article · Journal of Natural Fibers
Banana pseudo-trunk fibres are an accessible option for producing green composite materials, but inconsistencies in fibre properties create practical challenges. Examining different extraction zones reveals that fibre characteristics depend heavily on where they are harvested from the trunk, both along its length and across its cross-section. Physical measurements show substantial variation in density, water absorption, and linear mass, while tensile testing indicates wide ranges in stiffness, tensile strength, and elongation at break. Fibres from the outer peripheral layers exhibit the lowest density and the highest stiffness, reaching values around 34 gigapascals. In contrast, physical properties increase towards the core, while mechanical performance generally declines. Targeting the outer sections of the pseudo-trunk provides the optimal combination of light weight and structural rigidity for natural fibre reinforcement.
Natural fibres offer an eco-friendly substitute for synthetic reinforcements, yet high variability in their performance limits industrial adoption. Identifying precisely which sections of the banana pseudo-trunk yield the strongest, lightest fibres allows processors to select the most reliable raw materials. This selective harvesting improves the consistency and quality of plant-based composite products.
This research informs manufacturers developing green composites by specifying that outer pseudo-trunk fibres offer superior stiffness and low density for structural reinforcement. Material processors and composite fabricators can use these findings to establish targeted raw material sorting protocols. The work represents early-stage, lab-based characterisation, meaning further processing trials and composite manufacturing evaluations are required before commercial integration.
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The specific properties and availability of banana pseudo-trunk fibers make them a promising alternative for the development of green composites. However, the wide dispersion of their properties can hinder their use. In this study, the influence of the sampling area of the banana pseudo-trunk on the physical and mechanical properties of the fibers was evaluated. Prior to retting, the trunk was sampled longitudinally (bottom, middle and top) and transversely (periphery, intermediate and heart). Gravimetric tests were carried out and revealed variations in water absorption (347.1–517.4%), density (0.92–1.45 g.cm−3) and linear mass (25 -34tex). Tensile tests were also performed and showed a significant effect of fiber location on Young’s modulus (6.60–34.6GPa), tensile strength (91-350MPa) and elongation at the break (0.9–2.6%). Due to diameter scatter, variations of 42% were found for fibers in the same area. In a region, the physical properties increase from the periphery to the core, and the mechanical properties decrease in the same direction, except for elongation. The results of this study showed good agreement with those of other natural fiber types. However, we recommend the peripheral areas of the pseudo-trunk to extract reinforcing fibers from composites because of their low density (0.9 g.cm−3) and their high stiffness (34GPa).
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DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2023.2204451
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