Enhancing enset fiber-reinforced polylactic acid composites through different surface treatments for emerging applications

Abstract

Environmental concerns and the over-exploitation of natural resources have driven the search for eco-friendly materials. Agro/industrial waste, often discarded, can be repurposed as fillers in biocomposites. However, bio-fibers present challenges such as poor compatibility, high moisture absorption, and variable mechanical properties. This study examines various fiber surface modification techniques, including NaOH, silane, alkali-silane, and pectinase enzyme treatments on enset fiber (EF) to produce sustainable reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. Untreated EF/PLA composites were fabricated for comparison. Results showed that the applied EF surface treatments, especially using pectinase enzyme, significantly enhanced mechanical, thermal, and thermomechanical properties. Pectinase-treated EF/PLA composites displayed increased tensile strength by 55.99%, elongation at the break by 39.49%, tensile modulus by 32.59%, impact strength by 51.50%, flexural strength by 51.85%, flexural modulus by 60.90%, and improved thermal stability as compared to untreated composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses verified better fiber-matrix interaction with clarity due to reduced non-cellulosic components. Pectinase enzyme treatment emerged as the most effective, eco-friendly method, enhancing the enset fiber's potential in polymer biocomposites, suitable for automotive interiors and packaging industries, reducing synthetic plastic pollution, and utilizing agricultural waste. Highlights: Enset fibers were modified by NaOH, silane, NaOH/silane, and pectinase enzyme The modified enset/PLA composites were prepared by compression molding Surface treatments enhanced the enset-PLA matrix interaction Pectinase-modified enset/PLA composite showed superior properties Improved properties of enset composites make it ideal for various applications.