Physical, Chemical, Mechanical, and Microstructural Characterization of Banana Pseudostem Fibers from Musa Sapientum

Abstract

AbstractThe analysis and exploration of natural fibers in the field of polymer composites contribute to the development of new natural reinforcement materials. This project's purpose is to evaluate the physical (density, diameter, water absorption, and contact angle), chemical (FTIR and TGA), and mechanical properties (tensile strength and pull‐out testing), as well as the microstructural characteristics (confocal laser and electron scanning microscopy) of the pseudostem fiber of the banana type “Bluggoe” (Musa sapientum). The goal is to evaluate its possible applications in the field of polymer compounds based on the observations. The results showed that the fibers presented physical, chemical, and mechanical properties within the expected results for natural fibers. The banana pseudostem fiber presented density of 0.22g/cm³; 49.51% in mass of cellulose, 27.80% of hemicellulose, and 27.77% of lignin; the diameter measurements are 0.293 ± 0.091 mm; and the strength tests have values of 583.46 ± 302.26 MPa. The banana pseudostem‐fiber results are compared to those of other researchers of natural fibers; it is concluded that these banana fibers can be a suitable alternative source to synthetic fibers, and can then be used as reinforcement in laminated composites.