Search

This present investigation is aimed at understanding the impact of various chemical treatments on the physicochemical properties of Luffa cylindrica fibers (LCFs). One of the major disadvantages of natural fiber as reinforcement materials in polymer composites is the incompatibility of hydrophilic nature of natural fiber and hydrophobic nature of polymers. So in this investigation, LCFs were pre-treated using optimal alkali solution followed by individual treatments with potassium permanganate, benzoyl peroxide and stearic acid to reduce the hydrophobic nature of LCF to use as reinforcement materials in composites which can be used for semi-structural applications such as household products, construction and building materials, car-interior components, etc. Further, the physicochemical properties of chemically modified LCFs were studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was noticed that all modified LCFs improved crystallinity and thermal stability. Moreover, the stearic acid treatment promoted the superior thermal stability of LCFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Physical, chemical, thermal and crystalline properties of new natural fiber extracted from the root of Ficus Religiosa tree(FRRF) are reported in this study. The chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis results ensured the presence of higher quantity of cellulose content (55.58 wt%) in the FRRF. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis is transported away to support the chemical groups present in the considered fibre. Thermal stability (325 °C), maximum degradation temperature (400 °C) and kinetic activation energy (68.02 kJ/mol.) of the FRRF areestablished by the thermo gravimetric analysis. The diameter (25.62 μm) and density (1246 kg/m3) of the FRRF have been found by the physical analysis. Scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM) and Atomic force microscope analysis (AFM) outcomes revealed that FRRF has the relatively smoothest surface. Altogether the above outcomes proved that novel FRRF is the desirable reinforcement to fabricate the fiber reinforced composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this investigation is to check the suitability novel cellulosic fibre extracted from the aerial roots of Banyan tree (ARBFs) as reinforcement in fibre reinforced plastics. The Fundamental properties of ARBFs such as density, tensile strength, chemical composition, crystallinity index, crystalline size, thermal stability, maximum degradation temperature and surface roughness were studied. The chemical analysis results revealed that after the alkalization cellulose content was improved while hemi-cellulose, lignin and wax content were demised. The enhancement in the crystallinity index (76.35% from 72.47%) and crystalline size (7.74 nm from 6.28 nm) of alkali treated ARBFs were evidenced by the X-ray diffraction analysis. Thermal analysis results confirmed that maximum degradation temperature (368 °C) and kinetic activation energy (75.45 kJ/mol) of alkali treated ARBFs had increased from 358 °C and 72.65 kJ/mol respectively. The results of scanning electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic analysis exhibited that impurities and wax on the outer surface of the ARBFs were removed after the alkali treatment. All the above finding concluded that ARBFs is the appropriate material to use as a reinforcement in fibre reinforced plastics. • A new natural cellulosic fibres extracted from aerial roots of banyan tree (ARBFs) were characterized in this work. • Effects of NaOH treatment on chemical, thermal, crystalline, tensile properties of ARBFs were studied. • Low density of raw (1234 kg/m3) and alkali treated ARBFs (1269 kg/m3) promote the light weight applications. • Raw (19.37 ± 7.72 MPa) and alkali treated ARBFs (20.45 ± 12.20 MPa) have better tensile strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thespesia populnea fibers treated at 5% NaOH for 60 min gives optimal results. • Cellulose crystallinity of treated fibers increases from 48.17%–67.52%. • Optimally treated fibers are thermally stable up to 341.82 °C. • The consistency of tensile test results is validated with Weibull distribution model. • SEM & AFM analysis reveals that fiber surface turns rough after alkali treatment. Natural fibers are emerging as best alternatives for synthetic materials in selective applications. These fibers may not have the required properties in its raw form and hence needs some alterations in its characteristics. Likely, this article reports enhancement in surface and structural properties of Thespesia populnea bark fiber treated with NaOH under various concentration and soaking period. Fibers treated with 5% NaOH for 60 min yields noteworthy mechanical strength (678.41 ± 48.91 MPa) owing to its relatively high cellulose fraction (76.42%). Fourier transform infrared spectra endorses the removal of non-cellulosic compounds and X-ray diffraction studies reveals 13.6% growth in the size of cellulose crystals on optimally treated fibers. Weibull distribution model statistically interprets the reliability of acquired tensile test results. Finally, microscopic examinations with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy explore that fiber surface turns rough after alkali treatment and makes it appropriate for reinforcement in polymer matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]