Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Capstone Project
April 2023
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APPROVAL SHEET
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To God, the Almighty, be given praise and thanks for providing direction,
To San Diego Parochial School, the location where this project was learned
and experienced, for devoting their time and efforts to judging its effectiveness and
showcasing this final output, as well as to other researchers who never shied away
To the dearest principal of the school, Sr. Susana B. Bundoc, O.P., who gave
To the research adviser, Mr. Roberto C. Dizon, for his leadership during this
study and assistance in making this project successful, as well as for his excellence
To the many writers and sources of the studies for sharing your expertise on
numerous subjects with the researchers to help them produce this study paper and
product;
offering advice throughout the course of this endeavor. For your unending love,
The researchers sincerely thank you for your unwavering assistance and your
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title Page
Approval Sheet
Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES AND LITERATURE
PROCEDURAL DESCRIPTION
SUMMARY
CONCLUSIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
Reference List
Accomplishment Report
Resume
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INTRODUCTION
Sanitary pad, which is also known as sanitary napkin or menstrual pad, is a
layered-textile product that absorbs and retains menstrual products. Leak proofing,
good fit to body contour, dryness, and material comfort and hygiene are all desirable
functional properties (Naresh, 2022). Based on a health study in Korea, the most used
type of menstrual product are sanitary napkins followed by cloth menstrual pads, and
cups. Disposable sanitary napkins are also the common product in the market (Choi,
et al., 2021). It is an important part of menstrual hygiene and for women to take
hygiene practices to reduce the risk of vaginal infections, bacteria, or disease (Centers
and hygiene (WASH) sector. Every day, millions of menstruating girls and women in
low-income countries struggle to find safe places to change and adequate blood-
absorbing materials (Crofts & Fisher, 2016). Thus, more affordable and eco friendly
sanitary products are in need to sustain the wide population of women specially in the
low- income countries like Philippines. Unfortunately, one aspect of this topic that is
not discussed or addressed as frequently is the extent to which sanitary napkins are
harmful to both the environment and human health. Although they are useful and
sanitary, they generate a lot of plastic waste (Abitha & Peter, 2021).
using flimsy absorbent materials like paper, cotton, wool, and even leaves.
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latrines to avoid embarrassment because public places like shopping malls and
addition, most sanitary napkins contain chemicals that may disrupt the natural system
of the private area. Manufacturers use the addition of these substances to entice
customers to purchase more sanitary napkins. Another way to address this matter,
while aligning with current habits is the use of fabric pads and/or disposable pads
manufactured from biodegradable materials such as hyacinth and banana fibres. This
explains how commonly available fabrics of biodegradable natural fibres can be used
These days, many people have struggles in using napkins because of the chemicals
that are used. In addition, this is helpful in our environment because apart from
since napkins are made of plastic and cotton, and are made to degrade for a long time.
Most of the napkin that ends up in landfills are one use or disposable which could end
chemicals that disrupts the natural system of the private area. Chemicals are the
common irritants found in sanitary napkin that causes bacterial infection, heavier
menstrual period than normal, skin discoloration, and odor. These chemicals are
napkins.
replacement for commercial sanitary napkins on the market but rather an alternative
to reduce the waste problem surrounding the industry and a low-cost menstrual
product as the extraction and supply of banana fibers are abundant in the Philippines
without the addition of chemicals that disrupt the natural hormones or balance of the
private area.
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The paper gives a closer view on the papers’ related literature, significant
These will provide the bases for the systematic analyses of data that will form the
Musa paradisiaca, making it technically the type species for the genus Musa. It is
Carl Linnaeus, the founder of modern taxonomy, who coined the name to the genus
Clifford's glasshouse outside of Haarlem, the Netherlands, and renowned for being
the first banana to flower in Europe, was the only banana Linnaeus was familiar with.
It refers to the hybrid of Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana bananas, where this
2013).
principles has been made possible by concerns about environmental pollution and
resource conservation. In one study, the hybrid carbon and banana fibers were tested
for their tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and water absorption. The
investigation concluded that banana fibers absorbed between 62.8% and 98% more
Banana fibers have hydrophilic properties that attract water molecules. The
main component of banana fibers is 60% to 65% cellulose, along with 6% to 19%
such as lignin, oil, and wax, it still has a high percentage of hydrophilic properties for
compared to when it is treated with alkali. The alkali treatment removes the wax and
oil present in the fibers while decreasing lignin, a hydrophobic component in the
fiber. The fiber goes through a process of conditioning before it is tested with alkali
treatment. Raw banana fiber naturally has less wax and oil compared to cotton, and
due to the conditioning, the hydrophobic lignin is removed, resulting in high water
absorption. However, it reduces water absorption when treated with alkali as it affects
the cellulose and hemicellulose structures of the fiber, which are responsible for water
absorption.
were found to be the suitable raw materials for various applications. Basu, et al.,
(2021) conducted a study where banana fibers are chemically treated and combined
with ramie fibers where results shows that banana fiber can be used for textiles. In a
similar study, the effects of various alkali and softening treatments on the mechanical,
chemical, and physical characteristics of yarns and fabrics made from cotton and
peroxide (H 2 O2), and sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO3) were used to scour, bleach, and
mercerize fibers. Aloe Vera, castor oil, cotton seed oil, and soap were used to soften
the fibers. By eliminating both natural and artificial impurities and creating a rough
surface topography, the retting and alkalization processes enhance the fiber surface
adhesive properties. While the oils have reduced the fibre roughness. Through these
treatments, banana fibers can be used for textile and other uses (Elayaperumal, 2016).
(2015), shows that natural fibers have more biodegradability than synthetic fibers
where it can be used as eco-friendly materials. The extraction of banana fibers is low
cost and through chemical treatments, the fiber’s strength and water absorption may
Sivaranjana (2021), shows that it has excellent mechanical properties and moisture
absorption. However, there are few studies of its flammability and electrical
resistance, but the composites showed greater thermal stability than other natural
fibers. The Banana Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (Atreya, et al., n.d.) were
showed under scanning electron microscopy to observe the fracture behavior of the
fibers. It showed that when combined with epoxy resin composites or other natural
products are now available. Menstrual hygiene and health, on the other hand, remain
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sanitary pad is a layered-textile product that absorbs and retains menstrual products.
Leak proofing, good fit to body contour, dryness, and material comfort and hygiene
are all desirable functional properties. Commercial disposable pads made of super
absorbent polymer material with a polyethylene back cover have raised concerns
and hygiene (WASH) sector. Every day, millions of menstruating girls and women in
low-income countries struggle to find safe places to change and adequate blood-
absorbing materials (Crofts & Fisher, 2016). Unfortunately, one aspect of this topic
that is not discussed or addressed as frequently is the extent to which sanitary napkins
are harmful to both the environment and human health. Although they are useful and
sanitary, they generate a lot of plastic waste (Abitha & Peter, 2021).
countries, such that disposable pads gained popularity while knowledge of menstrual
hygiene and reusable alternatives remained low and levels of period poverty remained
high. Researchers investigated whether information and choice matter for menstrual
outcomes using data from a community-based intervention with 277 Indian women.
uptake of reusables, informed choice as a policy tool has the potential to reduce
the single product category of disposable pads. This has profoundly influenced
for environmental ecosystems. It also severely limits women's agency in the selection
that 'informed choice' has the potential to steer the menstrual health market in a more
sustainable direction as a policy tool. These findings are especially relevant now,
given the supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The most popular types of products are currently the most harmful to the natural
the most popular types of products are also the most detrimental to the natural
examined in light of the evidence. Materials used in sanitary napkin products have
must be informed about the nature of products entering the Indian market, as well as
their implications for women's health and environmental costs. The menstrual
hygiene product market has been shaped by imperfect information and a culture of
highly competitive market. Policymakers and regulators must be informed about the
nature of products entering the Indian market, as well as their implications for
quality, and plastic pollution. Rising scientific and public interest in "throwaway"
to act as water resource custodians, raises questions about how and why harmful
disposal practices occur, and what can be done to change them. There has been little
systematic research on unflushable products to date, and little is known about the
routines and practices that allow unflushable products to enter wastewater systems.
are a distributed problem, the result of a variety of social, cultural, and material
et al., 2020).
The results also indicate that consumers purchase based on their lifestyles;
overcoming the difficulties in dealing with the environment and learning to adapt
them, and the majority of consumers attach importance to comfort, volume, and
duration of blood absorption. The results suggest that the government and private
enterprises should increase and improve sanitation education and sanitary facilities
and guide the approach and serve as an important reference index for the promotion
indicate that consumers purchase based on their lifestyles; most women collected
dealing with the environment and learning to adapt them, and the majority of
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The results suggest that the government and private enterprises should increase and
improve sanitation education and sanitary facilities and guide the approach and serve
for environmental benefits.The results also indicate that consumers purchase based on
their lifestyles; most women collected enough product information before purchasing
while overcoming the difficulties in dealing with the environment and learning to
adapt them, and the majority of consumers attach importance to comfort, volume, and
duration of blood absorption. The results suggest that the government and private
enterprises should increase and improve sanitation education and sanitary facilities
and guide the approach and serve as an important reference index for the promotion
materials used to make menstrual items do not biodegrade properly. Although there
are biodegradable plant-based menstrual products, they are disposed of in the trash
because there are no alternative options. This study shows the possible risks of and
lack of concern with menstrual fluid and its disposal by contrasting the disposal
contained in common yard waste, food leftovers, animal rendering, and baby diaper
Used sanitary napkins are typically regarded as residual waste, which is waste
that cannot be recycled or composted and instead ends up in landfills. Yet, since
wood pulp and nonwoven cotton are the two ingredients that make up most feminine
Sustainability, accessibility, and longevity are the factors used as the basis for
have been found to be menstrual cups, washable cloth pads, and 100% biodegradable
sanitary pads. Women who use disposable sanitary napkins run the danger of
developing cervical cancer, different infections, and interference with their bodies’
change because of how they are made and how menstrual waste is handled
biochemical and strength capabilities, natural fibers of plant and animal origin have
undergone extensive research over the past 20 years and are now gaining relevance
over synthetic counterparts. Natural fibers derived from plants, including banana,
coir, sisal, jute, kenaf, and many others, have been investigated for use in industry.
Banana fiber is particularly interesting among these as it is one of the most consumed
fruits globally, producing 115.7 million tonnes annually in 2018, and is grown in 130
countries, making banana waste accessible locally. Banana plant parts including fruit,
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fruit peel, flower bud, leaves, and pseudo-stem (banana trunk) are used for a variety
Across the world, the banana or plantain plant (Musa paradisiaca) is a vital,
well-known, and much more beneficial crop. This plant’s flower, stem, fruit, leaves,
trunk, and roots or rhizomes can all be beneficial to not just humans, but also some
other animals and species. The fruit is divided into two categories: edible and
inedible. Around the world, around 75% of edible bananas are grown for their fiber,
which is produced from both plants and is a natural fiber similar to cotton (Devi, et
al., 2022).
Liu, et al., (2014), studied the use of flax yarn. Because of its abundant
applications. The absorbent core layer of sanitary napkins is where this study explores
friendly sanitary napkin using biodegradable materials. To keep the top sheet dry,
hybrid top sheets were created by needle punching wool fiber over cotton non-woven
bamboo, and a cotton/bamboo blend (50/50), three different core layer combinations
were tested. As a barrier layer, biodegradable polyethylene plastic was used. The
absorption capacity, strike through, and wet back tests were used to evaluate the
performance of the sanitary napkin. Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica, two
natural plant extracts, were utilized as antibacterial agents. The findings demonstrate
that sanitary pads with a bamboo core and top sheets treated with Azadirachta indica
studied with gelatin solution and compared with commercial tampons. Bamboo
cotton sheets have been proven to be the most absorbent natural material compared to
hemp, linen and cotton fabrics. With almost twice the absorbency of commercial
tampons, bamboo pads seem to be the most suitable material to use as sanitary
Biodegradable, not harmful to users and the environment. This research is exploratory
and needs repetition and further investigation, but is a promising start in the field.
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Further research may enable girls in low- and middle-income countries to make their
own higher quality tampons than tampons in high-income countries from bamboo in
their villages. Finding this physical material from a technical perspective, if explored
further from a policy and social science perspective, could increase school
gender equality.
From this study, it can be concluded that. The fibers of Sansevieria trifasciata
(snake plant) have properties for use in feminine hygiene products such as tampons
Furthermore, fibers are treated with Rosa damascena (Damask Rose) extract. The
Pseudomonas sp. E coli. and Candida sp. So, using Sansevieria trifasciata fiber will
ware towels to improve your health and hygiene women (Mekala, 2021).
tampons have been identified as absorbency, leak resistance, dryness, soft surface and
odor prevention. The most common problems of the respondents were moisture, leaks
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and the need for frequent changes. Therefore, in further studies, the colloidal
properties of the absorbent layer should be improved and some research should also
be done on the moisture management properties of the upper layers, namely the top
and bottom layers. According to survey results, women prefer tampons with better
performance and that means they can spend more money on a better option. In
addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the ratings of some
statements based on respondents` age groups, such as leak prevention, and having
wing ratings as performance criteria. The survey results also indicate that the most
Respondents do not like perfume on tampons to cover the smell, they want an
antibacterial system to completely solve this problem. Considering the duration of use
the survey highlighted was the respondents' lack of confidence in their tampons. They
think that there may be harmful chemicals in tampons and that it can damage their
skin. According to the results of the survey, the frequency of tampon changes is
PROCEDURAL DESCRIPTION
1. Extract a small trunk from a banana tree, cutting it into thin stalks and further cut
2. Fill a pot with water and put in the small banana trunk pieces to boil until
softened. This process softens and prepares it for the extraction of banana fibers.
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3. When softened, turn off the stove and let it cool. Rinse the small pieces three
4. In a blender or food processor, put in the small pieces of banana trunks. Blend
until the fibers are extracted and transfer in a container with water.
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5. Using a silk screen and large container, submerge the silk screen in the container
with the fibers floating. Transfer in a cloth and hang it up to be sun dried.
6. After drying the fibers, they are now shaped into pads. The non-woven fabric and
7. Sheets of banana fibers are layered with a non-woven fabric at the bottom. The
SUMMARY
since napkins are made of plastic and cotton, and are made to degrade for a long time.
Most of the napkin that ends up in landfills are one use or disposable which could end
chemicals that maybe disrupting the natural system of the private area. These
chemicals are added as a tactic of manufacturers for consumers to buy more sanitary
napkins.
The researchers conducted and came up with this kind of project for women to
sanitary napkin made from banana fibers. This project is good for health and uses
materials that is environmentally friendly. Additionaly, it did not use any chemical in
As the researchers work on the production of the sanitary napkin, the project
extracting the fibers. The outer layers of the napkin are materials that is easily
accessible to the researchers, but the final output of the product is still subjected for
improvements. However, the study proves that musa paradisiaca is a useful material
finances, the researchers did not spend a lot of money on the project; instead, most of
CONCLUSION
Most of the sanitary napkin available in the market nowadays are made up of cotton,
plastic, chemicals and added fragrance thus making an alternative sanitary napkin
made up of banana fibers. Following the creation of our capstone project, we have
The prototype chemical-free sanitary pad made from banana fibers proved to be a
viable material.
The researchers did not employ any chemicals during the manufacturing process,
which is common in typical sanitary pads. So, we concluded that chemicals are the
most prevalent irritants that might cause illness, whereas a sanitary pad should
RECOMMENDATION
The researchers discovered a few flaws throughout the development of the product
that can be improved for the following researchers to make it function more
The fiber can be improved to a texture like cotton using a machine. This is to
enhance the performance of the sanitary pad for better absorption and
provides comfort for the users. However, the machine is not available in the
Philippines, and although there are alternative ways, it might require the use
of chemicals.
Replacing the materials used for the outer layer for improved functionality
and comfort. The non-woven fabric used in the sanitary napkin can still cause
leakage as the moisture inside the pad sits over a long period of time in which
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26.
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