Characterization of a New Lignocellulosic Fiber from Brazil: Imperata brasiliensis (Brazilian Satintail) as an Alternative Source for Nanocellulose Extraction

The chemical, physical and thermal properties of a new lignocellulosic fiber from Brazil (Imperata brasiliensis) were examined by SEM, chemical composition, XRD, FTIR, and TGA. Fibers were analyzed aiming to compare the properties of its new natural resource with other lignocellulosic fibers used as a source of nanocellulose extraction. Microscopy analysis demonstrated that the bundle of fibers presented a variety of size and shapes, ranging between 25 and 500 µm, while a single fiber has a diameter of 5 µm. The chemical composition showed the presence of 37.7% of cellulose, 35% of hemicellulose and 14.3% of lignin. The total crystallinity index (CI) calculated using Segal method was of 36.6%. By TGA, it was possible to identify the degradation step of each primary component of lignocellulosic fiber and to observe that the onset degradation temperature was 157°C. With the results of ATR-FTIR technique, it was possible to estimate the CI, and the results exhibited good agreement with that calculated by XRD. Finally it was possible to conclude that fibers obtained from Imperata brasiliensis are suitable to be used as a resource for nanocellulose obtainment since presents almost the same properties of other lignocellulosic fibers successfully used in literature for nanocellulose extraction.     

Characterization of the Chemical,Physical, and Mechanical Properties of NaOH-treated Natural Cellulosic Fibers from Corn Husks

This paper focuses on the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of corn husk fibers treated with different concentrations of NaOH (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, and 8%) for 2 h. The results show that treatment with NaOH removed the hemicellulose and lignin in the fibers and decreased the moisture content. Consequently, the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the treated fibers were greatly improved. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated the presence of rough surfaces and a number of lumens inside the fiber bundles. The results suggest that the treated corn husk fibers exhibited better mechanical properties than fiberglass.     

Physicochemical properties of new cellulosic fiber extracted from Carica papaya bark

This article presents the characteristics of Carica papaya fibers (CPFs) extracted from the bark of the perennial papaya plant. Detailed chemical compositions of CPFs such as cellulose, lignin, ash, moisture, and wax contents were established and determined by using standard methods. Further, chemical groups, crystalline structure, surface roughness, and thermal stability of CPFs were examined using Fourier transform infrared analysis, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The physico-chemical properties of CPFs, crystallinity index (56.34%), cellulose content (38.71 wt. %), hemicellulose (11.8%), and density (943 kg/m³) were compared to those properties of other natural fibers. The results suggest that the biodegradable CPFs can be used as a potential reinforcemnet in the polymer matrix composite structure.     

Characterization of New Natural Cellulosic Fiber from Heteropogon Contortus Plant

Natural fibers are one of effective substitute for switching artificial fiber and concentrating to reinforce polymer matrixes due to their decomposable character. This study was implied to realize physico-chemical properties of bio fiber obtained from Heteropogon contortus (HC) plant. Heteropogon contortus fibers (HCFs) had cellulose (64.87 wt. %), hemicellulose (19.34 wt. %), lignin (13.56 wt. %), and low density (602 kg/m³). The chemical functional group of HCFs was established by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal stability of the fiber up to 220°C discovered by thermogravimetric analysis. Further the assets of HCFs proved that it can act as an excellent reinforcement material as a bio composite. Finally, the tensile properties were carried out through single fiber tensile tests, such as tensile strength, tensile modulus and microfibrillar angle.     

A new study on characterization of Pithecellobium dulce fiber as composite reinforcement for light-weight applications

ABSTRACT

A bio-fiber, Pithecellobium dulce is abundantly available in all over the world. It has a higher cellulose content (75.15 ± 0.26 wt.%) and low density (865 ± 26 kg/m³). To acquire fundamental knowledge about Pithecellobium dulce Fibers (PDFs), its physicochemical, crystalline, tensile, and morphological properties were examined and compared with other plant fibers. The chemical functional groups and crystallinity index (49.2 ± 2.45%) of the PDFs were obtained via Fourier transform-infrared analysis and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The Thermogravimetric analysis results of PDFs exhibit thermal stability up to 170°C. The surface morphology of PDF was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The attained results conclude that PDFs are appropriate fibers for acting as reinforcement in manufacturing of green composite product.     

Characterization of New Natural Cellulosic Fiber from the Bark of Dichrostachys Cinerea

The increasing environmental awareness has directed attention of the researchers towards the field of natural fiber composites. The aim of this investigation is to understand the physico-chemical properties of fibers extracted from the bark of the Dichrostachys Cinerea (DC) plant. Dichrostachys Cinerea fibers (DCFs) has cellulose (72.4 wt. %), hemicellulose (13.08 wt. %), lignin (16.89 wt. %), density (1240 kg/m³), crystallinity index (57.82%), and tensile strength (873 ± 14 MPa). Besides the cellulose degradation of DCFs at 359.3° vide by the thermo-gravimetric analysis and chemical groups are identified by Fourier transform analysis. Eventually the characterization results of DCFs strongly show the possibility of reinforcement in polymer matrices.     

Exploring the potential of milkweed stalk in wood plastic manufacture

The physical and mechanical properties of milkweed composites based on different loads of milkweed flour and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) using polypropylene as matrix are investigated in this study. There levels of milkweed fibers (30, 40, and 50 wt.%), one level of mixed milkweed flour (20:20 wt.% fiber:bark), and two levels of MAPP (4 and 6 wt.%) were used to prepare natural fiber-reinforced composites. Physical and mechanical properties including flexural, tension, impact, and thickness swelling were evaluated according to ASTM standards. The result demonstrated that addition of milkweed flour fluctuates mechanical properties of reinforced composite. However, the optimum load of milkweed flour was different in each test. Generally, 40 wt.% mixed flour composite in comparison with 40 wt.% milkweed composite showed lower mechanical results and higher thickness swelling. MAPP as a coupling agent improved physical and mechanical properties of milkweed-filled composites in most properties. The results of this study depicted positive effects of lignocellulose fibers and coupling gent and also negative effect of bark flour as a function of lower cellulose and higher extractive contents on physical and mechanical properties of milkweed-reinforced composites.     

Effect of Alkali Treatment on Alfa Fibers Behavior

The object of this study is to characterize of Algerian Alfa (Esparto grass or Stipa tenacissima L), and also to examine the effect of chemical treatment on different properties of this fiber. The surface of the Alfa vegetable fibers was modified by alkali treatment in 5% (NaOH) aqueous solution for 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h. The chemical, physical, and morphological properties of the Alfa fibers were investigated. The results show that the Alfa fibers are composed of 39% cellulose, 33% hemicelluloses, 20% lignin, and certain minerals (e.g., SiO₂, K₂O, and CaO). The alkali treatment of the fibers contributes to a decrease in the rate of moisture absorption and to an increase the crystallinity and stiffness. The processing time for adequate alkali treatment is observed at 6 h.     

How the surface wettability and modulus of elasticity of the Amazonian paricá nanofibrils films are affected by the chemical changes of the natural fibers

The use of natural resources for the production of nanostructured cellulosic films of high quality could reduce pollution and raw material costs for cellulose industry. This work provides innovative information about the use of Amazonian species not explored in studies involving the production of nanostructured films, as well as the evaluation of important characteristics that may be decisive for the destination of the product. The aim of this study was to modify Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (paricá) waste fibers through alkaline (NaOH) and bleaching (NaClO₂) treatments for cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) production and evaluate the characteristics of the nanofibrils and the surface as well as the mechanical resistance of the films obtained. The alkaline treatment was carried out with sodium hydroxide (5% NaOH solution (w/v); 2 h), while the bleaching was performed using sodium chlorite and glacial acetic acid (1.5 g NaClO₂; 10 drops of glacial acetic acid; 1 h). The treatments were performed in sequence, producing nanofibrils after alkaline treatment and after bleaching. Lignin content did not change with the alkaline treatment, but it significantly decreased with bleaching (from 26.1 to 6.8%). Hemicelluloses content decreased with the sequence of treatments. FTIR results showed that the mechanical defibrillation caused disruption of the fiber bonds. The temperature of thermal degradation observed in DTG analysis increased from the natural fibers (243 °C) to alkaline?+?bleached fibers (255 °C). The defibrillation process led to higher thermal stability of the alkaline?+?bleached nanofibrils in comparison to fibers. Moreover, films were prepared from the obtained CNFs and evaluated by the mechanical properties and surface contact angle. The mechanical properties showed values of 6.93?±?0.18 GPa for modulus of elasticity (MOE) for the films produced from material which was submitted to the bleaching treatment. The results highlighted a more hydrophobic surface of the film produced with the CNFs generated from the bleached fibers. The results of mechanical properties showed the superiority of the films produced from the alkaline?+?bleached fibers.     

Extraction and Characterization of Novel Natural Cellulosic Fibers from Pigeon Pea Plant

ABSTRACT

This study is mainly focused on the extraction and characterization of the lingo-cellulosic fibers from the Pigeon Pea plant. The chemical components of the fibers such as cellulose content (55.03%), lignin (18.32%), wax content (2.38%), moisture content (8.13%), and density (1.7389 g cc^?1) were identified. Functional groups present in the fibers were obtained by infrared spectroscopy. By using X-ray diffraction analysis, Crystallinity Index is found to be 68% and thermogravimetric analysis showed that thermal degradation of the fiber begins at 225°C.The results suggest that the Pigeon pea fibers can be used as reinforcement in polymer-matrix composites.     

Effects of alkalization on the properties of Ensete ventricosum plant fibre

Ensete ventricosum (EV) fibre is a lignocellulosic plant fibre hitherto, to the best of our knowledge, unexplored in terms of its response to alkali treatment at room temperature. The chemical compositions as well as physical and tensile properties of this fibre were evaluated after alkali treatment (in 2–15%w/v NaOH at 23 ± 2 °C for 1 h). Effects of alkali concentration on fibre properties were analysed and compared with that of untreated fibres. EV fibres treated with alkali solutions between 2 and 10% (w/v NaOH) exhibited all round improvement in physical, morphological, tensile, structural and thermal properties as compared to that of untreated EV fibres. Unlike the cellulose content, hemicellulose content of alkalized fibres decreased substantially with increase in alkali concentration. The 10% NaOH treated fibres showed the highest improvement in tenacity (9.1 gf/den), crystallinity index (71%) and other properties. Changes in fibre properties were further confirmed by SEM, XRD and TGA.     

Effectiveness of Alkali and Sodium Bicarbonate Treatments on Sugar Palm Fiber: Mechanical,Thermal, and Chemical Investigations

ABSTRACT

Sugar palm fiber (SPF) as one of the attractive natural fibers to reinforce matrix is gaining attention. This is largely due to its similar properties when compared with other established natural fibers. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate as a treatment chemical for SPF in comparison with established alkaline treatment. Both treated and untreated fibers were characterized and it was found that the treated fiber shows an increase in crystallinity, thermal stability, and surface’s roughness when compared with the untreated. Among the two different treatments, SPF treated with alkali has an initial decomposition temperature of 255.47°C, while sodium bicarbonate treated and untreated fibers have 250.19°C and 246.76°C, respectively. In both cases, the thermal stability of the fiber was improved. Also, as revealed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the crystallinity index of SPF treated with alkali and sodium bicarbonate increased by 18.43% and 13.60%, respectively, when compared with untreated fiber. In conclusion, the investigation proved that treatment with the sodium bicarbonate has a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of SPF and the chemical could be an alternative chemical for treating other cellulose fibers.     

Physicochemical Properties of New Cellulosic Fibers from Azadirachta indica Plant

This research study was aimed at examining newly identified natural fiber from the bark of Azadirachta indica (AI). The various properties were analyzed and compared with other available bark fibers. The chemical composition of Azadirachta indica fibers (AIFs), high cellulose (68.42 wt.%) content, and low lignin (13.58 wt.%) were discovered. The lower density of 740 kg/m³, and crystallinity index of 65.04% properties were identified. The maximum peak temperature obtained was 321.2 °C in Differential thermogravimetry (DTG) curve. Taken together, all the properties of AIFs indicated that they could be suitable to make green composites for various types of applications.     

Properties of Natural Fibers from the Abaxial Side of Fireweed (Gerbera delavayi) Leaf Blade for Manual Spinning

Natural plant fibers obtained from the abaxial side of fireweed (Gerbera delavayi) leaf blade were systematically studied. Fireweed fibers were manually dismantled from hot-bath-treated, refrigerated, or untreated leaves and evaluated for different properties. In terms of the collection method, treatment with hot bath exhibited the highest efficiency. As for chemical composition, that of raw (untreated) fireweed fibers was similar to that of cotton, except for wax content that was four times higher in fireweed fibers that in cotton fibers. Fireweed fiber generally exhibited low values of length (6.5 mm), fineness (0.5 dtex), tenacity (0.7 cN/dtex), density (0.9 g/cm³), and crystallinity (14.6%) but similar elongation at break and moisture regain to those of cotton. Furthermore, fireweed fibers showed a smooth surface, soft texture, and water impermeability. After hot-bath treatment, fibers showed 20% lower wax component but higher thermal stability than raw fibers. The small size hindered the fibers from achieving the desirable standard of spinning and weaving by modern machine, but these unique cellulose fibers can be used for manual textile application without any chemical treatment.     

Characterization and analysis of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) fibres and its potential application in sound insulation

Ridge gourd, the fruit of Luffa acutangula, is extensively used throughout the world. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of scientific information related to the thermal, mechanical and chemical properties of these fibres to explore its potential application in textile industry. This research work is aimed to characterize the L. acutangula plant and investigate its potential application in sound insulation. The fibres are arranged in a cell like structure, when opened it gives a very lower fibre length of less than 10 mm. The chemical composition of fibres is as like other lignocellulosic fibres having around 64% cellulose, 21% hemicellulose and 10% lignin. The density is of fibre is around 1.46 g/cc and having the average linear density of 432 denier. The nonwovens were produced by blending the L. acutangula fibre with cotton as well polyester fibre webs using layering technique at three different blend proportions and their influence on bulk density, sound insulation, thermal resistivity and air permeability has been analysed. The ANOVA analysis showed that all the properties mentioned above was significantly influenced by the blend proportion of L. acutangula. The nonwoven sample produced from 50/50 blend proportion of cotton/luffa and polyester/luffa samples showed better sound reduction and thermal resistivity compared to other samples. The cell-like structure of luffa combined with low bulk density and higher thickness resulted in better results.     

Extraction and Characterization of New Natural Cellulosic Chloris barbata Fiber

Natural swollen finger grass fibers being novel are botanically known as “Chloris barbata fibers (CBFs)” and are selected for this study in order to understand their morphological properties. The CBF has higher cellulose (65.37 wt%) content and lower density (634 kg/m³). Crystallinity Index (CI) of CBF was calculated from X-ray diffraction studies and is valued as 50.29%. The surface of CBF was examined using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for observing the surface morphology. Structural characterization and Chemical functional group were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The thermal behavior of CBFs was determined using TG and DTG curves from Thermo gravimetric (TG) analysis. Findings show that the fiber has a semi-elongated nearly circular cross-sectional shape, the fiber diameter is between 180 and 200 μm. TG analysis revealed that these fibers are thermally stable until 210°C. Thus the characterization results confirm the possibility of using CBF for the manufacture of sustainable fiber reinforced polymer composite.     

Comparative Study of Starch Fibers Obtained by Electro-spinning of Indigenous,Commercial and Cationic Potato Starch

ABSTRACT

By using the electro-spinning process on natural polymers, it is possible to obtain biodegradable membranes with potential applications in filters and scaffolds for tissue engineering. In this study, a comparison was made between the respective chemical, physical and thermal properties of the fibers from two sources of starch: One derived from a local, indigenous variety of potato (Diacol Capiro), native to the Boyacá region of Colombia (from here on referred to as “local starch”); the other, commercially available starch. A cationization of fibers was also carried out on the two starches. Chemical, physical and thermal properties were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (DRX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed the fibers were cationized with a highly amorphous state, with a heat resistance of 300°C from physicochemical changes generated in the fibers.     

The Influence of Chemical Treatments on Cantala Fiber Properties and Interfacial Bonding of Cantala Fiber/Recycled High Density Polyethylene (rHDPE)

The influence of chemical treatments on the properties of cantala fiber as well as on the quality of the interfacial bonding of cantala fiber/rHDPE was investigated. The fibers were treated with alkali, silane, and a combination of both. The results showed that the loss of hemicellulose and lignin after the alkali treatment, and the presence of a silane layer on the fiber surface after the silane or alkali-silane treatment, improved the thermal stability, surface energy, and IFSS. The highest surface energy of 45.37 mN/m was obtained during the alkali treatment (NF12). The alkali-silane treatment with 0.75% wt of silane (NSF075) gave the highest thermal stability and IFSS value.     

Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Ceiba pentandra Bark Fiber

Owing to their low weight-to-high strength ratio and recyclable features, the natural fibers are the most potential choice in place of synthetic fibers and been used as reinforcement materials in polymer matrix composites. Characterization of Ceiba pentandra bark fibers (CPFs) such chemical analysis, Fourier Transform-Infrared Analysis (FTIR), X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and Differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) analysis has analyzed. CPFs contain 60.9% (w/w) of cellulose, 17.5% (w/w) of hemicellulose, and 23.5% (w/w) of lignin. Besides, its density and crystallinity index are 682 kg m^?3 and 57.94%, respectively. TG and DTG analysis discovered that CPFs are thermally stable up to 342.1°C. Further, all the resources of CPFs ensured that it can be an excellent alternative for synthetic fibers in polymer matrix composites.     

Enhancing the flame retardant of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber via incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes based phosphorylated chitosan

Phosphorylated chitosan (PCS) were first deposited on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) surface via chemical modification to obtain functionalized MWNTs-based PCS (PCS-MWNTs). Then, a series of PET fibers with MWNTs or PCS-MWNTs were prepared via melt spinning. The microstructure and molecular structure of PCS-MWNTs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphological structures, mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties of the PET fibers containing MWNTs or PCS-MWNTs were analyzed by FESEM, therogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, cone and electronic tension meter method. The results showed that MWNTs were coated with PCS. Compared to PET fiber, when the content of PCS-MWNTs was 0.9 wt.%, the PCS-MWNTs/PET fibers exhibited an efficient flame-retardant capacity, with the lower heat release rate and total release rate values of 81.03 kW/m² and 39.05 MJ/m², respectively, decreasing by 130.06 kW/m² and 11.87 MJ/m². The thermal stability of PCS-MWNTs/PET fibers strengthened, and the char residue increased from 7.21 to 13.52%. Compared to MWNTs/PET fiber, the crystallization property and tensile strength of PCS-MWNTs/PET fiber improved, because of the good dispersion and strong interface binding force with the PET fiber. Overall, the PCS layer endowed the MWNTs with good dispersion and flame-retardant characteristics.