Extraction and Characterization of Lignocellulosic Fibers from Girardinia Bullosa (Steudel) Wedd. (Ethiopian Kusha Plant)

ABSTRACT

Currently, eco-friendly products have been given great attention as the world is being polluted severely by non-biodegradable products and by-products. Different textile products have their own share in affecting the environment. This research is focused on exploring alternative bast fiber products to support the supply chain and to assess the possibility of using this fiber as a substitute to already available bast fibers. Kusha fiber was extracted and optimized from Ethiopian kusha plant stem – Girardinia bullosa (Steudel) wedd. – using caustic soda solution by varying the concentration, temperature, and time using design expert 6.0.10, quadratic model software. Tensile property, chemical composition, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), fiber morphology, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the fiber were determined. Fiber characterization showed its tensile strength, and the cellulose content was equivalent to or even better than other bast fibers. Morphology of the fiber was similar to that of typical cotton with visible lumen and a slightly flat surface. Therefore, this new extracted fiber has a great potential to be used for different applications such as fiber-reinforced composites, textile furnishing, apparel, and nanocellulose extraction.