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Multi-Objective Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Banana Pseudostem Fibers Using Sludge Retting Pretreatment

Author

Listed:
  • Dong Liang

    (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering College, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
    State Key Laboratory of Marine Resources Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Zeqin Yang

    (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering College, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Wei Fu

    (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering College, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Yijun Shen

    (State Key Laboratory of Marine Resources Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Shaojie Yu

    (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering College, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Wei Zeng

    (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering College, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

  • Ji Liu

    (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering College, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China)

Abstract

In this study, sludge retting was used as a pretreatment method for extracting banana pseudostem fibers. A Box–Behnken response surface design was employed to optimize the retting conditions. Three variables— Bacillus subtilis concentration, treatment time, and pH—were selected for analysis. Their effects on the mechanical properties of the fibers were systematically evaluated. Experimental data were analyzed using ANOVA in Design-Expert 13, and a regression model was established for parameter optimization. The optimal conditions were determined to be a Bacillus subtilis concentration of 1.18%, a treatment time of 20 days, and a pH of 7. Under these conditions, the tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break of the fibers reached 1161.63 MPa, 50.68 GPa, and 2.32%, respectively—representing improvements of 46.23%, 42.48%, and 34.1% compared to untreated samples. In addition, the fibers were analyzed using SEM, TGA-DTG, FTIR, and XRD to investigate changes in surface topography, thermal behavior, chemical bonding, and crystalline structure. Results showed that sludge retting effectively removed non-cellulosic components, enhanced thermal stability and crystallinity, and significantly improved the mechanical performance of the fibers. This study demonstrates that sludge retting is a green and sustainable pretreatment technique with strong potential for banana pseudostem fiber processing.

Suggested Citation

  • Dong Liang & Zeqin Yang & Wei Fu & Yijun Shen & Shaojie Yu & Wei Zeng & Ji Liu, 2025. "Multi-Objective Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Banana Pseudostem Fibers Using Sludge Retting Pretreatment," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:19:p:2057-:d:1761815
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rosa E. A. Nascimento & Mónica Carvalheira & João G. Crespo & Luísa A. Neves, 2023. "Extraction and Characterization of Cellulose Obtained from Banana Plant Pseudostem," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Shirkavand, Ehsan & Baroutian, Saeid & Gapes, Daniel J. & Young, Brent R., 2016. "Combination of fungal and physicochemical processes for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 217-234.
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