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Surface modification of banana fiber: A review

Upendra Sharan Gupta a, Mohit Dhamarikar a,⇑, Amit Dharkar a, Siddhartha Chaturvedi a, Sudhir Tiwari b,
Rajeev Namdeo c
a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalaya, Indore 453111, India
b
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Govindram Sekseria Institute of Technology and Sciences, Indore 452003, India
c
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Vaishnav Polytechnic College, Indore 452002, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Natural fibers are pliant in nature and their characteristics are vastly dependent on their physical aspects
Received 13 May 2020 and chemical configuration. Banana fiber is derived by processing ‘‘pseudo stem of banana plant”
Received in revised form 7 July 2020 (Musasepientum) Banana fiber is such a natural fiber being largely constituted of lignin, cellulose and
Accepted 11 July 2020
hemicellulose thus earning the name of lignocellulosic fiber. The composite materials based on reinforced
Available online xxxx
natural fibers have excellent mechanical properties attributing to their chemical composites and struc-
ture. However, further ‘‘improvement in the mechanical properties of natural fiber composites can be
Keywords:
achieved if the adhesion at the fiber–matrix interface is enhanced”. This review paper comprises the
Banana fiber
Natural fiber composites
on effects of various surface modification techniques on various mechanical properties of banana fiber
Surface modifications in order to establish surface modification as a viable process in incorporating valuable banana fiber for
Synthetics fiber composites industrial applications. The surface treatment of banana fiber reinforced composites, in turn, enables
Composite mechanical properties the development of banana fiber as a reliable and viable material for manufacturing of industrial and tri-
bological components which helps meet the global aim of developing green materials for the sustainable
future of mankind.
Ó 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Confer-
ence on Advanced Materials Behavior and Characterization.

1. Introduction up the scope for their application in construction industry as a con-

struction material [7]. Natural fibers in their current state are an
Natural fibers are usually composed of around 60–70% of cellu- have are being used in packaging, textile and paper making indus-
lose, 10–20% of lignin and other minor constituents include pec- try [8]. The low cost, lightweight, biodegradability, flame retarda-
tins, waxes, etc [1]. Cellulose is the main source of high tion and environment friendly characteristics of natural fibers are
performance of plant fibers due to its crystalline nature and ß-4 making them a popular choice for replacement of synthetic fibers
linked D-glucan chained structure. The Young’s modulus of crys- in areas such as construction, automotive and aerospace industries
talline cellulose is similar to Kevlar and potentially stronger than [1,9]. Natural Fibers have a potential of application in the automo-
steel [2]. Hemicellulose has amourphous structure due to short tive underbodies such as of heavy trucks, cars, trains, bicycle
and branched chains containing pedant side groups. Lignin is a frames and many more [10]. Natural fibers reinforced with high
3D copolymer which is mainly responsible for the rigidity of plant performance resins along with suitable additives have paved the
fiber cells [3]. Being largely constituted of cellulose, hemicellulose way for the use of these bio composites in various automotive
and lignin natural fiber have been coined the name lignocellulosic components such as dashboards, bumpers, door and trim compo-
fiber [4]. Natural fibers are known to have good mechanical nents, exterior body panels, etc [11]. Natural Fibers polymer com-
strength, acoustic properties and are lightweight and cost- posites are potential candidates for interior applications in
friendly materials which makes them more desirable over syn- aerospace engineering due to their lightweight and low cost prop-
thetic fiber materials [5,6]. These advantages of natural fiber open erties [12].
Banana Fiber is a bast fiber developed from the trunk of banana
plant [13]. Banana fiber has found to have a cellulose content of
⇑ Corresponding author. 60–65%, 6–19% hemicellulose, 5–10% lignin, 3–5% pectin, ash 1–
E-mail address: dhamarikarmohit@gmail.com (M. Dhamarikar).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.07.217
2214-7853/Ó 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Conference on Advanced Materials Behavior and Characterization.

Please cite this article as: U. S. Gupta, M. Dhamarikar, A. Dharkar et al., Surface modification of banana fiber: A review, Materials Today: Proceedings,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.07.217
2 U.S. Gupta et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

3% and 3–6% extractives [14–16]. A.G. Kulkarni et al. [17] con- 2.1. Physical methods
ducted mechanical tests of banana fiber and found out that the
elastic modulus, UTS and percentage elongation are in the range Physical treatment methods are those which alter the ‘‘physical
27 to 32 GNm
2, 711 to 789 MNm
2 and 2.5 to 3.7%, respectively, surface characteristics” of the fiber to promote better bonding
for fibers in the 50 to 250 mm diameter range while the tensile between fiber and matrix. However, no change of chemical struc-
strength of banana fiber increases from 726 to 906 MNm
2 at ture at surface of fiber takes place [38]. Most commonly used phys-
100 mm min
1 with an increase in the speed of testing from ical treatment methods are as follows.
500 mm min
1 to 100 mm/min. Thus, it is evident that banana
fibers have fascinating mechanical properties, moreover, these 2.1.1. Plasma treatment
composites are prepared from bio waste of banana cultivation for Plasma treatment is an example of electric discharge such that
producing useful components for the industry [18]. Notwithstand- the ionised gas in the tube has a balance between densities of pos-
ing the impeccability of composite materials are not perfect, they itive and negative particles according to macroscopic volume and
have their own disadvantages regarding inconsistency in mechan- time [39]. Plasma treatment in considered an effective method of
ical properties, water uptake and thus poor compatibility with the physical surface modification method. Plasma treatment has pro-
resin [19]. These faults can however be overcome by pre-treating ven to increase the thermal resistance and interfacial strength of
of banana fibers using various physical and chemical surface mod- fiber – matrix more than chemical modification methods [40].
ification techniques which have been discussed in the sections The plasma treatment method improves the hydrophobicity of
below. Even though surface treatment is commonly practiced to fibers [41]. Plasma treatment can be categorised as thermal or
‘‘improve the mechanical properties of natural fiber” only common non-thermal plasma treatment. The plasma treatment can take
chemical treatment methods such as silane treatment and alkali place either at vacuum or at atmospheric pressure [39]. Corona
treatments of banana fiber have been studied by researchers treatment and cold plasma are some another popular surface treat-
[20–29]. However, physical modification techniques such as cor- ment method for the treatment of fiber surface using physical
ona treatment, dielectric barrier discharge, ultrasound treatment, method. Corona treatment increases the amount aldehyde group
etc and chemical modification techniques such as benzoylation, in case of wood surface activation and changes the surface energy
acetylation, etc on banana fiber need to be studied upon even fur- of the cellulose fibers. ‘‘Depending on the sort and nature of the
ther considering the fascinating improvements in results of various gases used, a spread of surface modification might be achieved
surface treatment methods on other natural fibers. Incorporation by using cold plasma treatment which can successively introduce
of nano-clay or nano fillers to ‘‘improve the overall properties of surface crosslinking while surface energy might be increase or
the composite” is another scope of research [30–32]. Hybridisation decrease and reactive free radicals and groups might be produced
of natural fibers over synthetic or natural fibers is also a method to [42]”. For ‘‘non-reactive’’ polymer substrate as polypropylene,
tailor the properties of natural fiber composite according to the polyethylene, polystyrene, etc electric discharge methods are very
design requirements (Tables 1–3). effective. To enhance the mechanical properties ‘‘cellulose poly-
propylene composite” (CPPC) and reduce the melt viscosity of CPPC
2. Fiber surface treatment methods electric discharge methods are used very effectively [43–45].

Banana Fibers though having an upper edge on the synthetic

fibers in tems of cost, low density, recyclability and abundance in 2.1.2. Ultrasound modification
nature have some disadvantages of their own in terms of moisture Ultrasound treatment method consists use of ultrasound vibra-
uptake, quality variations, thermal instability and wettability [34– tion to decompose saccharides. The major constituents of lignocel-
36]. The property of moisture absorption is mainly credited to the lulosic fibers being cellulose and hemicellulose which cause the
hemicellulose. Also, hydrophilicity of lignocellulosic biofiber in water absorption of natural fibers [13]. The ultrasound treatment
contrast to ‘‘hydrophobicity” of resin causes a ‘‘poor interfacial of natural fiber aids decomposition of saccharides [46]. Ultrasound
bonding” at ‘‘fiber–matrix” interface thus resulting in poor treatment at different temperatures removes lignin, pectin, hemi-
mechanical properties of natural fiber composite [13]. Wang celluloses and other surface impurities thus resulting in stronger
et al. [37] had reviewed that the weak interfacial bonding causes fiber–matrix adhesion in composites. The composites have also
inefficient stress transfer between the fiber and the matrix which proven to show higher thermal stability and lower moisture
leads to lower mechanical strength of the natural fiber composites. uptake than untreated fibers [47]. Chang et al. [48] discusses that
Additionally, the reactive functional groups are covered by pectin combination of chemical treatment with ultrasound assistance is
and waxes at the surface thus further baring the interaction with more effective than use of chemical treatment alone.
the matrix. Surface treatment is a process of modification of sur-
face properties of raw natural fibers are modified using various 2.1.3. Ultraviolet modification or UV modification
physical and chemical treatment methods so as to reduce the Ultraviolet Modification technique is another discussed tech-
moisture uptake of the fiber thus also ‘‘improving the interfacial nique for the surface modification of banana fibers. UV treatment
bonding between the fiber and the resin”. The improved adherence causes change in chemical structure and mechanical properties
at fiber–matrix also results in a significant ‘‘improvement in the of banana fiber. The UV treatment of fiber is found to have
mechanical strengths” of natural fiber composites [13]. Some of enhanced the ‘‘tensile strength” & ‘‘young’s modulus” values of
the common surface modification techniques are as follows. the fiber significantly [49]. Abdullah Al Kafi et al. [50] studied that

Table 1
Comparison of Banana fiber with other fibers from Satyanarayan et al. [31].

Fibers Name Fiber Dia. (lm) Fiber Density (kg/m3) L/D ratio ‘‘Microfibrillar angle” (in deg) Initial Modulus (Gpa) UTS Percentage Elongation
Banana 80–250 1350 150 10 7.7–20.0 54–754 10.35
Sisal 50–200 1450 100 10.0–22.0 9.4–15.8 568–640 3.0–7.0
PaLF 20–80 1440 450 8.0–14.0 34.5–82.5 413–1627 0.8–1

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Table 2
Tensile properties variation with fiber diameter of banana fiber from A.G. Kulkarni et al. [17].

Dia. (mm) Initial Modulus (GPa) SD Initial Modulas (GPa) Breaking strength (MPa) SD Breaking Strength (MPa) Percentage Strain SD percentage Strain
50 32.703 8.19 779.078 209.3 2.75 0.957
100 30.463 4.689 711.661 239.614 2.469 0.798
150 29.748 8.561 773.002 297.104 3.583 1.114
200 27.698 7.083 789.289 128.558 3.34 0.688
250 29.904 4.059 766.605 165.515 3.244 1.284

Table 3
Table comparing the weight percent of ions present in fibers from Nilza et al. [33].

Fiber Name wt. percent of Si4+ wt. percent of Na3+ wt. percent of Mg+ wt. percent of Ca+ wt. percent of Al3+
Bagasse 27 0.97 1.32 3.87 3.89
Coconut 2.56 2.53 0.76 2.44 0.03
Banana 1.41 0.28 1.77 5.72 0.14

UV treated fibers showed higher values of tensile strength, impact 2.2.1. Alkali treatment
strength, tensile modulus and impact modulus for composite. M.M. Alkali or NaOH treatment is common chemical modification
Rahman et al. [51] conclude that UV pre-treatment of the fiber method used to modify the surface properties of natural fibers
showed an increase of tensile properties due to the ‘‘inter-cross and has been found very efficient in improving mechanical charac-
linking” among the neighbouring molecules cellulose which occurs teristics of ‘‘natural fiber composites” [52]. Alkylation improves
due to ultraviolet radiation. ‘‘interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix”. [65]. Thus,
improving the ‘‘stress transfer” [66]. Because of the removal of
‘‘wax layers and surface impurities” due to alkylation improves
2.2. Chemical methods the thermal characteristics of the fiber [67].
Fiber
OH þ NaOH ! Fiber
O
Na þ H2 O ð1Þ
Chemical Treatment methods have found to increase the ‘‘inter-
facial adhesion between the fiber and matrix”, moreover, these It is a chemical treatment method which involves the submerg-
treatment methods results in lower water intake by fibers [52]. ing of natural fibers in a known concentration of NaOH solution for
Chemical treatment methods using various chemical reagents have some time at constant temperature. The alkaline treatment aids
found different degree of success in enhancing fiber matrix com- the removal of lignin, hemicellulose, waxes, and oils from the fiber
patibility, fiber fitness and fiber strength in NFRCs [53]. Chemical surface to make sure improved bonding among fiber and resin [68].
treatment methods are usually carried out to clean the wax and The treatment of fiber with NaOH forms amorphous region on
lignin from the surface of the fiber so as to improve the mechanical crystalline cellulose by swelling the fiber cell membrane. Alkyla-
interlocking and ‘‘bridge” the hydrophilic nature of cellulosic fiber tion leads to breakdown of ‘‘alkali sensitive hydrogen bonds” and
and the hydrophilic plastic matrix with bifunctional molecules of formation of ‘‘new reactive hydrogen bonds” thus reducing the
intermediate properties [54]. One of the major problems of NFRCs water absorption tendency of fibers [53,69,70]. It can be said that
is ‘‘poor adhesion between fiber and matrix” which is majorly due removal of ‘‘micro voids” makes fiber surface more uniform and
to the ‘‘hydrophilic nature of fiber” and ‘‘hydrophobic nature of hence better bonding is achieved. Also, the reduction in diameter
matrix”. The polar natures of fiber and matrix cause poor adhesion causes the ‘‘aspect ratio” to increase thus enabling better stress
[53]. Strong interfacial adhesion can however be obtained if the transfer [71]. However, increasing alkali concentration above a cer-
surface properties of the fiber are artificially tailored so as support tain point causes ‘‘delignification” in surplus amount which causes
the interfacial bonding. This can be achieved by chemically modi- weakening of fiber which shall be avoided strictly [37,53]. Hence,
fying the surface properties of fiber by chemical grafting, chemical mercerisation or alkyl treatment or alkylation is an efficient
coating and chemical coupling of fibers using suitable additives method in increasing the strengths of banana fiber composites
containing desirable functional groups [13]. Chemical modification [21,72–75] (Fig. 1).
of the lignocellulosic fiber leads to ‘‘improved adhesion between
the fiber and the matrix” [55]. ‘‘Modification of the fiber by several 2.2.2. Silane treatment
chemical methods has been suggested and carried out in the case In the process of silane treatment, silane undergoes ‘‘bond for-
of thermoset matrices” [32,56,57]. ‘‘Treatment with alkali and also mation” with the fiber surface in multiple steps of ‘‘hydrolysis”
by other coupling agents like silanes, titanates, etc. have all been and ‘‘condensation”. Silane transforms to silanol in the attendance
proved to be the best way to improve fiber matrix adhesion” of humidity and ‘‘hydrolysable alkoxy groups” which reacts with
[55,58–62]. Several other alternative methods were used prior to ‘‘cellulose hydroxyl” to enhance the ‘‘fiber–matrix adhesion” and
improve integrity. The chemical method results change in crystal thus improvise the strength of the fiber [53,76]. ‘‘The chemical
structure and as well as by separating weak spots like lignin and composition of silane coupling agents (bifunctional siloxane mole-
hemicelluloses from the fiber results increased compatibility by cules) allows forming a chemical link between the surface of the
reducing its hydrophilicity, whereas Physical method focuses on cellulose fiber and therefore the resin through Siloxane Bridge. It
surface roughening [39,63]. It is also seen that the ‘‘concentration” also provides the hydrocarbon chains that restrains fiber swelling
and ‘‘time of exposure to the treatment” is very important to the into the matrix [37]”. Valadez-Gonzalez et al. [77] showed that
fiber properties [64]. Such methods of modification which involve the composites treated by silane showed better results on mechan-
changing of chemical structure of fiber surface by reacting with a ical testing than the composite treated by mercerization. Seki [78]
chemical reagent are known as Chemical treatment methods. Some had investigated that the effect of silane treatment on the bending
of the common chemical treatment methods have been discussed properties of ‘‘jute-epoxy” and ‘‘jute-polyester composites”. The
in the paper. alkali pretreatment followed by silane treatment for ‘‘jute epoxy

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Fig. 1. SEM showing (a) Untreated Banana Fiber and (b) Alkali Treated Banana Fiber from U.K. Komal et al. [35].

composites” showed 7.0% and 12.0% increase in modulus and Kalia et al. [86] investigated that benzoylation treatment makes
strength properties respectively and around 20% and 8% improve- the fiber thermally stable and increases percentage crystallinity of
ment in strength and modulus for ‘‘jute polyester composites”. sisal fibers. In the experiment conducted by Wang et al. [87], it was
Sever et al. [79] conducted a similar study on jute fiber and found found that benzoyl treatment enhanced the mechanical strengths
silane treatment effective in enhancing the strengths of fiber com- of flax fiber decreased the percentage water uptake. Benzoylation
posite. ‘‘Banana fiber obtained from treatment with silane A151 treatment is the effective chemical treatment method which
(vinyl triethoxysilane) proved to be effective in increasing the ten- increases the water resistance of the fiber and improves ‘‘fiber–ma-
sile properties of the composite in earlier studies” [60,80]. trix adhesion”, hence increasing the effective stress flow between
H2 O
the matrix and the fiber. The process has also been found to effi-
CH2 CHSiðOC2 H5 Þ3 ! CH2 CHSiðOHÞ3 þ 3C2 H5 OH ð2Þ ciently increase the thermal stability of the composite [37,88]. Ini-
tially, the fiber is pretreated with alkali solution to ‘‘activate the
CH2 CHSiðOHÞ þ Fiber
OH ! CH2 CHSiðOHÞ2 O hydroxyl groups of fiber”. After the benzyl treatment, the fiber is

Fiber þ H2 O ð3Þ washed using ethanol to remove the excess benzyl chloride from
the surface which can then be washed easily with water. Joseph
et al. [71] also concluded that benzolation improved the thermal
2.2.3. Acetylation or acetyl treatment stability of fiber (Fig. 2).
Acetyl treatment of natural fibers is a well-known ‘‘esterifica-
tion method” which causes plasticization of cellulosic fibers. The 2.2.5. Peroxide treatment
OH group present at the cell walls of fiber surface is replaced by Peroxide treatment is an important method of chemical treat-
acetyl groups when chemically treated ‘‘acetic anhydride (CH3-C ment in which polyethylene is grafted to the fiber by peroxide ini-
(=O)-O-C(=O)–CH3)”. The chemical modification with acetic tiated free radical mechanism [90]. The treatment results in
removes the hydroxyl groups of the fiber surface cell walls and reduced hydrophilicity of of fibers and thus improved ‘‘fiber–ma-
replaces with acetyl groups. This modification in the chemical trix adhesion”. Peroxide treatment has thus showed to improve
composition makes the fibers hydrophobic in nature thus increas- the mechanical strengths of the fiber [37,91,92]
ing their compatibility with hydrophobic polymer matrix [81].
RO

OR ! 2RO ð7Þ
Fiber
OH þ CH3
Cð¼ OÞ
O
Cð¼ OÞ
CH3
! Fiber
OCOCH3 þ CH3 COOH ð4Þ RO þ PE
H ! ROH þ PE ð8Þ
Acetylation of lignocellulosic natural fibers has proven to
RO þ Cellulose
H ! ROH þ Cellulose ð9Þ
improve properties of dimensional stability, resistance to biologi-
cal attack, and degradation due to ultraviolet energy [82]. Acetyla-
tion has proven to improve the mechanical strength of natural fiber PE þ Cellulose ! PE
Cellulose ð10Þ
moreover the thermal stability and moisture absorption character- Joseph et al. [58] reviewed that 50% of improvement in tensile
istics have improved by considerable margins [83]. A.K. Rana et al. strength was observed in randomly oriented peroxide treated fiber.
[84] researched jute fibers’ acetyl treatment using simplified pro- It was concluded that rise in strength was result of reaction
cedure and also concluded that the acetylated jute was found to between cellulose and LDPE initiated by peroxide [58,93]. This also
have better thermal stability. promotes the interlinking in LDPE, which could also strengthen the
fiber [91,93].
2.2.4. Benzoylation or benzyl treatment
‘‘Benzoylation treatment uses benzoyl chloride as primary 2.2.6. Permanganate treatment
reagent”. The introduction of benzoyl group in the fiber causes a It improves the fiber surface by reacting with ‘‘highly reac-
decrease in hydrophilic nature of treated fiber which increases its tive MMMM 3+ ions”, thus leading to ‘‘grafting of poly-
compatibility with hydrophobic matrix [85]. ethylene” onto the surfaces which results in the decrease in
Fiber - OH þ NaOH ! Fiber - O
Naþ þ H2 O ð5Þ hydrophilicity of fiber. Hence the interfacial bonding is
improved. Mechanical properties increase along with the
Fiber
O
Naþ þ Cl
Cð¼ OÞ
C 6 H5 ! Fiber
O
Cð¼ OÞ increase of permagnate concentration. Up to a certain limit

C 6 H5 þ NaCl ð6Þ until the optimum concentration is achieved after which
decrease in properties is observed [58].

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Fig. 2. SEM image of (a) raw banana fiber (b) benzoylated banana fiber from S.A. Paul et al. [89].

Cellulose
H þ KMnO4 ! Cellulose
H
O
Mnð¼ OÞ2 Murali B. et al. [95] had investigated to characterize the surfaces

O
Kþ ð11Þ of treated and untreated fibers and to investigate mechanical
behavior in natural fiber composites. Results shows that due to
improved structural interlocking in matrix and fiber, alkaline
Cellulose
H
O
Mnð¼ OÞ2
O
K þ stands good in flexural and impact strength whereas acrylonitrile
! Cellulose þ H
O
Mnð
OÞ2
O
K þ ð12Þ performs good in tensile strength.
M. Jannah et al. [20] had experimented that the woven banana
fiber (WBF) is exposed to 1.0% of NaOH and C3H4O2 and was uti-
2.2.7. Other chemical methods lized as supplement for unsaturated PE matrix. Use of Vacuum bag-
ging m/d was preferred for the fabrication of WBF reinforced UPE
 Organo silanes as coupling agents. composite. The results showed C3H4O2 (AA) treatment leads to bet-
 Triazine coupling agents. ter property. The C3H4O2 (AA) processed WBF composites shows
 Treatment with isocyanates. significantly less water intake in moisture absorption test (Table 4;
 Treatment with compounds which contain methanol groups. Fig. 3).
 Graft copolymerization Laly A Pothan et al. [28] conducted study to investigate whether
chemical modification improves the strength of ‘‘BFRPC”. The
3. Results and discussions improvement in properties because of alkali treatment is mainly
due the improved stacking of the ‘‘cellulosic chains”, after the dis-
Bio composites contain reinforcing bio-fibers and matrix poly- solution of lignin. Treatment with ‘‘Silane A174”, ‘‘Silane A151”,
mer system. Bio composite material are used in automotive parts, ‘‘Silane F8261” and ‘‘Silane A1100” has also increased the strength
housing product and packing. The major drawback behind replac- of the composites. However, Si69 have adversely affected the
ing glass-reinforced plastic with bio-composites is that it does not mechanical properties.
exhibit structural and functional stability during storage and use. Md Mamunur Rashid et al. [22] has investigated the detailed
Yet these materials are bio degradable, without any harmful effect. structural and morphological characterization of untreated vs
Mohammad Asim et al. [94] investigated that mechanical, mor- potassium permanganate and sodium hydroxide solution treated
phological and structural properties of kenaf and PALF hybrid fiber ‘‘BFRC”. Better hydrophobic characteristics was observed by
composite are affected by silane, alkali and combined alkali and KMnO4 chemical treatments. For the water intake study different
silane treatments and reason behind the investigation was to fiber specimens with different fiber loading (ranging from 0 to 15
enhance the compatibility with PE matrices. Through SEM and with the interval of 5) were compared and revealed that compos-
FTIR, the effectiveness of saline and alkali treatment in elimination ites 10% fiber loading absorb less water compared to others and
of impurities was done. The SEM results shows that silane treated hence better mechanical characteristics were observed. Also 15%
fibers contains less amount of impurities, lignin and hemicelluloses KMnO4 was founf to be optimum solution.
are also parted from the fiber by some other chemical modification
techniques. Saline modified PALF & KF exhibits better tensile
Table 4
strength. Comparison of improved Tensile strength and modulus after treatment with NaOH
Kuruvilla Joseph et al. [90] had investigated that, volume per- and Acrylic acid solutions of different concentrations from Jannah et al. [20].
centage, length and orientation of fiber were determine with the
Specimen Tensile strength (MPa) Tensile Modulus (GPa)
effect of different fiber treatment methods such as peroxide, per-
manganate, isocyanate and alkali on sisal-LDPE. Harsh surface UBF 355 33.8
1% NaOH-treated BF 443 34.4
geometry and increased aspect ratio result in better tensile prop- 3% NaOH-treated BF 372 32.6
erty of fiber. Fiber becomes, hydrophobic, suitable and highly 5% NaOH-treated BF 352 27.8
desirable in PE matrix because of the linkage between the long 1% AA-treated BF 471 36
chain of CTDIC and cellulosic fiber. Peroxide and permanganate 3% AA-treated BF 423 33.5
5% AA-treated BF 398 28.7
induced grafting result in enhancement in tensile property.

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Fig. 3. Graph comparing improved Tensile strength and modulus after treatment
with NaOH and Acrylic acid solutions of different concentrations from Jannah et al.
[20].

Fig. 4. Graph comparing improved tensile strength and modulus of banana fiber
from Jandas et al. [24].
Ikechukwu Christian Ezema et al. [23] has investigated that the
combination of Na2SO3 and NaOH can be used in treatment of
‘‘banana stem fibers (BSF)”. By using compressive moulding
untreated composite were investigated. Properties like tensile stiff-
method ‘‘unidirectional BSF reinforced natural rubber lamina com-
ness was increased by untreated pseudo stem fiber (Table 7; Fig. 6).
posites” were fabricated. When banana fiber is treated with 4%
Laly. A. Pothan et al. [29] has modified BF which was extracted
NaOH and 2% Na2SO3, a subsequent grouth in youngs modulus
from the sheath of banana plant having cellulose as the major con-
and tensile property was observed (from 84.30 MPa and
tent, in order to enhance their compatibility with the polymer
3.12 MPa of untreated to 147.34 MPa and 4.03 MPa of treated
matrix. The change was investigated using different techniques
respectively). Better bonding of the natural rubber with fiber bun-
such as XPS, electrokinetic measurements, and solvatochromism.
dles before lamination as the output of surface modification which
Surfaces characterization validated the presence of various surface
resulted in its higher tensile property.
elements of the fiber whereas removal of surface elements was
P.J. Jandas et al. [24] for the fabrication of BF biocomposites,
shown by alkali treatment and silicon was added on surface by sal-
‘‘melt blending technique followed by compression molding” was
ine treatment. ‘‘Investigation of the surface after alkali treatment
used. Surface treatment of BF was done by various silanes viz.
on the other hand showed the removal of most of the elements”.
Si69 and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to enrich the closeness of
Silicon was introduced on the fiber surface due to silane treatment.
the fiber matrix polymer with fiber within. DCS and TGA were used
The O/C ratio decreased in all cases except vinyl and fluorinated
for the thermal evaluation. Si69 treated banana fiber shows better
silane treated fibers.
thermal stability. Within the silane treated composite a gain in
Ike-Eze et al. [27] has studied the consequences of surface mod-
storage modulus and loss in damping values are confirms by ‘‘vis-
ification reagents on tensile characteristics of ‘‘Banana Pseudo-
coelastic measurements” from DMA (Table 5; Fig. 4).
Stem Fiber Reinforced Polyester composites” (BPSFRP), which exhi-
Hetal Shah et al. [26] has studied, the morphology and mechan-
bits that mercerization lower the tensile property of the untreated
ical properties of NaOH treated and untreated WBF. The treated
fibers, while treating further with Na2SO4 and 3-
WBF composites have comparatively higher strength. Presence of
Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) silane solution on mercerized
hydroxyl group from lignin and cellulose makes banana fiber
fiber lead to the improved tensile characteristics of the composites.
hydrophilic in nature. By NaOH chemical treatment the
Reduced tensile modulus and strength of single fiber strand was
hydrophilicity of the fabric can be reduced. Mechanical properties
observed when the NaOH concentration was above 0.4 M while
of WBF/ UPR composite has improved by treating with alkali. SEM
concentration below 0.4 M is good to improve the tensile proper-
micrograph shows that, after surface treatment adhesion between
ties of the fiber but takes longer time to soak. Sodium sulphite
matrix and fiber could be improved. Surface modification has
and AA are good surface modification reagents but also less effec-
resulted in better adhesion at matrix and fiber interface and hence
tive to APTES solution for enhancing the tensile characteristics of
improve the mechanical properties as well (Table 6; Fig. 5).
BPSFRP for industrial applications.
William Jordan et al. [96] has studied the permanganate and
Tholkappiyan, E. et al. [97] has investigated ‘‘the physical,
peroxide treatment to enhance the interfacial bonding between
chemical and mechanical properties of the banana and banana:
LDPE and BF. Peroxide treatment enhanced the tensile characteris-
cotton fibers blended yarns and fabrics”. Fibers were scoured,
tics whereas the Inconclusive effect was enhanced by perman-
bleached and mercerized by different concentrations of NaOH,
ganate modification. The mechanical properties (flexural and
H2O2 and Na2CO3 and softened with aloe-vera, castor oil, cotton
tensile) of injection molded permanganate treated composite and
seed oil and soap. The mechanical characterization indicated that
the only yarn strength, tensile strength, tear strength and torsion
Table 5 rigidity became decreased by increasing concentration of the Na2-
Table showing improved tensile strength and modulus of banana fiber from Jandas CO3, H2O2 and NaOH. The adequate (spinnability) fine quality (5.8
et al. [24]. tex) of the BF is achieved with NaOH, H2O2 and Na2CO3 combined
Sample Tensile strength (MPa) Tensile Modulus (GPa) treatments.
Ricardo Mello Di Benedetto et al. [49] investigated the effects of
untreated BF 1572 67
Na-BF 1272 65
ultraviolet physical modification of the mechanical characteristics
Act-BF 1186 63 of banana fiber composite. The fiber was treated with ‘‘ultraviolet
APS-BF 1812 70 radiation” for 7 days for first specimen and 15 days for second
Si69-BF 2125 76 specimen. The specimens were named ‘‘UV7: and ‘‘UV15” respec-

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Table 6
Improved results of tensile and flexural test from H. Shah et al. [26].

Sample Flexural Modulus Tensile Modulus Flexural Strength Tensile Strength

WBF/UPR 3.5 3.13 55 34
Alkali treated 6.46 4.99 64 52
Untreated 5.5 3.85 58 39

Fig. 5. (a) Comparison of improved strenths (b) comparison of improved modulus from H. Shah et al. [26].

Table 7 G. Venkatachalam et al. [98] used ANOVA technique to test the

Improved mechanical properties on treatment with KMnO4 solution of different dependence of fiber strength on the Strength of NaOH mixture
concentrations from Jordan et al. [96].
used for chemical treatment of fiber composites. Also, the depen-
Sample Tensile strength (MPa) Tensile Modulus (GPa) dence on other variables like percentage of CNSL and time of treat-
Untreated BF 99 7 ment were evaluated. It could be clearly seen that increase in
0.01% KMnO4-BF 78.7 3.4 percentage of CNSL in the composite reduces its failure strength.
0.05% KMnO4-BF 294.6 11.5 The concentration of NaOH however was seen to have a positive
0.1% KMnO4-BF 135.2 6.9
effect on the breaking load upto a certain limit, increasing concen-
0.15% KMnO4-BF 70.4 3.4
0.2% KMnO4-BF 258.4 12.6 tration of NaOH beyond which showed to adversely affect the
breaking load.
A.N. Benítez et al. [99] performed alkali treatment and maleic
anhydride treatment on banana fiber under different ‘‘pressure”
and ‘‘temperature” conditions. The treated specimen were tested
for ‘‘thermogravimetric test” and ‘‘FTIR spectroscopy”. Results
showed that specimen with concentration of NaOH lower than 4 N
showed improved mechanical strength. Maleic anhydride treatment
was found to be ineffective in enhancing the mechanical properties
BFRC. Similarly, treatment with 1 N solution of NaOH did not show
any significant improvements. ‘‘The use of maleic anhydride
improves adhesion between the fiber and matrix due, perhaps, to
the introduction of carbonyl groups on the fiber surface as observed
in figures FTIR”. Study also indicates that pressure plays an impor-
tant role rather than the concentration of alkali solution.
Sandeep Kumar et al. [100] researched ‘‘the properties of
banana fiber reinforced LDPE composite”. The fiber was divided
into three parts. First part was treated with NaOH, second part
with ‘‘sebacoyl chloride” and third with ‘‘toluene diisocyanate”.
Fig. 6. Comparison of improved strength on KMnO4 treatment from Jordan et al. The NaOH treated fiber specimen showed highest strength with
[96].
respect to other specimen.
Sherly Annie Paul et al. [89] has founded that the ‘‘thermal con-
ductivity” and ‘‘thermal diffusivity” of the composites decreased
tively. The specimens were subjected to ‘‘tensile test”, ‘‘thermal with fiber percentage, however, the ‘‘specific heat” of the fiber
test”, ‘‘FTIR spectroscopy” and ‘‘scanning electron microscopy”. It composites seems to be unaffected by it. Chemical treatment of
was noted that the ‘‘UV7” sample showed improved tensile banana fibers led to an increase in the ‘‘thermo physical proper-
strength as compared to the ‘‘in natura” specimen, however, the ties”. The highest values of ‘‘thermal conductivity” and ‘‘thermal
specimen with 15-day treatment showed a depletion in properties diffusivity” was seen in benzoylated fiber composites. It has been
of natural fiber. Thermal test indicated the presence of an also observed that concentration of sodium hydroxide solution
‘‘exothermic photochemical reaction” associated to the ‘‘reorgani- has influenced the characteristics of the composite. When banana
zation of chemical structure” of fiber surface which was confirmed fiber treated with ‘‘10% NaOH solution” showed better results than
by FTIR results. ‘‘2% NaOH treated banana fiber composites”.

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8 U.S. Gupta et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

Patrick Ehi. Imoisili et al. [101] researched ‘‘permanganate

treatment” of ‘‘plantain (Musa paradisiaca) fiber”. The extracted
plaintain fiber was dipped in 1% and 3% solution of sodium hydrox-
ide and kept for varying soaking period of 1 to 4 hrs followed by
washing with acetone. Finally, ‘‘the fibers were dried in a vaccum
oven at 60 °C for 12 hrs”. The extracted fibers were then treated
with varying concentration of KMnO4 solution. The fiber samples
were categorized on the basis on concentration of KMnO4 and
the hours of soaking. All the specimens were then subjected to ten-
sile test. It was found that the specimen treated with 0.05% solu-
tion of KMnO4 with soaking period in acetone of 3 min showed
highest ‘‘tensile strength and young’s modulus of 690.25 MPa
and 13.28 GPa respectively as compared to NaOH treatment with
soaking period of 4 hrs of tensile strength and young’s modulus
of 651.09 MPa and 11.51 GPa respectively”. However, results of
Fig. 7. Graph showing improvement in Tensile strength on KMnO4 treatment from
treatment in both solutions proved to ‘‘increase the mechanical Imoisili et al. [101].
strength of the fiber as compared to the untreated fiber of tensile
strength 489.54 MPa and young’s modulus of 8.05 GPa” (Table 8;
Fig. 7). A. Parre et al. [103] investigated the mechanical characteristics
V. Santhanam et al. [36] investigated the result of surface mod- of NaOH treated banana fiber composite. The dried raw banana
ification on the mechanical characteristics of banana-glass fiber fiber was immersed separately in solutions of NaOH having ‘‘con-
(BGF) hybrid composites. The raw banana fiber was ‘‘pre-treated centrations of 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9% relative to weight of banana fiber”
with 1% NaOH solution for 1 h”. The fibers were then washed each for a day at atmospheric temperature. The fibers were then
and placed in an oven at 70° C for 1 day to eliminate traces of cleaned and dried in an oven at 90°–100 °C for a day. The prepared
water. The treated banana fiber was used to prepare hybrid com- specimens were individually subjected to FTIR test and Thermo-
posite along with glass fiber using hand lay-up method with epoxy gravimetric Analysis. The FTIR spectrum showed that NaOH treat-
as matrix. Five samples were prepared for tests with combinations ment eliminates major part of ligin and hemi-cellulose from the
namely ‘‘100% Glass fiber (135 g) + 0% Banana fiber”, ‘‘0% Glass fiber, thus resulting into stronger hydrogen bonds in turn showing
fiber + 100% untreated Banana fiber (71 g)”, ‘‘0% Glass fiber better mechanical properties, which is given a visual evidence from
+ 100% NaOH”, ‘‘(1%) treated Banana fiber (71 g)”, ‘‘50% Glass fiber the SEM study. It was seen that NaOH treatment increased the
(67.5 g) + 50% untreated Banana fiber(35 g)” and ‘‘50% Glass fiber ‘‘thermal stability” of banana fibers which can be accredited to
(67.5 g) + 50% NaOH (1%) treated Banana fiber (35 g)”. The experi- the removal of ‘‘waxy layers and impurities” from the surface of
ment showed that higher degrees of strength were achieved when fiber. The ‘‘5% specimen” showed optimum performance.
fiber undergone through alkali treatment. Contrasting to this, alky- Ujendra Kumar Komal et al. [35] studied the effects of chemical
lation seems to have an adverse impact on percentage water intake treatment on mechanical behavior of banana fiber reinforced poly-
of laminate. mer composites. The banana fibers were immersed in NaOH solu-
Marwan Mostafa et al. [102] studied the ‘‘effects of banana tion of varying concentration of 2.5, 5 and 7.5% and let to soak for 5
fibers on the compressive and flexural strength of compressed Hrs. The fibers were then washed and then placed in an oven at
earth blocks”. The raw banana fiber was cleaned at pre-treated 90 °C for 6 Hrs. The fiber specimens were subjected to tensile, flex-
with 6% NaOH solution for 2 hrs at room temperature. The fiber ural and thermogravimetric analysis. Also, SEM study was conduct
was then rinsed and dried in an oven at 80 °C for a day. Seven sam- to analyse the specimen at microscopic level. It was seen that alkyl
ples of earth blocks were made with different percentage of banana treatment increased the tensile, flexural strength and improved the
fiber of 25 mm length and 50 mm length of both ‘‘treated and thermal stability of the fiber. It was also seen that chemical treat-
untreated banana fibers”. The earth blocks were subjected to com- ment improved the fiber matrix adhesion, which could be visually
pressive and flexural tests and it was found that specimen with verified by SEM (Fig. 8).
50 mm fiber length performed better than any variation in compo- Ujendra Kumar Komal [34] et al. performs a study to analyze
sition of 25 mm length fiber composites. It could be clearly seen the ‘‘effects of chemical modification on degredation, mechanical
that treated fiber earth blocks showed better results than that of and thermal behavior of BFRP composite”. The fiber was immersed
untreated fiber blocks. in 5% mixture of NaOH for 5 h followed by oven drying at 90 °C for
6 h. Both the untreated and treated fiber sample were subjected to
mechanical test, thermogravimetric analysis and degradation test
Table 8 (soil immersion and water immersion). It was seen that alkyl treat-
Improvement in Tensile strength on KMnO4 treatment from Imoisili et al. [101].
ment enhanced the mechanical strengths along with the thermal
Sample Treatment Method Tensile Strength characteristics of banana fiber. The interfacial adhesion could be
(MPa) seen to be improved by NaOH treatment in the SEM study. It was
UT Untreated plantain fibers 489.54 seen that alkyl treatment also decreased the degradation rate of
1 N1 1% sodium hydroxide solution for 1 h 538.49 fibers in terms of mechanical properties and weight.
1 N4 1% sodium hydroxide solution for 4 h 611.93
Emanuel Alonso et al. [104] conducted a research on Surface
3 N1 3% sodium hydroxide solution for 1 h 533.6
3 N4 3% sodium hydroxide solution for 4 h 651.09 modification of banana fibers using organosilanes. Two Banana
01 K1 0.01% Potassium Permanganate-acetone sol. 523.81 fiber specimen were prepared such that half the fibers were treated
for 1 min 5 wt% of APS (aminopropyltriethoxy silane) other half with 5 wt%
01 K3 0.01% Potassium Permanganate -acetone sol. 675.57 of GPS (glycidoxypropyl silane) in a mixture of ethanol–water
for 3 mins
05 K1 0.05% Potassium Permanganate -acetone sol. 543.39
(60:40, v/v) to get Organosilane-treated fibers. With acetic acid
for 1 min pH value of 4 is maintained in the solution, and stirred consistently
05 K3 0.05% Potassium Permanganate -acetone sol. 690.25 for 60 min. The fibers were then immersed in the prepared mixture
for 3 mins for 3 h prior to natural air dry for 1 day and followed by oven dry-

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Fig. 8. SEM result from U.K. Komal et al. [35] showing improved fiber matrix adhesion due to NaOH treatment.

ing at 80° C for again 1 day. GPSBF & APSBF named specimens were Table 9
Improved tensile properties on alkaline treatment from T. Insung et al. [105].
prepared. Measurements were taken from the specimens are,
Inverse gas chromatography, Acid-base character, Dispersive sur- Specimen Tensile Strength (MPa) Tensile Modulus Elongation
face energy, Specific surface energy, Isotherm, Diffusion parameter (MPa) at break

and Analysis of stats (ANOVA). Organosilane greatened of banana Neat PLA 67.39 1127 9.82
fiber enhance their fundamental characterstics. The conclusion PLA/20BFSi 67.83 1367 6.86
PLA/30BFSi 68.94 1684 5.41
carried out from this work was, the incipient material presents a PLA/40BFSi 76.16 1892 5.21
rougher, stiffer and more porous structure, along with a more fun-
damental character, which makes to the BF with high reactive sur-
face and amended mechanical properties.
T. Insung et al. [105] studied the ‘‘preparation and properties of
silane-treated banana fiber/ poly(lactic acid) biocomposites”. The
chopped length 6 mm banana fiber were soaked in in 10% NaOH
solution for 1 hr and stirred by the help of a stirrer. After which,
the fibers were washed and then then placed in an oven at 60 °C
for 48 hrs to dry. The alkali pretreated banana fiber was then sub-
jected to ‘‘silane treatment”. The specimen were subjected to ten-
sile test (to study mechanical properties), differential scanning
calorimetry and Thermogravimetry and ‘‘SEM” for morphological
study. ‘‘This work shows that the nature-amicable composites with
good mechanical and thermal properties can be prosperously
developed utilizing banana fibers as a reinforcement and PLA as
a matrix”. It was observed that silane treatment made the fiber
more compatible with the resin (Table 9; Fig. 9).
C.M. Meenakshi et al. [106] ‘‘studied the effects of surface mod-
ification on flax, sisal and glass fibers”. The specimen were sub-
jected to tensile test, flexural test, impact test, thermogravimetric
Fig. 9. Graph representing improved tensile properties on alkaline treatment from
analysis, hygrothermal analysis (to study thermal properties, scan- T. Insung et al. [105].
ning electron microscope (Morphological Analysis), and water
absorption behavior. Mechanical, thermal, hygrothermal, and
water absorbing behaviour was compared in this study. It was v/v ethanol/water medium for 2 h” after which the fibers were
found that after alkali treatment there is an improvement of washed and dried for two days. The fiber were then heated in a
30–60% in mechanical properties of flax fiber, surface treatment ‘‘nitrogen atmosphere” at 120 °C. Both the treated and untreated
‘‘improves tensile and impact strengths of the composite fibers were reinforced with LDPE matrix using a barbender at a
laminates”, it also improves the water absorption characteristics. ‘‘rotor speed 50 rpm and mixing chamber temperature of 170 °C”
The improvement in the adhesion at the surface of mercerized fiber for around 10–15 min. The fiber composites were subjected to
can be observed in the SEM. Thus, it can be concluded that alkali mechanical and morphological characterization. The FTIR spec-
treatment improves the performance of ‘‘natural fiber hybrid troscopy confirmed the presence of the surface interaction through
composites”. ‘‘hydrogen bonds” with the ‘‘hydroxyl groups”. Also, the presence
M. Abdelmouleh et al. [107] studied ‘‘the effects of silane cou- of Si – OCH3 groups in hydrolysed form is indicated. Si – OH groups
pling agents and fibers loading on short natural-fiber reinforced and – Si – O – Si – moieties is confirmed by FTIR. The observations
polyethylene and natural rubber composites”. Various cellulosic of SEM direct evidence of adhesion improvement on treatment
fibers were obtained fron the market. The cellulosic fibers were with MPS however, no such improvement was seen on HDS treat-
treated with 3 wt% of the chosen silane was carried out in ‘‘80/20 ment. Higher stiffness of composite was seen for longer fibers. Also,

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10 U.S. Gupta et al. / Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

the improvement due to silane treatment was seen to be modest Declaration of Competing Interest
for short fibers. The ‘‘untreated fiber composite”, ‘‘HDS-Fiber
composite”, ‘‘MPS-fiber composite” and ‘‘MPRS-fiber composite” The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
absorbed 3.5%, 2.2%, 2.6% and 3% by weight of water respectively. cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
‘‘It is concluded that the covalent bonding between the fibers to influence the work reported in this paper.
and the matrix is also necessary to reduce the water absorption
by the composite.”
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Please cite this article as: U. S. Gupta, M. Dhamarikar, A. Dharkar et al., Surface modification of banana fiber: A review, Materials Today: Proceedings,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.07.217