The Utilization ofBanana Stem Musa sp As a Fiberboard Raw Material with Thermo-mechanical Treatment

Agricultural waste materials are utilized an alternative raw material to substitute wood. This stucfy aimed to explore the potential of banana stem as a fiberboard raw material from its p~sical and mechanical properties.Separations of fibres was undertaken through thermo-mechanical treatment with temperature variation of 60°C,80°C and 100°C, and the addition of adbesive 4% and 0% of fibre dry weight.Matforming was accomplished with wet process, using hydrolic press and hot press at a temperature of 185°C, pressure of 50 kg/cm2 for about 10 minutes. Results showed thatpulp yield was35,76% with physical and mechanicalproperties of board comply with the requirement of FA 01966 and JIS A 5908-2003,however, water absorption was very high. Treatmentusing adhesive 4% did not give any impact on improving the quality of board. Boiling temperaturetreatmentprovides apositive influence.The best qualityfiberboard was obtained from boiling temperatureof 100°C.