[01] Osoka E. C., Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. [02] Onukwuli O. D., Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

Empty Plantain Bunch Fiber was treated with a solution of 2wt% - 10wt% NaOH for 30mins - 150mins and the Tensile Strength, Toughness, Modulus of Elasticity, Yield Strength and Ductility were studied using response surface methodology. The results reveal that mercerization of empty plantain bunch fiber increases the Modulus of Elasticity up to fifty times, the yield strength more than thirty times, Tensile strength more than fifteen times and Toughness about thirteen times. The optimum concentration and time for most of the mechanical properties was a NaOH concentration of 4wt% and treatment time of 120mins. NaOH concentration has the most significant effect on fiber mechanical properties among the two properties studied, though there is significant interaction between the two variables. The optimum NaOH concentration of 4wt% and treatment time of 120mins from this study is recommended for mercerization of Empty Plantain Bunch Fiber prior to use in composite manufacture.

Mercerization, Empty Plantain Bunch Fiber, Response Surface, Tensile Strength, Modulus

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