Banana Pseudostem Characterization and Its Fiber Property Evaluation on Physical and Bioextraction

Abstract

This paper presents composition of different layers of banana pseudostem sheath and detailed characteristics of fibers from physical and bioextraction. Cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, and ash were determined by chemical analysis of pseudostem sheaths. Lignocellulose constitutes about 60%–85% dry weight of the banana pseudostem sheath, in which cellulose accounts for about 50%. Except for the minor changes in hemicellulose, lignin, and ash contents, the physical and bioextraction of fibers are comparable with their chemical and physical properties. Lengthy bioextraction may affect the fiber qualities. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed clean and smooth surface of bioextracted fibers unlike in physically extracted ones.

Keywords:

• bioextraction
• banana pseudostem
• leaf sheath
• lignocelluloses
• fiber property

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank the Director, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (formerly Regional Research Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram), for providing the necessary facilities to carry out the work.