Abstract
In this study, Natural fibres (NF) from bamboo bundles was modified by first pre-treated with Ethanol, followed
by potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in Acetone solution at varied concentrations and time durations. To
optimize the influence of ethanol pre-treatment and KmnO4 treatment at varied concentration and duration on the
tensile strength (TS) of the modified bamboo fibres (BmF), Response surface methodology (RSM) via Box –
Behnken design (BBD), was employed. The treatment parameter greatly effects the TS of the BmF as shown by
the surface morphology observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
The ANOVA reveal the statistically significant of the model at a significance level of P < 0.0001. The optimal
predicted conditions by the model were validated by experimental analysis, and result obtained indicated a 98.29
% agreement between the model predictions and empirical values, thus affirming the optimum point of these
variables. This investigation has demonstrated that utilizing RAM model via BBD approach is an effective way
to get ideal values for treated NF mechanical characteristics at a lower cost and in less time for variety of
applications, hence conserving time and resources.