Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This research is a developmental study that utilizes banana sheath, a natural agricultural waste material from the community, to develop green walls for interior decoration. The research objectives are to study the utilization of banana sheaths by the Ban Huakhuai community's banana rope weaving group, located in Khutao Sub-district, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, and to examine the material properties of banana sheaths for their development into green walls. The research process involves the following steps: 1) Conduct a secondary data review through literature review, including relevant concepts and theories, to understand the context and feasibility of using banana sheaths. 2) Validate data on the design concepts of green walls from natural materials, production techniques, and the strength properties of banana sheaths to assess their potential for use. 3) Test the properties of banana sheath material, including strength, flexibility, and durability, to obtain accurate information for design purposes. 4) Develop a prototype of a green wall from banana sheaths. 5) Analyse and summarize the results to assess satisfaction with the green walls developed from banana sheaths. The study found that the fibers have a strength of 8.5 MPa and a flexibility of 15%, allowing for the design of lightweight green walls. The developed green wall can be easily installed; it is not complicated, and can support weight effectively. Evaluation results indicate that the green wall made from banana fibers is efficient for indoor use. The fibers are durable, flexible, and biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly. However, the lifespan of the materials should be considered, as natural materials tend to have a relatively short lifespan. Incorporating technology into the production process and material preservation could help extend the lifespan of these green walls. This research can be further applied to develop green walls from other natural materials and can be expanded to areas with banana cultivation or similar natural materials. Additionally, it promotes the optimal use of local resources, adds value to agricultural waste in the community, and contributes to sustainable local development.
Author: Satinee Wattanakit
Institution: Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410185291