There is a growing interest in the development of new materials which enhance

optimal utilization of natural resources, and particularly, of renewable resources. This paper
presents a summary of the knowledge on banana trunk fiber in mesh form as reinforcement
in cement board. Vegetable fibres, specifically banana trunk fiber represent a good alternative
as non-conventional materials for the construction of ecological and sustainable buildings.
The use of such renewable resources contributes to the development of sustainable
technologies. The main objective of the paper is to emphasize the use of banana fiber in mesh
form as reinforcement to cement board that may be used in building parts such wall partition
or even slab covering. The botanical, chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of
banana trunk fiber are described.
The tests conducted in study were flexural strength, density, water absorption, water
tightness, moisture contents and dimension and tolerances. The results of the study shows
that

The authors would like to acknowledge special persons and institution who helped in
this study.
Our deepest gratitude to Engr. Anthony G. Mendoza, our adviser for giving his full
support, sharing his knowledge, continuous guidance, unstopping giving of strength and
wisdom and being a father-like to our group during the entire time not only when the
research is being done.
To Engr. Mark Anthony Escober, our professor who gives advises, encouragements
and direction for this study to be successful.
An indebted appreciation from Department of Science and Technology Philippine
Textile and Research Institute for being bountiful in giving us the material specifically the
banana fiber that we used during the study. We would surely fail this without them.
We would also like to extend our gratefulness to our panelists during our defense,
Engr. Marjun B. Macasilhig, Engr. Anthony de Castro and Engr. Escranda Mark Airol for
educating us and correcting our incorrect doings during the thesis. The lessons we learned
from them really aided greatly on this study.
Genuine credits to our parents who never failed to keep us up financially, physically
and morally all the way.
And last but not the least, we proffer this study to Lord Almighty for He is the main
source of everything in this study, the wisdom and strength is eternal.

Title Page....i
Abstract..ii
Acknowledgment......iii
Table of Contents..iv
List of Tables and Figures....ix
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Problem and Background of Study..1
1.2 Statement of Objectives...4
1.2.1 General Objectives...4
1.2.2 Specific Objectives..4
1.3 Significance of Study...7
1.4 Scope and Delimitation8
1.5 Conceptual Framework..10
1.6 Definition of Terms12
CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
2.1 Banana Fiber..14
2.1.1 Descriptive Characteristics...14
2.1.2 Mechanical Properties, Botanical Composition and Fracture Behaviour.15
2.1.3 Applications and Uses...19

2.2 Cement Board20

2.2.1 Composition and Other Materials.....20
2.2.1.1 Cement.20
2.2.1.2 Sand..21
2.2.1.3 Perlite...22
2.2.2 Advantages and Disadvantages.....23
2.2.3 Installation.....24
2.2.4 Hardiflex...25
2.3 Related Literature...26
2.4 Related Studies...28
CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Preparation of Specimen....31
3.1.1 Preparation of Materials........31
3.1.2 Equipments and Apparatus...15
3.1.3 Fabrication of Meshed Banana Fiber....19
3.1.4 Making of Board.......19
3.1.5 Mix Proportions and Ratios......19
3.2 Tests and Its Methods....20
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3.2.1 Dimensional Measurement and Tolerances......20

3.2.2 Flexural Strength.......20
3.2.3 Density......20
3.2.4 Water Absorption......20
3.2.5 Moisture Content......20
3.2.6 Water Tightness........20
CHAPTER IV: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
4.1 Density.......31
4.2 Flexural Strength.......31
4.3 Dimensions and Tolerances.......31
4.4 Water Absorption.......31
4.5 Moisture Content.......31
4.6 Water Tightness.....31
4.7 Cost Analysis.........31
4.8 Miscellaneous............31
CHAPTER

V:

SUMMARY

OF

FINDINGS,

CONCLUSIONS

AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Summary of Findings.....31
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4.2 Conclusions........31
4.3 Recommendations..........31
REFERENCES...20
APPENDICES....20
A. Complete Tabulation of Results
A.1 Density.......31
A.2 Flexural Strength.......31
A.3 Dimensions and Tolerances.......31
A.4 Water Absorption.......31
A.5 Moisture Content.......31
A.6 Water Tightness.....31
A.7 Cost Analysis.........31
B. Detailed Computation of Cost.22
C. Attachments
C.1 ASTM C1185...20
C.2 ASTM C1186.20
C.3 RCChem Product Data Sheet No. R-002..20
D. Documentation20
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E. Researchers Profile.20

TABLES
2.1 Botanical Composition of Studied Pseudostem Fibers..15
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2.2 Number of Various Cells and Helix Angles of Banana Fibres at Various Diameters...16
2.3 Stress Strain Curves of Banana Fibers...20
2.4 Mechanical Properties of Banana Fibres of Different Diameters18
2.5 Mechanical Properties of Banana Fibres of Different Test Length...18
2.6 Weight Differences of Concrete In Accordance with Aggregate Used.23
2.7 Approx Mass of a Hardiflex..25

3.1 Effect of Accelerator on Initial and Final Setting Time of Cement...20

3.2 Mix Propotions and Ratios...20
3.3 Thickness Requirements Tolerances..20
3.4 Flexural Strength Requirements20

4.1 Density of Different Test Specimens.20

4.2 Flexural Strength of Different Test Specimens in Equilibrium and Wet Conditions20
4.3 Length and Width Measurement, Tolerances and Findings..20
4.4 Thickness, Squareness and Edge Straightness Variation...20
4.5 Water Absorption...20
4.6 Moisture Content and Increment Loss in it20
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4.7 Water Tightness of Different Test Specimen.20

4.8 Cost Analysis of Different Test Specimen.20

FIGURES
2.1 SEM of banana fiber showing the circular cross section...16
2.2 Variation of fiber diameter along fiber length...17
2.3 Stress Strain Curves of Banana Fibers...18

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