Extraction and characterization of natural cellulosic fiber from fragrant screw pine prop roots as potential reinforcement for polymer composites
M. Gerald Arul Selvan, Joseph Selvi Binoj, Jacob Thambi Evans Jebeen Moses, N. Prem Sai, Suchart Siengchin, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Yucheng Liu
Abstract
Abstract Biodegradable natural plant fiber isolated from the prop roots of fragrant screwpine (FSP) plant has been thoroughly studied as a potential replacement for artificial fiber in light weight bio‐based composite applications. Chemical, physical, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermo gravimetric studies were used to determine the appropriateness of FSP fiber for use as a novel reinforcement. FSP fibers were determined to have a density of 1.3852 g/cm 3 and a diameter of 27–280 μm respectively. Good specific strength and bonding qualities are provided by a high cellulose content (73.10 wt%) and a low wax content (0.35 wt%). The tensile strength of raw FSP fiber was 915 ± 195 MPa, the young's modulus was 33 ± 12 GPa, and the average strain to failure rate was 4.59 ± 2.17%. Thermal analysis (TG and DTG) confirmed FSP fiber's thermal stability up to 235°C. The findings revealed that FSP fiber (FSPF) is an excellent alternative for constructing polymer‐based bio‐composites and other high‐value products with both technical and environmental requirements.