Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Fabrication of Bio-Based Banana Fiber-Cement Composite and Evaluating its Technical Characteristics

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Ebrahim Rezaei 1
payam moradpour 2
Hamid Zarea Hosseinabadi 2
Peyman Ahmadi 3
1 Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
3 Ph.D. Graduated, Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
10.22034/ijwp.2025.2073399.1730
Abstract
Problem definition and objectives: Wood–cement composites, as a new generation of bio-based construction materials, combine desirable mechanical and environmental properties. However, their wider application has been constrained by incompatibility between the organic and inorganic phases, poor interfacial bonding, and limited dimensional stability. Meanwhile, agricultural residues such as banana fibers, owing to their high production volume, suitable cellulose content, considerable tensile strength, and renewable nature, represent a promising partial substitute for wood resources. In Iran, large-scale banana cultivation in Sistan and Baluchestan Province generates substantial fiber-rich residues, the valorization of which could both mitigate environmental impacts and promote the development of sustainable construction materials. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effects of alkali treatment on banana fibers and determine their optimum incorporation level in wood–cement boards, focusing on the evaluation of physical, mechanical, and thermal properties.
Methodology: The required fibers were extracted from the pseudostems of the banana plant (Musa sapientum) and used in both untreated and 5% sodium hydroxide solution forms. In order to investigate the effect of mixing percentage, fibers to cement weight ratios of 5 to 95 and 10 to 90 were used. Type II Portland cement was selected as the primary binder, and 10% MCP concrete binder was used relative to the amount of water used in preparing the cement mortar to enhance interfacial cohesion in the construction of the panels. Cement panels without banana fibers were selected as control samples. The panels were fabricated via cold pressing and then test samples were prepared and evaluated in accordance with the standard to determine the technical properties of the panels, including: density, equilibrium moisture content, water absorption, and thickness swelling (after 2 and 24 hours of immersion in water), modulus of rupture, flexural modulus of elasticity, internal bonding, and fire resistance (ISO 11925-3). In order to investigate the effect of alkaline treatment on the chemical structure of banana fibers and their compatibility with cement, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used, as well as to investigate the microscopic structure of banana fiber-cement composite, measure fiber dimensions, examine the matrix of cement and fibers, and also to detect the effect of fiber treatment in banana fiber-cement panels, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was used. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test at a 95% confidence level.
Results: FTIR spectra and FESEM images revealed that alkali treatment removed extractives, waxes, and surface impurities, thereby increasing surface roughness and enhancing fiber activity for bonding with the cement matrix. Physically, the density of treated composites (particularly at 5% fiber content) increased to values close to the control, while equilibrium moisture content, water absorption, and thickness swelling decreased significantly. Mechanically, incorporating 5% treated fibers yielded the highest improvements in MOR (10.03 MPa) and MOE (1789 MPa) compared with the control, whereas untreated fibers or higher fiber loadings led to property reductions due to weak adhesion and increased porosity. Internal bonding strength (IB) was maximized in 5% treated fiber boards, reflecting improved compaction and interfacial cohesion. Fire tests showed that all samples exhibited zero flame duration and no molten drips; mass loss ranged from 0.52% in the control to 0.21% in boards with 10% untreated fibers. While alkali treatment enhanced mechanical performance, the partial removal of surface components slightly reduced thermal stability compared to raw fibers.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that banana fibers, especially after alkali treatment and at an optimal content of 5%, can effectively improve the mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and interfacial compatibility of wood–cement composites. Furthermore, fire performance results indicated that despite the inherent combustibility of natural fibers, banana fiber–cement boards maintained safe and acceptable thermal behavior. Overall, alkali-treated banana fibers present a viable alternative to wood fibers in bio-based panel production and offer a sustainable pathway for agricultural waste utilization in green construction materials.
Keywords
Banana fiber-cement composite
alkaline treatment
physico-mechanical properties
fire resistance
FTIR spectroscopy
FESEM images

Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries
Volume 16, Issue 3
Autumn 2025
Pages 437-455