PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

This research was done to study the effect of methods of making containers by hot air oven (H) and a hot press machine (C) and the ratio of banana stem fiber to binder on the properties of containers made from banana sheath fibers. The ratios between the dried banana sheath powder and the binder (banana starch solution 7.5%) were 60:40, 70:30, 80:20, and 90:10, respectively. It was found that method C had shown low amounts of oil and water absorption and a high resistance to deformation, which was due to compression and penetration. In terms of compression and penetration forces, no significant differences were found for the ratios of 80:20 and 90:10. However, the ratio of 90:10 showed lower fat and water absorption when compared to other ratios. Therefore, the ratio of 90:10 between the banana sheath fiber and the binder and the method C were found to be the best ratio to use when making containers, which are suitable to be applied for further use.