Banana pseudostem fiber: A critical review on fiber extraction, characterization, and surface modification

Banana pseudostems are now recognized as a sustainable raw material with a wide range of applications. Plenty of research attention has been paid to banana pseudostem fiber extraction, characterization, modification, and utilization. Mechanical extraction takes precedence over manual extraction. Surface treatments are employed to modify the surface of a fiber to make it suitable for customized applications. Because of its high cellulose content, good to moderate strength, fineness, fiber length-to-breath ratio, and other properties, banana pseudostem fiber is currently used to make nano and microcrystalline cellulose, activated carbon, green composites, and technical textiles. This review article discusses the manual and mechanical extraction processes of banana fiber, as well as its quality evaluation, morphology, chemical composition, physico-mechanical properties, and various surface modification techniques.