Impact of Sodium Sulfide Treatment on the Mechanical Performance of Banana Fiber

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of sodium sulfide (Na₂S) treatment on the mechanical properties of banana fibers, specifically those of the genome Kathali banana type, belonging to the AAB genome, Mysore group banana variety. Banana fibers were treated with varying Na₂S concentrations of 2, 4, 6%, and 10%. The analysis encompassed surface morphology changes, tensile strength, fiber linear density, fiber diameter, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy examination. Results showed that sodium sulfide treatment significantly reduced the fiber diameter from 168.8 to 54.08 µm, a 67.9% reduction, compared to mechanically extracted untreated fibers. However, single fiber strength decreased from 262.8 gf to 54.77 gf, a 79.5% reduction compared to mechanical extraction. Despite the decrease in single fiber strength, improvements in other mechanical properties, such as increased elongation at break and smoother surface morphology, were observed. The results indicate significant improvements in mechanical performance, highlighting the potential of sodium sulfide (Na₂S)-treated banana fibers for various industrial applications, particularly where reduced diameter and enhanced flexibility are advantageous.