Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Treatment on <i>Syagrus Romanzoffiana</i> Palm Waste Biofibers’ Mechanical Properties: A Statistical Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of treating Syagrus romanzoffiana (SR) palm fibers with sodium bicarbonate solution by examining the mechanical behavior of 300 fiber samples distributed across five groups with varying treatment concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) at a fixed gauge length (GL = 40 mm). Statistical and probabilistic methods such as two-parameter and three-parameter Weibull distributions, least squares, and maximum likelihood methods were utilized to analyze the results. Additionally, a one-way ANOVA was performed on the samples. The tensile properties of the SR fibers were measured using a tensile testing machine, determining Young’s modulus (E), tensile strength (σ), and strain (ε). The morphology of the fibers was examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), which aided in understanding the impact of treatment on fiber structure and the extent of improvement achievable. The results displayed significant variability in tensile properties, necessitating the use of advanced statistical methods to define distributions with a 95% confidence level. This study provides valuable data supporting the environmental and sustainable use of natural fibers. Despite numerous studies on the mechanical properties of natural fibers, research on the influence of sodium bicarbonate treatment on SR palm fibers remains limited.