Evaluation of mechanically extracted banana fibers from pseudostem layers: A sustainable textile raw material

The separation of banana fibers from the pseudostem layers and the properties of two Thai banana cultivars, <i>Musa acuminata</i> (Kluai Hom) and <i>Musa sapientum</i> L. (Kluai Namwa) were investigated. The pseudostems were divided into three layers: outer (layer 1), middle (layer 2), and inner (layer 3). Fibers were extracted using a semi-automatic machine and subjected to chemical treatments. Results showed that layer 3 of Musa sapientum L. pseudostems yielded the highest amount of fibers with the lightest color. Fibers from layer 1 of <i>Musa sapientum</i> L. exhibited the highest tensile strength (606.90 g/denier) and elongation at break (9.54 %), higher than in all layers of <i>Musa acuminata</i>. SEM analysis revealed that chemically treated Musa acuminata fibers were less separated and broken than <i>Musa sapientum</i> L. fibers because the chemicals disrupted the lignocellulose bonds. Cross-sectional images showed larger lumens and more pronounced fiber group separation in <i>Musa sapientum</i> L. The outer layer of <i>Musa sapientum</i> L. pseudostem provided fibers with superior strength and elongation, demonstrating high potential as a sustainable raw material for the textile industry.