ABSTRACT:
False banana fibers (ventricosum), as well as other lignocelluloses fibers were constituted of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, wax and water soluble components. The abundance of this fibers combined with the ease of their availability can be used to substitute synthetic fibers that were potentially toxic. In this work, the structure, characterization of False banana fibers (FBF) modified by physico-chemical treatment was studied. One of the components of the study was to develop a process for softening of false banana fiber or yarn for the production of diversified FBF products like sack, mat or carpets of supple feel and improved texture on industrial scale. Some important physico-chemical properties of this fibers changed due to chemical (silicon softener, NaOH, Na2CO3, H2O2,MgSO4) and bio-chemical (Aloe Vera, castor oil, cottonseed oil ,fat and soap) treatment. The changes due to Physico-chemical treatment include, % of weight loss, moisture content/regain, tensile strength, fineness, bending and torsional rigidity of the fiber were studied on process performance in FBF yarn manufacturing. Results showed that treated FBF had good flexibility, supple fell, and excellent moisture content/regain and was finer than untreated FBF. Also treated FBF was low cost alternative to substitute imported jutes and sisal in Ethiopia sack manufacturing industry, improve export market of coffee and an additional income generating for Ethiopian people live under poverty line.
Key word: False Banana Fibers, castor oil, Aloe Vera, castor , cotton seed oil, supple feel, bending and tonsional rigidity.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Back ground and justification
1.2 Problem of statement
1.3 Beneficiaries
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT
2.1 General objectives
2.2 Specific objectives
3. LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1 Physical structure of Enset (FBF)
3.2 Botanical classification and distribution of Enset
3.3 Cultivation of false banana (Enset plant)
3.4 Fiber extraction
3.5 Composition of false banana fiber
3.6 Historical Background of Jute/false banana Spinning
3.7 Physical and Chemical Properties of banana and jute
3.8 Treatment of banana fibers with alkali and softeners
3.8.1 Alkali (NaOH)
3.8.2 Batching oil
3.8.3 Aloe Vera
3.8.4 Silicone softener
3.8.5 Castor oil and cotton seed oil
3.9 Softening and lubricating machine of false banana Fiber
3.10 False banana utilization in Ethiopia as source of fiber
4. MATERIALS AND METHODS
4.1 Materials
4.2 Procedures and Methodology
4.2.1 Collection and preservation of FBF samples
4.2.2 Data collection and analysis
4.2.3 Methodology
4.3 Replacing Batching Oil with castor and Cotton Seed Oil.
4.4 Physical and Mechanical Property Tests
4.5 Chemical and biochemical Fiber Modification
5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
5.1 Structural change
5.2 Weight loss
5.3 Fiber Fineness
5.4 Tensile strength
5.5 Moisture Content
5.6 Flexural Rigidity (Gf) /Bending rigidity/ Torsional rigidity
5.7 Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FTIR)
6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
6.1 Conclusion
6.2 Recommendation
7. FUTURE SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE WORK
Project Objectives and Key Research Themes
The primary objective of this research is to improve the processability and industrial utility of False Banana Fiber (FBF), an abundant but underutilized lignocellulosic fiber in Ethiopia. The study aims to develop efficient physico-chemical treatment methods to enhance fiber flexibility and softness, thereby allowing FBF to replace imported synthetic fibers and jute in industrial applications, such as sack manufacturing.
- Enhancement of fiber spinning performance through chemical and bio-chemical treatments.
- Study of the physico-chemical properties of False Banana Fiber.
- Development of eco-friendly alternatives to industrial batching oils.
- Investigation into structural modifications of fibers using FTIR analysis.
- Promotion of False Banana Fiber as a low-cost, sustainable industrial raw material.
Excerpt from the Book
3.4 Fiber extraction
There are two ways of false banana fiber extraction adopted. These are stripping and decortications by a decorticator.
a) Stripping: The most widely used and oldest method of removing fiber from the leaf sheaths consists of two basic operations: first, separating the fibrous outré layer from each leaf sheath, this outer layer being termed “tuxy” and the operation “tuxying”; and second removing pulpy material, thus freeing the fiber strands from the tuxy, the operation being termed stripping or cleaning. Both operations have to be performed as soon as possible after the stalk is felled. The tuxying operation is usually done in the field. The workman inserts a point of knife between the outer and middle layers of the leaf sheath, freeing an end of the outer layer 1 to 3 inch wide. This strip or tuxy is pulled off the entire length of the sheath. Each leaf sheath furnishes 2 to 3 tuxies. When all tuxies are removed from the leaf sheath, it is removed from the stalk and allowed to remain on the field for organic fertilizer. Usually another workman picks up the tuxies and carries them to the place where the stripping or cleaning operation is to be performed [11].
b) Decortications: False banana fiber is also cleaned by means of a decorticator. Small spreaders machine used to separate fibers form the stem of the plant [11].
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the potential of natural fibers like False Banana Fiber (FBF) as an eco-friendly and abundant industrial substitute for toxic synthetic fibers in Ethiopia.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT: Defines the specific goals, which include enhancing the spinning ability of FBF through chemical treatments and substituting imported jute and sisal.
3. LITERATURE REVIEW: Covers the botanical classification, physical structure, fiber extraction methods, and chemical composition of the Enset plant, along with existing treatments like alkalization and lubrication.
4. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Details the collection of FBF samples, the experimental setup for physico-chemical modifications (alkalization, bleaching, softening), and the instrumentation used for testing.
5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Presents experimental findings on structural changes, weight loss, tensile strength, moisture content, and the effectiveness of various softeners, supported by FTIR analysis.
6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Concludes that chemical treatments significantly improve FBF properties, recommending the use of castor and cottonseed oils to achieve a soft, flexible, and low-cost fiber for industrial use.
7. FUTURE SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE WORK: Discusses the research boundaries and highlights potential future extensions, such as pulp and paper production, nonwoven applications, and starch extraction.
Keywords
False Banana Fibers, Enset, Fiber Extraction, Physico-chemical treatment, Alkali treatment, Castor oil, Cottonseed oil, Aloe Vera, Spinning performance, Tensile strength, Flexural rigidity, FTIR analysis, Moisture regain, Industrial sustainability, Sack manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on enhancing the processability and spinning performance of False Banana Fiber (Enset) by utilizing chemical and bio-chemical treatments to overcome its inherent stiffness and brittleness.
Which specific themes are addressed in this study?
The study covers the botanical structure, effective fiber extraction methods, physical and mechanical characterization, chemical modification via alkalization and bleaching, and the application of organic softeners.
What is the primary objective of the author?
The primary objective is to develop a cost-effective, eco-friendly process to make False Banana Fiber a viable industrial substitute for imported jute and synthetic materials in the Ethiopian sack manufacturing industry.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses laboratory-scale physico-chemical treatments (alkalization, peroxide bleaching), mechanical testing (tensile, flexural rigidity), and material analysis through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
What are the key topics covered in the main section?
The main sections evaluate structural changes in the fiber, the influence of various oils (castor, cottonseed, silicon) on flexibility and moisture regain, and the comparison of treated versus untreated fiber properties.
Which keywords characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as False Banana Fibers, Enset, sustainable materials, fiber softening, chemical modification, and industrial sack manufacturing.
How does the use of castor and cottonseed oil benefit the process?
These oils serve as eco-friendly, locally available lubricants that replace imported petroleum-based batching oils, reducing costs while imparting necessary softness and suppleness to the fibers.
What role does FTIR analysis play in the project?
FTIR analysis is used to study the chemical composition and the structural variations in the fiber's cellulose and lignin content before and after the chemical treatments.
- Quote paper
- Alhayat Getu Temesgen (Author), 2012, Process Ability Enhancement of false Banana Fiber, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/201144
