A review on banana pseudostem fiber: Extraction techniques, characterization and surface modification for engineering applications

The use of banana pseudostem (BPS) fiber as an alternative reinforcing agent in advanced engineering applications has attracted a lot of attention because of its economical nature and biodegradable properties together with mechanical properties. The review is going to analyze the methods involved in the extraction, characterization, and surface modification of the fiber. Several traditional methods and chemical as well as green extraction techniques are reviewed for BPS fiber. Moreover, physical, chemical, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of BPS fiber are analyzed. Some surface modification techniques that include alkali, silane, plasma, and biological methods are also reviewed and the significance of such modifications are highlighted for the improvement of fiber-matrix bonding and performance. Lastly, various engineering applications of the composite material using BPS fiber as reinforcement in automotive, construction, textile and biomedical are addressed.