Banana pseudostem fibers characterization and comparison with reported data on jute and sisal fibers

This work search for new environmentally friendly applications for the fibers of banana pseudostem. The morphological characteristics of the cellulosic fibers originated from pseudostem allows obtaining fabrics with good mechanical properties. Observing the potential of banana agribusiness disposal that MusaFiber Company realized, in this fibrous residue, an opportunity for the development of new products. Fibers were extracted mechanically from the banana pseudostems, then, the obtained fibers were characterized in relation to the diameter, tensile strength, elongation at break by tensile tests and its morphological structure by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical tests revealed much better tensile strength (590 MPa) when compared to other natural fibers, such as jute (249 MPa) and sisal (350 MPa). The highest mechanical strength is due to the high degree of crystallinity of this fiber (~ 67%) calculated from the FTIR spectrum and to its morphology.