Optimization of banana fibers degumming by high temperature alkaline method and spinning

Abstract

Banana fibers are a promising textile resource. However, due to their high gum and lignin content, the development of an efficient degumming method is crucial for their successful utilization. This article researches an improved traditional fiber degumming method using the high temperature alkali method, and the effects of sodium hydroxide concentration, time and temperature on the physical properties of banana fibers were investigated through a single factor experiment. The banana fibers were characterized with FTIR, XRD, SEM and chemical composition. The optimized process parameters of degumming can be achieved. The processing temperature was 140 °C and sodium hydroxide concentration was 10% for 1h. The weight loss and residual gum ratio of the fibers reached 51.84 and 4.13% respectively, the breaking strength was 5.57 cN/dtex, and the crystallinity was increased to 61.33%. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this new degumming method. Additionally, the optimized banana fibers employed a softening process and were subsequently blended with cotton fibers at a 60/40 ratio for 60tex blended yarn. The breaking strength of the blended yarn was 6.22cN/tex, and the bacterial inhibition ratio was above 70%. This improved method is more suitable for mass production with a high degumming efficiency, and has great potential in the industry. Meanwhile, the excellent antimicrobial properties of banana fibers provide new ideas for development in bedding and clothing applications.