The influence of alkali treatment on banana fibre's mechanical properties

Abstract

This work analyses the effect of alkali treatment on the mechanical properties of banana fibre (Musa Paradisiaca). Fibres were extracted from the pseudostem by a defibring machine; they were mercerised and modified by 5% NaOH (w/v) alkali treatment. Morphological characterisation showed that treated fibres' surface was rougher than that of untreated fibres. Mechanical characterisation indicated that Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength and strain became decreased by increasing both treated and untreated fibres' diameter.