Abstract
The use of environmentally friendly agro-waste fibres as reinforcement has opened a newdirection to polymer composite science. Research has suggested that changing the surfaceof the fibre by both physical and chemical processes improves the efficiency of the naturalfibre/polymer matrix. This research explores the kinetic and function of water absorptionand its relevance for the mechanical properties of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treatedplantain (Muse Paradisiaca) fibres reinforced epoxy bio-composite. Treated fibres were char-acterized by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanningelectron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD study shows asignificant shift in the crystallographic parameters of the material, the FTIR spectral indi-cates the fractional elimination of wax, hemicellulose and lignin substance. TGA indicatesthat the thermal stability of the fibres was improved following treatment. Ruptured sampleswere studied using a SEM. The analysis indicates that, owing to the water penetration of thefibre matrix interface and prolongation of the water-immersion cycle, there was a decreasein the tensile and flexural strength of the bio-composites. Nevertheless, the mechanicaland water-resistant properties have been strengthened by KMnO4. The mechanism andkinetic of water absorption reveals a Fickian kind of diffusion and propensity to followFickian behaviour thus creating prospects and reliability of the bio-composite to be usein engineering and structural applications.