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There is a need for sustainable ways of processing plant fibers. Most chemical degumming methods pose a threat to the eco-system because of the presence of toxins during disposal. This study aimed to find sustainable ways of processing banana fiber with less harm to the environment. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and activated water were utilized for degumming and softening of the banana fiber. Activated water is an aqueous solution of electrolyte with strongly oxidizing active substances prepared by an electrochemical method. The alkali-pretreated banana fiber were immersed in activated water to refine banana fiber. The results from the study show that activated water further refined the fibers down to 39.7 µm diameter after NaOH pretreatment and also achieved better whiteness at 74.7%. The electrochemically activated water solutions displayed a promising effect in removing lignin, hemicellulose, and other impurities. The fibers of this quality could be used in the spinning of yarn and for other textile applications. Various analytical techniques, including digital microscope, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, tensile test, and whiteness test were utilized. These tests confirmed that the activated water used on banana fiber enhanced physical, chemical, and morphological properties.

This study focused on reducing the burden of air pollution, wastage of banana pseudostems, and adding value to the plant’s products. Alkali pre-treatment and ultrasounds aided in degumming banana fiber to remove wax, lignin, hemicellulose, and other unwanted extractives. The chemical analysis method revealed 72.78% cellulosic content in ultra-sonicated fiber. Ultra-sonication attained an average diameter of 19.36 μm compared to 49.94 μm of alkali pre-treated fiber and 171.87 μm of untreated fiber as observed through the digital optical microscope. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed well-separated fibrils of ultra-sonicated fiber. X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) showed de-convoluted peaks of C1s, O1s, and N1s that confirmed lignin removal. Transform Infra-Red (ATR-FTIR) Spectrometer revealed varnishing peak bands of C − O and C═O functional groups between 1600 cm−1 and 1733 cm−1 related to lignin and hemicelluloses. The X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) showed improved crystallinity up to 63.29%. The single fiber strength testing machine showed optimized breaking strength of 31.12cN/dtex and breakage elongation of 9.38%. The chemical, mechanical and morphological properties showed great promise for high-quality banana fibers.

There is a need for sustainable ways of processing plant fibers. Most chemical degumming methods pose a threat to the eco-system because of the presence of toxins during disposal. This study aimed to find sustainable ways of processing banana fiber with less harm to the environment. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and activated water were utilized for degumming and softening of the banana fiber. Activated water is an aqueous solution of electrolyte with strongly oxidizing active substances prepared by an electrochemical method. The alkali-pretreated banana fiber were immersed in activated water to refine banana fiber. The results from the study show that activated water further refined the fibers down to 39.7 µm diameter after NaOH pretreatment and also achieved better whiteness at 74.7%. The electrochemically activated water solutions displayed a promising effect in removing lignin, hemicellulose, and other impurities. The fibers of this quality could be used in the spinning of yarn and for other textile applications. Various analytical techniques, including digital microscope, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, tensile test, and whiteness test were utilized. These tests confirmed that the activated water used on banana fiber enhanced physical, chemical, and morphological properties.

Proton exchange membranes with short-pathway through-plane proton conductivity are attractive for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Here the authors align proton conducting channels orthogonal to the plane of composite proton exchange membranes using a magnetic field for improved fuel cell performance.