Exploring a natural fiber extracted from henequen plant leaves: A sustainable innovation for reinforcement in composite materials
Thandavamoorthy Raja
Abstract
• High Structural and Mechanical Properties: Henequen fibers demonstrate a high crystallinity index (42.4%) and tensile strength of 21.07 MPa, indicating their potential for high-performance composite applications. • Chemical Composition and Functional Properties: FTIR analysis confirms the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the fibers, while SEM analysis reveals a rough surface morphology that enhances fiber-matrix adhesion in composites. • Thermal and UV Stability: The fibers show thermal stability up to 350°C (based on TGA results) and effective UV absorption in the 270-280 nm range, making them suitable for outdoor applications. • Antibacterial Activity: The fibers exhibit notable antibacterial properties, with inhibition zones of 31 mm and 25 mm against E. coli , demonstrating their potential for use in antimicrobial applications. This research investigates the potential of a novel fiber extracted from Henequen plant leaves as a sustainable reinforcement for composite materials. Henequen fibers, rich in cellulose and lignin, offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. The fibers were analysed for their structural, mechanical, and functional properties. XRD analysis showed a crystallinity index of 42.4%, indicating a high degree of crystallinity, which contributes to their strength. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic peaks at 3335 cm⁻¹ (O-H stretching), 2900 cm⁻¹ (C-H stretching), and 1730 cm⁻¹ (C=O stretching), confirming the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Single fiber tensile testing revealed a tensile strength of 21.07 MPa and a tensile modulus of 8.2 GPa, demonstrating the fibers' potential for high-performance applications. SEM analysis revealed a rough surface morphology, which enhances fiber-matrix adhesion in composites. TGA results indicated thermal stability up to 350°C, while UV spectroscopy showed effective UV absorption, particularly in the 270-280 nm range. Antibacterial tests revealed inhibition zones of 31 mm against E. coli, demonstrating the fibers’ antibacterial properties. These findings highlight Henequen fibers as a sustainable and high-potential material for composite reinforcement.