Effect of Laccase and Xylanase Enzyme Treatment on Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Banana Fiber

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis work analyses the effect of Laccase and Xylanase enzyme treatment on chemical and mechanical properties of banana fiber. Properties such as chemical composition, density, tensile strength, and color were analyzed. The removal of lignin increased with increase in enzymes concentration. Lignin removal was observed to be higher for Laccase treatment. The hemicellulose removal was higher for Xylanase treatment and the results were confirmed by FTIR spectrum. It is evident that cellulose%, density and tensile strength increased up to 15% enzyme treatment concentration and then started declining at 20% enzyme concentration in the case of both enzymes, whereas the moisture regain percentage of the fiber decreased with increase in enzyme concentration. The effects of enzymatic treatments are clearly visible in the SEM images.