Stem of Banana (Musa acuminata) Plant used to make woven mat infused with citronella (Cymbopogon citratus) extract

Authors

  • Samantha Alyssa C. Tribdino

Keywords:

banana, woven mat

Abstract

This study aims to reuse and recycle the stem of a dead banana (Musa acuminata) plant to fabricate an environmental-friendly, durable and heat-resistant woven mat. This study also aims to equiptand coat the said mat with citronella (Cymbopogon citratus) to repel mosquitoes and to avoid diseases that are carried by them. The finely stripped sun air dried banana stem was soaked in citronella oil which was extracted by placing 80% ethyl alcohol in a jar and 4 ounces of citronella leaves for twenty-four hours with frequent agitation. The strips of the dried banana stem are then sun-dried before weaving. After the weaving process, the edges are sealed using soft leather in the process called piping. Testing surfaced after the process piping. The mat’s durability was then tested using three types of wedges: cutter, scissors and knife. These wedges were slid across the mat and on its edges. The results show that the mat is durable enough to resist cuts coming from the wedges but when extra force is exerted the mat may be damaged. The citronella’s scent was also tested and showed that the scent might last up to one week. It is concluded that the mat is indeed durable but may also not resist greater force. The citronella extract is also effective, but it needs to be infused again after a week to maintain the scent. This shows that the materials used may still be improved.

Published

2018-05-18