Influence of Seawater Treatment Duration on Physico-Mechanical Properties of Banana Trunk Lignocellulosic Fibers

Abstract

The revolution towards using lignocellulosic agro-residues as polymer composite reinforcements compels a fresh look at the entire operations from inception to final composite products. Chemical treatment is a frequently reported method that enhances interfacial and fiber-matrix adhesion properties. However, our study utilised seawater treatment for fiber surface modification as an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach compared to the toxic chemical reagents. Banana trunk layers were immersed in seawater for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days at ambient conditions before fiber extraction. Our results revealed that the treatment duration affected the extracted fibers’ physico-mechanical properties compared to untreated fibers. Scanning electron microscopy showed significant alterations in fiber surfaces. At optimum treatment duration, we found that treated fiber density increased to 1.31 g/cm3, cross-sectional area decreased by 45.6 % and tensile strength increased to 389 Mpa. This research was undertaken to demonstrate the potential of utilizing the abundant non-potable seawater for banana fiber extraction process as a way of lessening use of toxic chemicals and freshwater scarcity in the desert and arid regions.