Authors: Alhayat Getu TEMESGEN, Omprakash Sahu
Yarns obtained from natural fibers have been played a significant role in human history for the manufacture of technical and conventional textiles. Enset yarn is manufactured from agro waste fiber called false banana fiber (enset fiber). Fiber and/or yarn is not effectively utilized in technical textile and textile fiber reinforced ecofriendly composites. This research work was focused on the effect of biochemical modification of enset yarn, morphological analysis and characterized the mechanical properties of the yarn. Chemical composition, morphological structure and tensile strength were investigated and studied by using Fourier Transfer Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and SHIMADZU Strength tester. The tensile strength of the yarns was evaluated before and after biochemical treatments. The result show that, enset yarns treated with caustic soda, amylase enzyme and Aloe-vera gel were exhibited a significant improvement in their morphological, tensile strength and weight loss as compared to untreated enset yarn. The test results shown that treated enset yarn with both chemical and enzyme had a tensile strength of 53.50 65.43 MP with lower percentage weight loss. The tensile strength of the yarn was improved by 22 % due to alkalization and softeners. The major weight loss (6.14 %) enset yarn was observed in both 7.5% w/v. of alkali and 20% w/v. of enzyme treatment.
