Response Surface Modelling Optimisation of Bamboo Fibre Extraction Using Ultrasonic-Assisted Alkaline Bath Method

RSM Optimization of Bamboo Fibre Extraction

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/fttj7155

Keywords:

Bamboo fibre, Ultrasonic-assisted extraction, Alkaline treatment, Optimisation, Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

Bamboo, a versatile natural resource, holds great potential as a sustainable material due to its  rapid growth, strong mechanical properties, and eco-friendly nature. Despite its abundance in Ghana and parts of Africa, its potential remains underutilised due to inefficient fibre extraction methods and limited research. Traditional methods, such as high-temperature alkaline boiling, are labour-intensive, environmentally harmful, and yield suboptimal fibres. This study addresses these challenges by optimising bamboo fibre extraction using ultrasonic-assisted alkaline treatment. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Design-Expert software was employed to evaluate the effects of NaOH concentration, temperature, and processing time, with statistical validation carried out using ANOVA and model fit indices (R2 > 0.95). The optimal conditions, 6.078% NaOH, 20 °C, and 20 minutes ,achieved a 76.768% fibre extraction efficiency with superior tensile properties. FTIR, TGA, and tensile testing confirmed the removal of non-cellulosic components, structural integrity, and enhanced thermal stability; however, excessive treatment degraded fibre quality, underscoring the need for precise process control. The findings validate ultrasonic-assisted alkaline treatment as an efficient and scalable method for producing high-quality bamboo fibres while reducing costs and environmental impact. This innovation unlocks economic opportunities for Ghana and beyond, highlighting bamboo’s potential as a sustainable fibre source. Further research is recommended to address sample variability, environmental factors, and industrial scalability.

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Author Biographies

  • Isaac Nana Kwame Afoakwa , College of Art, Department of Industrial Art

    Isaac Nana Kwame Afoakwa is an academic, textile designer, and educational leader with extensive experience in teaching, research, and administration. He holds an MPhil in Textile Design and Technology from KNUST, an MA in Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, Accra, a PGDE from the University of Education, Winneba, and a BA in Industrial Art from KNUST. His research focuses on sustainable textile innovation, particularly bamboo fibre development and circular production systems. He teaches Visual Arts at Achimota School, where he serves as Head of Vocational Programmes, management member, and housemaster, and previously headed the Visual Arts Department. He is also a part-time lecturer at Accra Technical University in Interior Decoration and Upholstery Technology. Additionally, he is the Executive Director of the CEDER Programme, where he leads community-based educational and development initiatives.

  • Benjamin Tawiah

    Dr. Benjamin Tawiah is a globally recognised textile and fashion technology scholar and Senior Lecturer at KNUST. In 2025, he was ranked among Stanford University and Elsevier’s World’s Top 2% Scientists. He earned his PhD in Textile and Clothing Technology from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His other academic qualifications include a Master of Engineering in Textile Engineering from Jiangnan University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Information Systems from GIMPA, and a B.A. in Industrial Art from KNUST. His research spans sustainable textile material transitions, flame-retardant polymer nanocomposites, pigment processing, flexible energy storage materials and sustainable fashion materials. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. He has published several book chapters and co-edited several books published by Springer. He serves as an associate editor for Fashion and Textile Review, Editor-in-Chief for Sustainable Transitions, and collection editor for Discover Industrial Chemistry and Materials. His work bridges chemistry, material science, textile technology and sustainable transitions.

  • Ebenezer Kofi Howard , Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

    Prof. Ebenezer Kofi Howard is an Associate Professor of Textiles at KNUST. He received his early education in Cape Coast and attended Mfantsipim School. He holds a BA in Industrial Art (Textiles), MA in Art Education, MFA in Textile Design, and a PhD in Art Education from KNUST. He began his career as a Senior Technician in 2002 and rose to Associate Professor in 2019. He has served the university in various academic and administrative roles, including Head of Department. He has contributed significantly to curriculum development, programme accreditation, and academic leadership. He has supervised numerous MFA, MPhil, and PhD students and mentored academic staff. He provides consultancy and technical services in textile design and research at national and international levels. His research focuses on sustainable textiles, design innovation, and global textile industry trends, with over fifty publications.

  • Charles Frimpong , Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

    Prof. Charles Frimpong is a textile scholar and academic at KNUST with specialization in Fabric Construction, Dyeing Technology, and Textile Testing. He holds a BA in Industrial Art (Textiles) and a postgraduate diploma in Art Education from KNUST. He obtained an MSc in Textile Technology from the University of Ghent, Belgium, focusing on carpet performance. He later earned a PhD in Art Education with research on colour matching systems for tie-dye and batik production. He began his academic career at KNUST in 1996 and has contributed extensively to teaching and research. He played a key role in introducing Kente weaving on table looms into the textiles curriculum. He has served as Head of Department, Vice Dean, and currently Dean of the Faculty of Art. He has undertaken consultancy work with UNESCO and contributed to international conferences and publications.

  • Benjamin Kwablah Asinyo, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

    Prof. Benjamin K. Asinyo is a Professor in the Department of Industrial Art at KNUST, Kumasi. He is a seasoned academic, researcher, designer, and curriculum developer. He has over fourteen years of experience in university teaching. His areas of specialization include textile design and science, fashion design, and computer applications in design. He teaches courses in Textiles, Fashion Design, Curriculum Development, and Research Methodology. He also instructs in Computer Applications in Design, integrating technology into creative practice. His work emphasizes the integration of ICT in higher education. He has contributed significantly to curriculum development in art and design education. He has published several scholarly articles in his areas of expertise. His academic work bridges design, technology, and innovation in textile and fashion education.

  • Andrew Kwaku Boakye Tieku , University of Ghana

    Andrew Kwaku Boakye Tieku is a researcher in the Department of Materials Science at the University of Ghana, Legon. His work focuses on the characterization and engineering of advanced materials for energy storage applications, with particular interest in nanostructured and electrochemical systems. He employs a combination of analytical and computational techniques to investigate material performance, durability, and structure–property relationships. His research includes the development and evaluation of novel electrode materials for hybrid supercapacitors and battery systems. Andrew is especially interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly material solutions, aiming to improve efficiency and scalability in energy storage technologies. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to bridge experimental and computational approaches, contributing to both academic research and industrial innovation.

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Published

2026-07-14

Issue

Online first articles

Section

Articles

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Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

JUST Vol. 43 Number 1 (2025) Copyright and Licensing statement

How to Cite

Response Surface Modelling Optimisation of Bamboo Fibre Extraction Using Ultrasonic-Assisted Alkaline Bath Method: RSM Optimization of Bamboo Fibre Extraction. (2026). Journal of Science and Technology, 94-119. https://doi.org/10.4314/fttj7155