Banana pseudo stem fiber, hybrid composites and applications: A review

Abstract

The quest by researchers to improve the quality of natural fibers in a view to replacing fossil fuel and other natural resources is a major challenge over the years. Adequate understanding of the processing parameters, hybridization, and characterization can make them find wide suitability in many applications. Extensive efforts have been expended lately to make Banana Pseudo Stem (BPS) fiber find application in polymer composites, engineering, marine engineering, construction, sport and agriculture, due their high strength, low cost, renewability and environmentally friendly. To further improve thermal stability, reduce water intake and promote higher mechanical properties, BPS fiber can be hybridized with other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and sometimes both. Extracted via manual, mechanical, chemical and enzymatic method, BPS fibers contain cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin as the main constituents in their structure, and the structure can be improved via chemical and surface treatments. This study focuses on the extensive review on extraction method, chemical composition and treatment of BPS fiber to improve the fiber quality. Processing technique of the hybrid composites, characterizations and applications are also highlighted in this review. The summary of the findings, as derived from the literature, will strengthen the insight of researchers in formulating novel products from BPS fibers.