Investigation of Properties and Product Development from the Industrial Fiber Crops (Musa acuminata) Biowaste

Abstract

One of the most common concerns worlds over is negating the harmful effects of human-generated waste through the RRR principle–reduce, reuse and recycle. One of the methods of achieving this is by the use of biodegradable materials for producing products for our daily use. One such product that contributes to huge waste generation is sanitary napkins and synthetic fabrics. This research deals with fibers derived from natural sources can be used for manufacturing sanitary napkins, yarn, fabrics. The Musa acuminata wild species H2O treated and alkali treated (4% NaOH) banana fibers were taken to develop a biodegradable sanitary napkin and fabrics, which is one of the big industrial crops biomass. These fibres were machine extracted only from the pseudo-banana stem. The biomass level was measured and physical (166.2–220.4 µ m), chemical (Cellulose 57–66%), and structural analyses (XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDAX) of alkali (NaOH) and water-treated (H2O) fibers were identified. The antibacterial, antifungal property, moisture regain (12%) and fibre absorbency (43–64%) were discussed as per the standard of CTL/SOP/MICRO/004. The napkin test report has been taken as per IS 5405-1980 & 1390-1961 standards that was to be compared with the standard values. The napkin test parameters such as absorbency level, disposable, pH value, cost analysis, biodegradability level, and consumer perception were found. Finally, the basic yarn (20 s & 5 s) and fabric (C/B blend & weft banana) tests were carried out.