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The exploration of new natural fibers in the field of polymer composites can contribute to increase the invention of natural reinforcements and expand their use in possible applications. In the present work, the physico-chemical, thermal, tensile and morphological properties of Furcraea foetida (FF) fiber are presented for the first time. Chemical analysis results shows that FF has relatively higher cellulose (68.35%) with lower hemicelluloses (11.46%) and lignin (12.32%). Structural analysis of FF was conducted by Fourier transform infrared and 13 C (CP-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis evidenced that FF has crystallinity index of 52.6% with crystalline size of 28.36 nmThe surface morphology of FF was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray micro analyzer (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals thermal constancy of the fiber upto 320.5 °C with the kinetic activation energy of 66.64 kJ/mol, which can be used as reinforcements in thermoplastic green composite whose working temperatures is below 300 °C. The FF results were compared with those of other natural fibers, and indicated as a suitable alternative source for composite manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Organic modification of starch nanoparticles was carried out at room temperature to obtain nanosized hydrophobic derivatives. The particle size of the modified starch nanoparticles obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was found out to be around 50nm. The hydrophobic starch derivatives were used to prepare bionanocomposites of natural rubber by mastication process. The properties were compared with composites obtained from untreated starch nanoparticles and carbon black. Up to 30phr of the fillers were successfully incorporated leading to an enhancement in mechanical as well as thermal properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed single phase morphology of nanobiocomposites indicating compatibility of the filler and matrix. Dynamic mechanical properties were seen as a broad tan delta peak over a large range of temperature. It was observed that modified starch nanoparticles could be a potential substitute for carbon black as reinforcing agents and as promising materials for vibration damping applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]