Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates banana fibers, manually extracted from indigenous species grown in the Tekeze area of the Tigray region, Ethiopia, as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. The effects of alkali treatment—using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations from 0.1 M to 0.5 M, treatment durations from 30 min to 90 min, and temperatures from 40 °C to 80 °C—were examined on banana fiber properties such as elongation, tenacity, water absorption, and fineness. Twenty-seven experimental samples, each weighing 5 g and measuring 1000 mm in length, were treated in a microwave oven. ANOVA revealed that NaOH concentration and temperature significantly influenced fiber characteristics. Optimization using multi-response surface methodology identified ideal treatment conditions: 0.31 M NaOH, 74.8 min, and 61.01 °C. Under these conditions, the treated fibers exhibited 2.37% elongation, 29.54 cN/tex tenacity, 372.94% water absorption, and 9.82 tex fineness. These optimized fibers demonstrated properties comparable to those of conventional textile fibers, including cotton, with enhanced fineness and a balanced combination of strength and flexibility. Notably, the reduced water absorption achieved through optimization is advantageous for water-repellent applications. This study confirms that precise control of alkali treatment parameters can effectively enhance banana fiber properties, making them a promising and sustainable alternative to cotton in various textile applications. Graphical Abstract
Source: Discover Materials
Institution: Mekelle University
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,590
Funder: Mekelle University
OpenAlex ID: W4411195669