Optimizing chemical treatments for enhanced bamboo fibre properties for sustainable industrial applications

Natural fibres (NF) are becoming increasingly appealing to investigate due to their numerous applications, susceptibility, biodegradability, and ability to offer sustainable products that promote technical invention and a range of industrial applications. In this investigation, NF obtained from Bamboo fibres (BmF) was chemically modified. First, the NF was pre-treated with ethanol (C₂H₆O), followed by Potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) in acetone solution at different circumstances concerning the treatment duration and chemical concentration. Utilizing both treated and untreated fibres, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Thermo Gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical characterization were utilized to determine the impact of this alteration on the crystallographic, thermal, macromolecular, morphological, and mechanical properties of the BmF. The XRD scrutiny unveiled significant modifications in the fibre’s crystalline characteristics. The partial elimination of wax, hemicellulose, and lignin was verified by FTIR examination. TGA analysis results demonstrated that the treated fibres were suitable for processing with low-temperature polymers. At optimal conditions, the tensile strength of treated single fibres exhibited 52.17% improved strength over pristine BmF, and surface roughness was attained according to SEM morphology. This study has demonstrated that at optimal treatment conditions, the treated BmF has the potential for usage as reinforcement in a variety of bio-composites for distinct industrial and advanced applications.