer than the baseline standard of five seconds.

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
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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 (Sato et al. 2019).

More than just the material composition, the number of filter layers

present was also expected to affect the air permeability, water repellency, and

water absorbency of the biodegradable facial masks, with one aim of the

study being to determine which amount of filter layers resulted in the best

possible mask for use. Adding a layer essentially increases the density of the

woven fabric, and this increase in density should result in a decrease in air

permeability, and therefore, water permeability as well (Ogulata, 2006). Due

to the nature of the findings, it cannot make a meaningful comparison in terms

of both water repellency and water absorbency between these two groups

because they share similar data sets. Therefore, the only remaining criteria is

air permeability.

In terms of that variable, the expected result did occur, wherein the

three-layer setup measured higher than the four-layer setup. It can be seen

that the only significant difference between the setups is that the three-layer

facial masks are more easily used due to their higher air permeability and may

be the better option because of that higher air permeability, its similar abilities

with regards to water repellency and absorbency, and that the construction of

a three-layer mask will be less resource-intensive than the alternative. The

reason why a three-layer facial mask is better is because the average

standard of a facial mask is that it typically has three (3) layers, a barrier layer
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which repels droplets from entering the mask, a filter layer which prevents

large particles to enter the mask and an inner layer which is absorbent of the

water droplets that come from the wearer’s mouth (Chua, et al. 2020).

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.

It is, however, possible to conclude that of the two distinct setups,

those masks with three filter layers rated higher in air permeability and are

therefore better for use than four-layer masks. In the future, it would be

recommended for studies to focus on airborne particle penetration testing, in

addition to the droplet vector, to test mask efficiency against aerosols.

Moreover, this study was conducted with a relatively small sample size and

was done using only one alternative material.

It is recommended, if possible, that future inquiries compare other

local, biodegradable materials, to these banana fiber sheets, and that these

studies utilize a larger sample size. Finally, due to time constraints, the

banana fiber sheets here were pre- constructed rather than extracted from
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pseudo-stems, and the study was thus unable to control for the efficacy of

masks as constructed by a community rather than by professionals. To model

results in the situation this study addresses, on the local community level that

has little access to healthcare, these considerations must be taken to ensure

the accuracy of the data. This study found that for these communities, while a

trade-off between accessibility and better water absorbency could occur,

biodegradable facial masks are a safe and acceptable alternative for

community healthcare (Aguilar, et al. 2021).

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework was presented, which outlined how the

study would be structured in terms of content and possible outcomes. The

framework demonstrated an organized overall notion of the study through its

input, process, and output.

In this research, the researchers tried to know if it is effective to make a

mask out of banana stem fiber. They generally aimed to know the quality of

banana stem fiber mask/s based on the satisfaction level of the participants in

terms of the thickness, smell, design, breathability, and texture. A survey was

conducted for them to achieve the objectives. All of the data needed were

gathered through the respondents' responses to the survey questionnaires.

The researchers interpreted the results to be able to give solutions to the

problem.
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PROCESS: Cutting,
INPUT: Banana mincing, boiling, OUTPUT: The
blending, sieving, effectiveness of
Stem Fiber and drying from banana stem
the sun of Banana fiber as a mask
stem fiber
 
 

Figure 1: The conceptual framework for the Effectiveness of Banana Stem

fiber as a mask
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Research Hypothesis(es)

The researchers are determining the answer of a necessary question "Is the

banana stem fiber effective material in producing face masks?"

Ha: The banana stem fiber is effective material in producing face masks.

Ho: The banana stem fiber is not effective material in producing face masks.
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Definition of Terms

Banana Fiber / Musa Fiber- banana fiber, also known as Musa fiber, is one of

the world's strongest natural fibers. Biodegradable, the natural fiber is made

from the stem of the banana tree and is incredibly durable. The thicker,

sturdier fibers are taken from the banana tree's outer sheaths, whereas the

inner sheaths result in softer fibers.

Mask / face mask- a cloth face mask is a mask made of common textiles,

usually cotton, worn over the mouth and nose.

Satisfaction level- is the measurement of an individual’s satisfaction.

Breathability- is defined as the ability of a fabric to allow perspiration,

evaporated by the body, to escape (diffuse) to the outside (termed moisture

vapour transmission), thereby allowing complete comf ort.

Chapter lll

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, research locale, data

gathering procedure and statistical treatment that being used to examined and

interpret the data if the study.

Research Design
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This study is Quali-quantitative in nature since the research question

we seek to answer lead to numerical data and non-numerical data. We used

mixed methods to approach this study. The process of naturalistic inquiry that

seeks an in-depth understanding of social phenomena within their natural

setting is known as qualitative research. It can be used to  systematically

measure variables and test hypotheses. While, the process of collecting and

interpreting numerical data is known as quantitative research. It can be used

to look for averages and patterns, make predictions, test casual linkages, and

extrapolate results to larger groups. Experimental research is a type of

scientific examination in which one or more independent variables are

changed and then applied to one or more dependent variables to see how

they affect the latter. The effect of independent variables on dependent

variables is frequently observed and recorded over time to help researchers

come to a plausible conclusion about the relationship between these two

types of variables. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness

of banana fiber in producing masks; therefore, it is an experimental-research.

The Sample

The target population of the study is the people in General Santos City.

These people are selected regardless of their age. With a large size of

population in General Santos City, the researchers will consider a sample of

15 respondents. These samples are selected through non-probability

sampling, specifically the convenience sampling.

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The Instrument(s)

In this study, the researchers will be using the survey questionnaire. The

purpose of this questionnaire is to gather data and informations from the

respondents. The researchers will explain to the respondents on how to fill the

form. The survey questionnaire is used to measure the satisfaction level of the

respondents from the proposed product. Possible responses are limited to a

four-point Likert scale: (4) Very dissatisfied, (3) Moderately dissatisfied, (2)

Moderately satisfied, (1) Very satisfied. And also, an open-ended question.

Intervention

Experimental Set-Up

Materials:

Banana Stem Fiber

Blender

Deckle

Casserole

Knife

Basin

Procedure:

1. First, cut the Banana Stem vertically, and then into smaller pieces.

2. Secondly, put the chopped banana fiber into a boiling water. Boil the

mixture for about 40-60 minutes.

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3. After boiling, rinse the mixture with water for 2 to 3 times before feeling

the texture.

4. Next, proceed to blend the mixture to become puree or paste looking.

Blend until you don’t see any more solid particles.

5. Get a deckle, basin or any tub and put the fiber and water.

6. Start sieving your fabric for the mask.

7. After sieving, put the blended fiber in the sun and let it dry.

8. Remove the fabric from the sieve and proceed to cutting, layering, and

designing the mask.

9. After sewing and layering the mask, the finished product would be

similar to a face mask.

Data Collection Procedure

The process for gathering the needed data in the study is described in

the following steps.

First, the researchers request permission from the respondents, explaining

that they are willing to participate in and test the made products.

Second, the researchers will collect the data from the respondents who are

willing to participate.

Lastly, once all of the data and information have been collected, the

researchers will discuss about the findings and results.

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Plan for Data Analysis

Experimentation was conducted to create the banana fiber mask. It is mainly

to make a mask out of banana stem fiber. The product was tested by the

respondents for a more specific and accurate data analysis.

For the purposes of this research, survey method was utilized as the data

gathering procedure. Questionnaires were distributed among the selected

participants of the researchers in General Santos City. It is used to know the

what are the satisfaction level of respondents and their insights/

recommendations to the product made.

The Figure 2 below depicts the researchers' strategy or flow for conducting

the experiment. In the illustration, it is indicated the plan, and its allotted time,

included also are the detailed information about the experimental plan of the

researchers.

Acquiring of the needed materials

Experimentation of banana fiber mask

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Finalizing and producing the finished product

Analyzing and Interpreting the Collected Data

Figure 2: Flow Chart

Also, the researchers would use the statistical tool mean and thematic

analysis in analyzing the gathered data. The final statistical data, therefore,

are used to examine all of the research problems.

Chapter 4

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

This chapter presents the findings, analysis, and interpretation of data

gathered. As an experimental research study, the analysis was carried out in

survey questionnaires. Questionnaires were distributed to 15 people and were

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accomplished by both male and female. Its main objective is to identify the

satisfaction rate and insights/recommendation of respondents to the banana

stem fiber mask.

Banana Stem Fiber Mask

(1) Thickness (2) Smell (3) Design (4) (5)

Breathability Texture
4 4 2 3 4
3 3 2 3 3
4 4 3 2 4
3 3 4 2 3
4 4 4 1 3
3 3 1 2 4
2 3 3 2 3
3 4 2 1 4
3 4 2 2 3
3 4 2 1 2
3 2 1 3 3

3 3 3 2 4
3 3 4 3 4
2 2 1 2 3
4 3 2 2 4
∑ = 47 ∑ = 49 ∑ = 36 ∑ = 31 ∑ = 51
̄X= 47/15 = 3.1 ̄X= 49/15 = 3.3 ̄X= 36/15 = ̄X= 31/15 = X̄=
2.4 2.1 51/15=3.4
Table 1

The Table 1 shows the satisfaction level of respondents based on thickness,

smell, design, breathability, and texture of the banana stem fiber mask. Also,

the sum of the numbers in each column of banana stem fiber mask’s qualities

are indicated to get the mean score. The results show the mean score of

Texture, which has the highest mean of 3.4. The Smell has the second

highest mean score of 3.3. The next one is Thickness, which has a mean

score of 3.1. Then, the Design, with a mean score of 2.4. And the last one,

which is Breathability, that has a mean score of 2.1.

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Interpretation of Data

Mean score Interpretation

4 3.1- 4 Very dissatisfied
3 2.1- 3 dissatisfied

2 1.1- 2 satisfied
1 0.1- 1 Very satisfied
Table 2: Legend for Interpreting Data

The researchers used interpretation of data to determine the overall

satisfaction level of the respondents to the quality of banana fiber mask in

terms of thickness, smell, design, breathability, and texture based on their

calculated mean score(s).

Mean score Interpretation

Thickness 3.1 Very dissatisfied
Smell 3.3 Very dissatisfied
Design 2.4 dissatisfied
Breathability 2.1 dissatisfied
Texture 3.4 Very dissatisfied
Table 3: Interpretation for the quality of banana fiber mask

Table 3 answers the statement of the problem number 1. This presents the

interpretation of the mean score of the respondents’ satisfaction level in terms

of thickness, smell, design, breathability, and texture of the banana stem fiber

mask. After computing and analyzing, the result shows that the respondents

are dissatisfied with the quality of the product made by researchers, which is

the banana stem fiber mask.

Response Meaning Coding Theme

Respondent 1: The mask usage Texture Discomfort
“Hindi of mask is not discomfort
masyadong that comfortable
komportable ang because of the
paggamit ng texture which
mask dahil sa needs to
texture at improve.
kailangan pang
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iimprove.”
Respondent 2: Make the cloth Texture Discomfort
“Himuon og mas smoother. discomfort
hamis ang tela.”
Respondent 3: Enhance and Product Deficiency
improve all the deficiency
qualities.
Respondent 4: Design the mask Dearth of Dearth
“Tarungon og properly. design/artistry
design ang
mask.”
Respondent 5: Make the mask Product Deficiency
“Kapalan pa ang thicker so that deficiency
mask karang wa there will be no
nay makit an na hole that can be
mga buslot.” seen.
Respondent 6: It is okay but Product Deficiency
need deficiency
improvements.
Respondent 7: Make the mask Excessive size Excessiveness
“Medyo liitan ang smaller.
mask.”
Respondent 8: Remove the odor Discomfort Discomfort
“Tanggalin yung and the cloth usage
maamoy and ang should not be
tela kay dapat itchy.
hindi makati.”
Respondent 9: It’s not that Discomfort Discomfort
“dili kaayo comfortable to usage
komportable sul wear because of
oton kay medyo odor.
naay baho.”
Respondent 10: It’s thin and it Discomfort Discomfort
“Manipis siya needs to be usage
tapos need thicker for it to be
pakapalin para usable. Make a
maging usable. way for the odor
Gawan ng to fade. Keep it
paraan para up!
mawala yung
amoy. Keep it
up!”
Respondent 11: Refine properly Discomfort Discomfort
“Pinuhig ayo so that it’s not usage
para di katol.” itchy.

Respondent 12: The mask is big Excessive size Excessiveness

“Dako ang mask that’s why
maong bawasi.” reduce the
length.
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Respondent 13: The texture Texture Discomfort

“Dapat malambot should be soft. discomfort
ang texture.”
Respondent 14: It’s simple. Dearth of Dearth
“Simple ra.” design/artistry
Respondent 15: The cloth that Product Deficiency
“Rough ang tela used in mask deficiency
na ginamit sa feels rough. And,
mask. And nipis it’s thin. It’s still
siya. Hindi pa not
siya recommended to
recommended to use.
use.”
Table 4: Thematic Analysis

Table 4 shows the insights/recommendations of respondents to the quality of

banana stem fiber mask. This data helps the researchers to identify the

problems that needed improvement in this study.

Chapter 5

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter contains the researchers’ conclusions on how effective it is to

use banana fiber in producing a mask. Also, recommendations are included.

Conclusions:

Based on the result of the study, the following conclusions have been made.

1. Our data shows that even with our innovative banana stem fiber mask,

most people would still prefer to use the common mask to protect themselves.

2. We need to improve the quality of our innovative banana stem fiber masks.

3. The banana stem fiber is still possible to be used a material for producing

masks with a better production.

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Recommendations:

Based on the result and conclusions, the following are the

recommendations.

1. So far, it’s still better for people to use common face masks.

2. On further research, they must be fully aware of what the study is all about

before being experimented so that they may participate well in

experimentation.

3.Through enhanced product manufacturing, and to achieve the intended

result, the students should look for similar topics or studies.

4. It is suggested that students learn in an environment that would drive them

to create better products. They are expected to produce a good quality
product.
5. Future researchers must invest a lot of money in order to properly make our
innovative face masks and bring their 100% potential in competing against
common face masks. They must find further ways to improve the mask, and
upon experimenting.

REFERENCES

Aguilar, J., Cacanando, A., De Leon, A., Feraren, L., Menchaca, J., Samaco,

M., Santos, R., Villamor, S., Anglo-

Ojeda, A., Ferran, F. (2021) Development of Biodegradable Facial Masks

Using Banana Pseudo-Stem

Fiber Filters: Assessing Its Air Permeability, Water Absorbency and

Water Repellency. July 7 to 9, 2021

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https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/conferences/research-

congress-

proceedings/2021/FNH-02.pdf

Chia-Yuan Chang, & Feng-Cheng Chang. (2016). Development of

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