Effect of alkalization on physical, chemical, thermal, tensile, and surface morphological properties of Musa acuminata peduncles fiber

In this study, the surface of the raw Musa acuminata peduncles fiber (MAPF) was modified by using a 5 (w/v) % alkali solution. MAPF was immersed in an alkali solution for different soaking durations such as 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min. After the alkalization, chemical analyses were conducted for raw and alkalized fibers. The outcome of the chemical analysis revealed that 60 min of soaking time is optimal since it has a higher cellulose fraction (74.22 wt.%) than raw (66.43 wt.%) and alkalized fibers with other soaking durations. Reduced diameter (51.46 mu m from 64.74 mu m) and slightly increased density (992 kg/m(3) from 942 kg/m(3)) of the optimally alkalized MAPF were established through physical analyses. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy witnessed the eradication of amorphous fraction from the optimally alkalized MAPF. The suitability of raw and optimally alkalized MAPF as reinforcement in polymer composites used in high-temperature working environments were analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis, which proved that MAPF-reinforced plastics could be used up to 175 degrees C. Improvements in the bonding ability of the optimally alkalized MAPF with polymer matrix were authorized by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope analysis. Enhancement in the single fiber tensile strength (96.5 +/- 32.7 to 162 +/- 53.7 MPa) and tensile modulus (2.22 +/- 0.976 to 3.46 +/- 0.846 GPa) of the optimally alkalized MAPF were corroborated by single fiber tensile testing.