Abstract
This study explores the enhancement of the microstructural properties of plantain pseudo-11 stem fibers through alkaline treatment under varying treatment durations and microwave-assisted 12 drying. To assess the effects of this modification on the fibers' microstructural properties, a series of 13 analyses, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform 14 Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), were conducted on the 15 fibers. Significant alterations in the crystalline and macromolecular structures were indicated by the 16 XRD study, and the partial elimination of lignin, hemicellulose, and wax was verified by FTIR. TGA 17 analysis demonstrated superior thermal stability post-modification, and SEM images reveal in-18 creased surface roughness. Optimized microstructural properties were achieved at 2 hours of treat-19 ment time. Nevertheless, prolonged treatment durations led to the degradation of the fibers, high-20 lighting the need for optimized treatment conditions. 21