Evaluation of the Optimal Uses of Five Genotypes of Musa textilis Fiber Grown in the Tropical Region

Abstract

Knowing the genotypes of Musa textilis and its fiber production properties is key for developing cultivars with homogeneous properties and focusing on specific products or market segments that generate added value to the fiber. For this reason, the objective was to determine the optimal use of five genotypes of M. textilis (MT01, MT03, MT07, MT11, and CF01) with high productivity grown in the tropical region of Costa Rica. Therefore, anatomical, physical-mechanical, chemical, and energetic analyses were carried out on these fibers to define whether any genotype has the ideal conditions for a specific use. The results showed differences between the genotypes, obtaining significant differences in physical-mechanical properties (tension, water retention, and color), chemical properties (holocellulose, lignin, extractives, and elemental values of nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur), and energetic properties (volatiles, ash, and caloric value thermogravimetric analyses), which resulted in the establishment of two groups of genotypes with a dissimilarity degree of 35%. The first group, composed of MT03 and MT01, presented characteristics suitable for paper production, biodegradable materials, and composite materials. On the other hand, the second group, made up of MT07, MT11, and CF01, showed properties suitable for textiles, heavy-duty fibers, and bioenergy.

Effects of Musa textilis fiber loadings in physical-mechanical properties of recycled thermoplastic compounds

“…Regarding American Plastic Lumber (https://american-plasticlumber.com), standards for recycled composite materials require a σ Tm value of 9 MPa and E fm values of 295 MPa to consider an industrial grade use. Our composite materials met these standards due to the high mechanical resistance of the M. textilis ber 12 . Generally, The properties of the composite material and its potential for use depend on the physical-mechanical properties of the natural ber 4,22 , ber loading in the matrix 9 , degree of cohesion between ber-thermoplastic 1 , and adaptability of the materials to the extrusion method used 13 .…”

“…Usually, recycled thermoplastics have poor mechanical resistance and are susceptible to organic and polar solvents, limiting their use in industrial sectors and reducing market use 10 ; thus, developing composite materials in which natural bers are an attractive option 11 . Natural ber is a renewable raw material, easy to produce, with low environmental impact, and abundant on the planet 12,13 . Additionally to the wide variability of types of bers with different physical-mechanical properties, they allow the development of different matrices with properties according to industries with high-quality demands, such as aeronautics, automotive, electronics, and textiles 6 .…”