| dc.description.abstract | For years, Mindanao has been the largest source of bananas throughout the country. Aside from that, we supply more than 90% of bananas, and tons of our supplies are also exported. The demand for bananas is increasing, but the material for storing and transporting them is deteriorating. Hence, alternatives to this product are called for. Furthermore, this study aims to examine the banana pseudo-stem fiber slab properties in different ratios. It seeks to determine an adequate proportion of banana fiber mixed with the epoxy mixture at the ratio of 1:1, 1:1.25, and 1:1.5, respectively, and to compare its cost and properties to the traditional wood crates. This study will design and assess the properties of traditional wood crates and banana fiber slabs reinforced with epoxy composites in different ratios. Universal Testing Machine assessed the samples' tensile and compressive strengths. The result of the study found that among the three proportions, the ratio of 1:1.5 shows the best performance. Moreover, the designed crate is 175% more expensive than the traditional crate; however lighter, has a higher storing capacity, and has a longer period of fire resistivity. These results indicate that the ratio of 1:1.5 banana fiber slab-reinforced epoxy composites is a potential alternative to traditional wood crates. | en_US |
