Physico-Chemical and Mechanical Characterization of <i>Triumfetta Pentandra</i> Bast Fiber from the Equatorial Region of Cameroon as a Potential Reinforcement of Polymer Composites
Azemafac Desmond Nkapleweh, Josepha Foba Tendo, Fabien Betené Ebanda, Pierre Marcel Anicet Noah, Armel Edwige Mewoli, Tido Tiwa Stanislas
Abstract
This study aims at characterizing Triumfetta Pentandra (TP) bast fibers from the equatorial region of Cameroon and evaluating its potential as a strengthening agent in a polymer matrix. The fibers were extracted from the bark of the plant by water retting method and subjected to phytochemical, morphological, thermal, and mechanical characterization. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the fibers were made up of several elementary fibers cross the whole section, which were composed of celluloses (61.10%), hemicelluloses (14.30%), lignins (17.73%), pectins (5.65%), and other extracts (0.86%). A fiber density of 0.351 g/cm3, was recorded which was relatively small compared to other plant fibers. They are hydrophilic with a water absorption of 183.31%, which corresponds to the presence of free hydroxyl functions as confirmed from the spectrometry study (FTIR). Also, the fibers exhibit significant thermal stability up to 220°C with a peak thermal decomposition of cellulose located at 380°C. A crystallinity index of 28.84% was obtained. Finally, mechanical studies indicated; a tensile Young’s modulus of 1.85 GPa, tensile strength of 1503.57 MPa and an elongation at break of 8%. These results show that Triumfetta Pentandra fibers are very suitable for reinforcing polymer matrix composite materials.