DEVELOPMENT AND FABRICATION OF BANANA STEM FIBER EXTRACTING MACHINE
Abstract
Banana fiber, derived from the pseudostem of banana plants, is a strong, biodegradable, and eco-friendly natural fiber with broad industrial applications in textiles, paper production, and construction. However, traditional extraction methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inefficient, leading to low yields and inconsistent fiber quality. This project presents the design, development, and performance evaluation of a banana stem fiber extracting machine aimed at overcoming these limitations. The machine employs a beater cylinder and pressing roller mechanism to extract fibers efficiently, powered by a 1.5 kW electric motor. Initial tests revealed low productivity (0.16 kg/hr) and a fiber yield of 0.16%, but through optimization—including adjustments to rotation speed and beater configuration—fiber yield was improved to 5%, with an output of 2.5 kg in 20 minutes and reduced energy consumption. The extracted fiber exhibited high tensile strength and uniformity, validating the effectiveness of the machine. This innovation promotes sustainable waste utilization, reduces labor requirements, and offers a viable solution for rural and semi-industrial applications in fiber processing.
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