Final Research Paper Eco Friendly Face Mask
Final Research Paper Eco Friendly Face Mask
Final Research Paper Eco Friendly Face Mask
“Success is a science: if the circumstances are met, the outcomes will follow..”
The researchers would like to recognize the contribution of the following people who
have helped and supports us enable to develop our knowledge and skills while doing this study.
We wish to express our heartfelt and sincerest gratitude to the following persons:
Ms. Emely F. Lentija, the research subject teacher, who went above and beyond to
assist the researchers and offer their insights on how to do this research in an acceptable and
accurate manner.
Science teacher of Bambad National High School for responding to the researchers'
Mr. Abas S. Dollente, for approving and supporting to the researcher in succeed of this
study.
To the researchers beloved parents,For their unending love and support, as well as
their financial assistance and encouragement, which gave us the fortitude to confront life's
challenges.
And above all, to the researchers Father in heaven; who gave the researchers
knowledge and strength by his guidance and blessings. Thank you for everything you gave the
researchers without you the researchers cannot perform well and finish our study
I
Abstract
mask out of banana pseudo-stem fibers. Since this CoVid-19 virus is thought to be small
enough to pass through face masks, the product's goal is to prevent the virus that is passing
through gaps made by banana pseudo-stem face mask . Nonetheless, the product will go
through a process in which the purposive sampling method will be used to select 7science
teacher of Bambad National High School who will participate in the survey interview about the
banana pseudo-stem fiber as a sustainable face mask, and the answers that the participants
will provide will then be appraised and investigated using the code and theme analysis.
The results collected from the participants revealed the problems and issues being
encountered when people are using face masks during the CoVid-19 pandemic mostly are in:
(a) Skin irritations . Furthermore, the factors that are being encountered in using a sustainable
face mask are: (a) affordable in terms of acceptability(b)have the strongest fiber in terms of
durability and, (c) is a good alternative to use during the pandemic in terms of efficiency.Results
show in terms of efficiency of the face face mask that using banana fiber layers as filters
demonstrated a low rate of particle penetration in the water repellency and in water absorbency
by not passing the 30 second test; in terms of air permeability, it shows the potential of the
fiber’s ability to stop the flow of air that passes the flame test. With all of the results, it is strongly
advised to conduct additional research into the product and consult with specialists for safety.
II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Pages
Acknowledgement i
Abstract ii
INTRODUCTION
C. Hypothesis 3
F. Conceptual Framework 6
G. Definition of Terms 7
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 8
Findings 23
Conclusion 24
Recommendation 24
REFERENCES 23
APPENDICES
III
Appendix B. Documentation 26
IV
Introduction
Our world today change due to 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.During the previous years, the world has
been battling plastic pollution. Furthermore, the pandemic has contributed to this problem
because of the sudden demand and use of disposable face masks, gloves, and other
equipment to ensure everyone’s safety against the virus. Due to this, thousands of synthetic
masks will only pile up and take so long to decompose.According to an estimate by the Asian
Development Bank, during the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak, the city could have been
generates up to 280 tonnes of face mask waste per day and a total of 102,200 tonnes of
medical wate a year that can bring various negative impact to our environment which eco-
Banana plants are members of the Musaceae family, which grows in tropical and
subtropical areas such as the Philippines in Southeast Asia. It is the country's most significant
fruit crop. The Philippines has the world's sixth biggest banana plantation, producing roughly 6
million metric tons of bananas each year. Almost 60% of banana biomass is wasted after
harvesting. Every year, around 114.08 million metric tons of banana trash are produced
worldwide, causing environmental issues such as excessive greenhouse gas emissions. The
abundant availability of discarded banana pseudo-stem is seen as agricultural waste that may
used more sustainably, particularly as a source of cellulose fiber for future purposes.
Banana fibers are light, fire-resistant, and easy to work with.Biodegradability, huge
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(Subagyo,Chafidz 2018) the hollow nature of the banana pseudo-stem that the fiber have
strong insulation and absorption capabilities. Additionally, studies of X-ray indicate that banana
pseudo-stem fiber has a high degree of crystallinity with a spiral angle of about 15°. In the
The study's goal is to produce face masks made with widely accessible and alternative
materials that are as good as or better than the price in terms of air permeability, water
repellency, and water absorbancy, making them useful as a means of protection from infection
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.
This study will be conducted to test the potential of banana pseudo-stem as Eco-Friendly
Specifically, this research study will sought to answer the following questions:
1.1. Acceptability
1.2. Durability
2) Is there a significant difference between the air permeability,water repellency and water
3) What can the respondents recommend to improve the proposed eco-friendly face mask.
C. Hypothesis
mask.
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D. Significance of the study
Face masks, gloves, and wipes are made from multiple plastic fibers, primarily
polypropylene, that will remain in the environment for decades, possibly centuries, fragmenting
into smaller and smaller microplastics and nanoplastics.A year ago, the idea that disposable face
masks could become global environmental pollutants,aside from that.So as these disposable
masks make their way into the environment, the researchers think about a solution on how to
lessen the mass pollution and banana waste problem by creating an eco-friendly face mask out of
The people and animal would benifit in this study as the sustainable face mask that supports
a future of decreased waste, outstanding health results for both human and animals.Necessity to
reduce the aggravates the environment due to increased face masks waste that COVID-19
pandemic contributed.In other words, this product help preserve the environment by significantly
The natural fiber business has the potential to employ millions of people, primarily small
farmers because of the abundantly available agricultural waste produces renewable fibre from
banana plant and can become a profitable resources.This will also help the farmers by providing
them an opportunity to generate additional income through extracting or selling the banana
pseudo-stem.
Face mask manufacturers will benefit from this because they will be able to develop new
products utilizing natural materials, lowering costs, increasing efficiency, and creating healthier
workplaces.
equipment and running costs, eg reducing the volume of waste that sends to landfill could lower
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your operating costs, and by using energy and water efficient products and services you can
significantly cut your utility bills.And going green has several benefits for companies.
The government of the Philippines would benefit for it could help the waste problem not
only in disposal of face mask as but well as in the banana tree wastes that if not properly managed
environmental friendly face mask and also to know the potential of banana pseudo-stem fibers.
The future researchers could benefit in the study to helps develop new tests for diagnosis,
treatments and processes for the study. That may gain access to treatments that are not yet
disposable face masks. This study is a pre-experimental research where groups are observed
when treatment is done, as its goal is to determine if there will be changes made from its initial
instance. In this sampling technique, the researcher is the one who is in charge of selecting who
their respondents are, and there would be 8 science teachers of Bambad National High School
who are going to be the respondents, hence, their judgement. –potential of banana pseudo-stem
alternative to disposable face mask.It will be conducted in the areas of the of Bambad National
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F.Conceptual Framework
INPUT PROCESS
Raw materials and tools
Process of making the face
Banana-pseudo-stem mask
Cutting the stem in
25ml Hydroxide
pieces
Solution(10% NaOH) Mix with sodium
As reflected in the diagram, figure 1 discusses the flow of study to be taken. The systems have
three frames and composed of input which consists of raw material and tools that will be used in
the study and through the process of making the face mask and the output which consist of
introducing the potential disposable face mask made from banana pseudo-stem in Bambad
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G.Definition of Terms
For better understanding of the study, certain important terms used were given their
Air permeability- the measure of air flow passed through a given area of a fabric
Eco-Friendly- items and materials are defined as being not environmentally harmful.
Mass pollution- huge dumping of waste consuming massive space and contributing
environmental hazardous.
Microplastics- small plastic pieces which can be harmful to our ocean and aquatic life.
Musaceae- family of flowering plants and is native to the topics of Africa and Asia.
environment.
Polypropylene- uses range from plastic packaging, plastic parts for machinery and equipment
Pseudo-Stem- the part of the banana plant that looks like trunk.
Respondents - individuals who complete the survey or interview for the researcher.
Sampling technique- the name or other identification of the specific process by which the entities
Water absorbancy-a measure of the amount of water absorbed by the wetted surface of paper
Water repellency- treated with a finish that is resistant but not impervious to penetration by water.
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Research Methodology
Gathering of materials
Determination of materials
Gathering of materials
Kolambog Isulan Sultan Kudarat. The researcher bought the sodium hydroxide in the Isulan
market place. The rest of the materials used (cauldron, blender, strainer, paper making
Determination of materials
The banana-pseudo-stem is the main variable for this study, as well as the 25ml of
NaOH are caused by its strong alkalinity. NaOH solutions with a pH of 11.5 or greater
should be considered corrosive to the skin [NIOSH 2009] whereas a 1% solution caused no
damage [Vernot et al. 1977] . Solution that helps soften the banana pseudo-stem as well as
the boiling water that sanitized and softened the banana pseudo-stem. A blender to grind
the pseudo-stem, strainer to separate its flesh from its sap.Paper making mould frame that
helps the pseudo-stem to mould and to hold the fibers during exposure under the heat of
the sun and the cauldron where the water boils and the pseudo-stem is cooked.
I.Materials
used
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Preparation of face mask made from banana pseudo-stem
household around the area of Kolambog Isulan Sultan Kudarat. The Banana Stem
will be cut in pieces specifically cube or squares.And put 2kg of chopped banana
fiber and 25ml/1 cup of sodium hydroxide. The hollow structure of the banana
pseudo-stem suggests that the fiber have good insulation and absorbance properties
indicated that the surface morphology of the 5% NaOH-treated fibers was not much
different from that of the raw fibers. The surface looked clearer due to the removal of
some impurities and debris, though the fiber is not clearly visible. The fibers and their
fibrils are clearly visible when the pseudo-stem fiber is treated with 10% NaOH
Preferably like a simmer. After 20 mins the mixture should look like soft banana
tissues.Rinse the mixture with water for 3 to 5 times before feeling the texture.
Rinsing the water would wash off the chemical that was added for you to not burn
skin effects of NaOH are caused by its strong alkalinity. NaOH solutions with a pH of
11.5 or greater should be considered corrosive to the skin [NIOSH 2009] whereas
after rinsing the the boiled solution(pseudo-stem and NaOH) only 1% solution
caused no damage [Vernot et al. 1977].After rinsing, proceed to blend the mixture to
become puree or paste looking. Blend until you don’t see any more solid particle.And
get a sieve or a mold and deckle, basin or any tub and put a ratio of 1:1 of the fiber
and water. Start sieving your fabric for the mask Put and let it dry under the direct
sunlight as much as possible drying will depend how thick or how thin the solution
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that are going to dry. Remove the fabric from the sieve and proceed to cutting,
layering, and designing the mask.The finished product is similar to a k95 face mask.
Face masks are normally made of three layers - an inner, outer, and filter layer.
filtration efficiency tests that focused on air permeability, water absorbency, and
water repellency.
To measures the face masks’ breathability and its ability to stop the flow of air:
Procedure:
In this case, the researcher provided disposable face mask to differentiate the ability
c) If the flame extinguishes, the face mask did not pass the breathability test, it
means there’s too much air exchange between you and those around you. If the
face mask did not extinguish the flame, that means it passed the breathability
test.
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A. Disposable face mask
Trial and error test from distance (1- Did not extinguish The flame Passed/did not
Trial and error test from distance (1- Did not extinguish The flame Passed/did not
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1.2 Water test (water repellency and water absorbency )
An experiment that measures the face mask’s water repellency or its ability to
prevent the absorption of droplets that people release when they talk, sneeze or
cough.
Procedure;
b) pour a small amount of water into the outward-facing side of the mask.
c) If the water pools on top of the mask in 30 seconds without absorbing into it or
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A. Disposable face mask
Time The water pools on top of the The water did not pools on Passed/did
mask without absorbing into it or top of the mask that absorbs not passed
10 seconds Passed
20 seconds Passed
30 seconds Passed
Time The water pools on top of the The water did not pools on top Pass/did not
mask without absorbing into it of the mask that absorbs into it pass
or leaking or leaking
10 seconds Passed
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Informal interview with the respondents
Survey interview questions are used as a tool to gather data. When an interviewer, who
coordinates the process of the conversation and asks questions and an interviewee, who
The interview can be conducted face to-face, or in some cases over the phone.The study
also makes use of Sensory evaluation tool in order to process the gathered data. Thematic
analysis is A tool for systematically defining, organizing, and providing insight into patterns of
The fact that face masks are causing an allergic reaction to those people who have
Good alternative for people who are less fortunate since banana trees here in the
Philippines are a lot and people can harvest it to make the product making it more known for
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Locale of the Study
This study was conducted on the science teacher of Bambad National High
School,Bambad, Isulan Sultan Kudarat, Where in the researchers are tested, experimented and
finding out if the face mask made from banana pseudo-stem has a acceptability to become
alternative to disposable face mask.
.
Figure 3. Location of Bambad National High School, Bambad, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat,
Mindanao Philippines
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Instrument for Sensory Evaluation
Basing on the five- point Hedonic Scale, a modified sensory evaluation score sheet was
utilized to retrieve data. Each of the four treatments was evaluated with the following scores on
their descriptions: 5- Best , 4- Better , 3- Average, 2- Good and 1- Worse. These scores were
assigned for the evaluation of acceptability (affordability, eco-friendly)a of face mask from
Affordability Because the banana For those who The banana Although the When buying a
plantation in the cannot afford pseudo-stem face banana pseudo- face mask, the
Philippines is disposable face mask is a good stem face mask is banana
resourceful and masks, the option for affordable, it has pseudo-stem
accessible, the face banana pseudo- individuals who poor quality that face mask is
mask prepared from stem face mask is cannot buy may harm the not an option.
banana pseudo- a affordable option disposable face wearer's health.
stem is a wonderful masks, however
option for individuals the quality is poor.
who cannot afford to
buy disposable face
masks.
Eco-friendly The face mask The face mask The face mask Although the face The face mask
contains beneficial have great does not contain mask is made does not have
materials derived materials which excellent from natural good materials,
from natural came from natural materials that may resources, it does even if it is
resources that can resources that can be used to not contain good manufactured
help to lessen plastic help lessen plastic replace non- materials that from natural
pollution simply by pollution biodegradable may be used as resources. It
using it. happening. masks, but the substitutes for cannot help to
fact that it is made non- reduce pollution
from natural biodegradable since it cannot
resources can masks. be used.
help minimize
plastic pollution.
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2.Testing the durability of banana pseudo-stem face mask.
Criteria for Best Better Average Good Worse
measuring (5) (4) (3) (2) (1)
the
durability
Strength
The fiber is The fiber holds The fibers The fiber is The fiber has a
strong enough to the form of the slightly hold good enough low strength and
maintain the face mask the form of the to hold the is unable to
form of the face without face mask, shape of the maintain the form
mask without causing any which has little face mask, of the face mask.
causing any issues. implication but it feels
problems. weak while
worn.
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Determination of analysis units (Code and Theme analysis)
Thematic analysis is A tool for systematically defining, organizing, and providing insight into
RESPONDANTS
ECO-FRIENDLY
FACE MASK
Respondent’s recommendation
19
Compilation of findings and interpretation in lined with defined problem
A. Skin Irritations
The participants' responses focus around the fact that eco-friendly face masks cause adverse
reactions to individuals with sensitive skin.Moat of the the respondent comments about the its
texture that causes irritation just my wearing the face mask.Respondent 7 stated that "The
B. Size
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Results and discussions
21
Workplan
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Gathering of
materials
To conduct procedure
pseudo-stem
Finalize sensor
evaluation and
for consulting
To conduct research
interview to selected
individuals(responden
ts)
Discussion forum
response of forum
22
References
A new study calculates the waste generated by N95 usage and suggest possible ways
to reduce it”https://news.mit.edu/2021/covid-masks-environment-0720
Maskhttp://ijeais.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/4/IJAMR210445.pdf
Liebl, G. F., de Souza, E. L., Uchôa, P. Z., Marangoni, C., Sellin, N., & Souza, O. (2019).
625.
Environmental Science
Gunge, A., Koppad, P. G., Nagamadhu, M., Kivade, S. B., & Murthy, K. S. (2019). Study on
23
Amolap P.(2021)RESEARCH PROJECT: Banana Pseudo-stem as an Eco-Friendly Face Mask
(Video Presentnatio).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxcn3HSwzjE
Philippines.https://blogs.worldbank.org/eastasiapacific/how-covid-19-impacted-
vulnerable-communities-philippines
Sangkham, Sarawut. 2020. “Face Mask and Medical Waste Disposal during the Novel COVID-
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/ article/pii/S2666016420300505?via%3Dihub
University of Southern Denmark.(2021)Face masks and the environment: Preventing the next
plastic problem.https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210310122431.htm.
Elvis Genbo Xu, Zhiyong Jason Ren. Preventing masks from becoming the next plastic
DOI: 10.1007/s11783-021-1413-7
24
Appendix A
Materials Used
A. Materials
25
Appendix B
Documentation
B. Processes
Step 1: Cut the Banana Stem in pieces specifically cube or squares
Step 2:Put 2kg of chopped banana fiber and boil the mixture for about 20 mins in medium heat.
And put 1 cup of sodium hydroxide Preferably like a simmer. After 20 mins your mixture should
look like soft banana tissues. Notice that the water would be brown.
26
Step 3: Rinse the mixture with water for 3 to 5 times before feeling the texture. Rinsing the
water would wash off the chemical that was added for you to not burn your skin.
Step 4: After rinsing, proceed to blend the mixture to become puree or paste looking. Blend until
theres no more solid particles to be seen.
27
Step 5: Get a sieve or a mold and deckle, basin or any tub and put a ratio of 1:1 of the fiber and
water. Start sieving your fabric for the mask.
Step 6: after sieving put the fabric in the sun to dry. Put the fabric in a 90 ⁰ position and
let it dry for 3hours.
28
Step 7;Remove the fabric from the sieve and proceed to cutting, layering, and designing
the mask.
29
The respondents while answering the researcher survey questionnaire
30
Appendix C
Biographical Data
Personal Data
Age : 16
Kudarat
Nationality : Filipino
Educational Background
31
Personal Data
Age: 16
Nationality: Filipino
status: Single
Educational Background
32
Personal Data
Name:Ezekiel Ronel B. Barretto
Age:15
Nationality:Filiplipino
Religion:Catholic
Civil status:single
Educational Background
Elementary:Genzola Elementary School
33