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Cellulosic Enset fiber from agricultural waste as sustainable material for industrial application
Summary
Scientists found that fiber from Enset (a banana-like plant grown in Ethiopia) is just as strong and durable as common natural fibers like flax and jute — strong enough to replace plastic-based materials currently used in things like sacks, landscaping fabric, and packaging. Since plastic fibers shed microplastics that pollute soil, water, and even end up in our bodies, swapping them for plant-based fibers like this could help cut down on that pollution while also creating new income opportunities for farmers who grow the plant.
Abstract Composite materials, sacks, and geotextiles used in agricultural and landscaping applications are predominantly fabricated from petroleum-based synthetic fibers, contributing significantly to microplastic pollution throughout their lifecycle. Substituting synthetic fibers with agricultural waste-derived alternatives, such as Enset ( Ensete ventricosum ) fiber, offers a promising pathway to reduce petrochemical dependence while enhancing environmental sustainability. This study comprehensively investigated the physico-mechanical properties and industrial potential of Enset pseudo-stem fibers as sustainable alternatives for textile and composite manufacturing. Characterization employed gas pycnometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing. FTIR analysis confirmed characteristic cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin absorption peaks. Morphological examination revealed quasi-cylindrical fibers with diameters ranging from 70 to 265 μm (average: 156.4 μm) and diverse cross-sectional profiles including circular, bean-shaped, and serrated geometries. Density measurements yielded 1.48 g/cm³. Tensile testing demonstrated strength values of 415–900 MPa (0.28–0.61 N/tex), comparable to commercial natural fibers including flax (500–900 MPa), jute (350–700 MPa), banana (529–914 MPa), sisal (400–700 MPa), and abaca (300–1600 MPa). Tensile strength exhibited inverse relationships with gauge length and fiber diameter, consistent with weakest-link theory. Thermal analysis revealed three-stage degradation with maximum decomposition at 550 °C. The hollow tubular morphology provides superior acoustic absorption (3000–6000 Hz). Beyond technical merits, Enset fiber valorization creates sustainable income opportunities for rural farmers while mitigating environmental impacts of synthetic fiber production and agricultural waste, positioning it as a viable eco-friendly alternative for packaging, geotextiles, composites, and acoustic applications.