Preparation and Characterization of the Irradiated Banana Paper

Abstract

Every year, the amount of deforestation is increasing to meet the demand for paper, and this affects environmental pollution and global warming. The presence of fungi on paper can pose a health risk and degrade paper fibre's cellulose. This study was carried out to produce paper from banana stems and recycled paper, and the effects on banana paper and recycled paper were studied before and after radiation. The paper's surface morphology, functional groups and surface roughness were observed and characterised using Opto Digital Microscope, Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscope. The result indicates there were absorption peaks at 210 to 290 nm for non-radiated paper and 355 to 365 nm for irradiated paper, and the presence of carbonyl and hydroxyl was found in the samples. The surface morphology and roughness were changed due to gamma radiation-induced and caused degradation on the fibre. Banana paper has a better structure and properties than recycled paper, and it will help the pulp and paper industry produce biocompatible, biodegradable and environmentally friendly paper.