Abaca Fiber (Musa textilis Nee) and Plastic Post-Consumer Wastes (A/PCW) as Potential Building Material

Abstract

This study presents the utilization of flexible plastic post-consumer wastes combined with abaca (A/PCW) as a potential composite board for building industry. By employing a simple physico-mechanical process using S2 grade abaca fiber and flexible plastic PCW produced composite board potential for building materials. Hence, the study investigated the best performing formulation of A/PCW composite based on its physical and mechanical properties. Three types of A/PCW samples with six specimen were prepared for each type. These are Sample 1, 2 and 3 which has 50:50, 60:40, and 70:30 wt:wt ratio, respectively. Abaca fiber grade S2 with PCW made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and PET with metalized aluminium bonded with R10-103 agent were used to form a composite board. Sample 2 performed best among the samples by recording the most improved physical and mechanical properties. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics tool was applied., The results supported and confirmed the experimental analyses.