Mechanical and water absorption behaviour of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) treated plantain (Musa Paradisiacal) fibre/epoxy bio-composites

The use of environmentally friendly agro-waste fibres as reinforcement has opened a new direction to polymer composite science. Research has suggested that changing the surface of the fibre by both physical and chemical processes improves the efficiency of the natural fibre/polymer matrix. This research explores the kinetic and function of water absorption and its relevance for the mechanical properties of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) treated plantain (Muse Paradisiacal) fibres reinforced epoxy bio-composite. Treated fibres were characterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD study shows a significant shift in the crystallographic parameters of the material, the FTIR spectral indicates the fractional elimination of wax, hemicellulose and lignin substance. TGA indicates that the thermal stability of the fibres was improved following treatment. Ruptured samples were studied using a SEM. The analysis indicates that, owing to the water penetration of the fibre matrix interface and prolongation of the water-immersion cycle, there was a decrease in the tensile and flexural strength of the bio-composites. Nevertheless, the mechanical and water-resistant properties have been strengthened by KMnO₄. The mechanism and kinetic of water absorption reveals a Fickian kind of diffusion and propensity to follow Fickian behaviour thus creating prospects and reliability of the bio-composite to be use in engineering and structural applications.