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Abstract
The effect of saponin on the surface properties of banana fibres was studied by Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC). Parameters including the dispersive component of the surface energy, surface heterogeneity, surface area, as well as acid–base surface properties were determined for saponin modified banana micro and nanofibres. These parameters show a more extensive saponin coating on the nanofibres with a network formation which is explained by the higher reactivity of nanofibres due to the higher surface energy, specific interaction and higher surface area presented by the nanofibres. The energetic profile indicates that both micro and nanofibres coated with saponin interact with the same, or similar, energy active sites. Saponin treatment reduces considerably the surface area of the fibres, with the consequent decrease in the monolayer capacity. The interaction with the polar probes clearly indicates that saponin treatment creates new polar active sites for specific interactions in both samples. However, the treatment increases predominately the basicity of the fibre surface with more relevance to the nanofibres. This behaviour will lead to better polymer/fibre interaction during composite preparation.
Highlights
In nature, a large number of plants and animals synthesize extra-cellular high-performance skeletal biocomposites consisting of a matrix reinforced by fibrous biopolymers (Mohanty, Misra, & Hinrichsen, 2000)
Banana fibre obtained from the pseudo stem of banana plant is one of the major underutilized raw material in tropical and sub-tropical regions which is composed by 70% of cellulose in dry weight (Oliveira, Cordeiro, Evtuguin, Torres, & Silvestre, 2007)
Banana cellulose micro and nanofibres obtained by steam explosion process were soaked with saponin, a surfactant extracted from soapnut fruit
Summary
A large number of plants and animals synthesize extra-cellular high-performance skeletal biocomposites consisting of a matrix reinforced by fibrous biopolymers (Mohanty, Misra, & Hinrichsen, 2000). Natural fibres are an environmental friendly alternative to glass fibres used in traditional commercial composite materials (Mohanty et al, 2000; Eichhorn et al, 2001). Abraham et al (2011) have reported the preparation of cellulosic fibres have a great industrial utility, its properties can be enhanced with chemical modification. Modified biomaterials can maintain the intrinsic mechanical properties while improving the tissue biocompatibility. Improved biomaterials can be controlled by chemically modifying their bio-interaction properties, such as adhesion, polarity and reactivity
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