A novel approach for banana (Musa) Pseudo-stem fibre grading Method: Extracted fibres from Sri Lankan Banana Cultivars

Abstract

Fibre grading systems are recognized as essential for both customers and the manufacturers of natural fibres. Identification or grading of fibre content in textiles and fibre industry has become extremely challenging even for experienced parties in the field. The increasing variety of fibres and blending techniques are the reason for this. Consequently, laboratory tests are very important for grading and verification. This research focuses on observing the surface structure of the banana pseudostem fibre in the light microscope, scanning electron microscope, fineness, strength, chemical solubility, burning behaviours, and grading for different banana varieties. Fibres and fibre bundles were inspected visually and tested. One of the focus of this research is to produce quantifiable observations such as general observation test and feeling test. So the quantitative method can lead to exploring the systemic connection between experimental observation and mathematical expression for the grading of banana fibres. Based on the testing results, a novel grading system was introduced for banana fibres varieties (Sri Lankan cultivar).