Development of a banana fiber extraction machine and factors affecting fiber quality for textile use

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of a banana fiber extraction machine. The banana fiber separator has a 1 hp motor is used as the power source to rotate a 1 inch shaft attached to beating blades. Conduct tests at three different speed rotational; 450, 600, and 750 rpm. The banana sheaths are beaten with the blades until the pulp comes off, producing fibers. The extracted fibers can be separated, and the crushed banana sheath residue drops into the rear waste chute of the machine. The test results revealed that the suitable operating speed for the banana fiber separator is within the range of 750 rpm. The capacity, efficiency, and fiber strength of 61.03 kg/h, 98.86%, and 2,390.83 cN, respectively. The average fiber separation rate is 58.43 kg/h, when compared to manual labor, which can separate an average of only 2.87 kg/day. Therefore, using a banana fiber extraction machine can replace manual scraping, reducing labor requirements. Moreover, the machine is easy to operate and produces high-quality fibers in quantities sufficient to meet demand.