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The prime objective of this research study was the investigation the new natural cellulosic fiber extracted from the stem of Abutilon Indicum plants as an alternative reinforcement in greener composite materials for structural applications. Abutilon Indicum a flowering plant with unique medicinal values are abundantly found in India and other south Asian countries. The fibers extracted from the stem of the Abutilon Indicum plant are proven to be sustainable, ecofriendly, and novel and hence this fiber is chosen for characterization study. In this experimental investigation the physical, chemical, thermal, morphological, crystallinity, chemical constituents, and surface characteristics of raw Abutilon Indicum fibers (AIF) were analyzed. Chemical analysis results convey the presence of higher cellulose content of (56.12 wt.%) in AIF. The diameter (175 μm) and density (1.170 g/cm3) of AIFs are determined by physical analysis of the raw fibers. Such lower density values observed in AIF make it as a perfect material for lightweight applications. Crystalline properties of AIFs are determined from X‐ray diffraction tests with a crystalline index of 77.35%, and crystalline size of 2.20 nm, which attributes to the presence of cellulose‐1β and the crystallites are ordered in nature. Thermal stability of 175°C, maximum degradation temperature upto 302.6°C and kinetic activation energy of 86.95 kJ/mol of AIF are established based on thermo gravimetric analysis. Morphological and surface characteristics of AIF through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis revealed that the raw fibers display a relatively finer surface. Research findings of the AIF mentioned above conclude that the AIFs prove to be an ideal, alternative reinforcement in greener composite materials for sustainable and cleaner production of components in structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries like India, an economically viable and ecologically approachable strategy is required to safeguard the drinking water. Excessive fluoride intake through drinking water can lead to dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, or both. The present study has been under with an objective to investigate the feasibility of using cellulose derived from coconut fiber as an adsorbent under varying pH conditions for fluoride elimination from water. The assessment of equilibrium concentration of metal ions using adsorption isotherms is an integral part of the study. This present finding indicates the considerable effect of variation of adsorbent dosages on the fluoride removal efficiency under constant temperature conditions of 25 ± 2 °C with a contact period of 24 h. It is pertinent to mention that maximum adsorption of 88% has been observed with a pH value of 6 with 6 h time duration with fluoride dosage of 50 mg/L. The equilibrium concentration dwindled to 0.4 mg/L at fluoride concentration of 20 mg/L. The Langmuir model designates the adsorption capacity value of 2.15 mg/L with initial fluoride concentration of 0.21 mg/g with R2 value of 0.660. Similarly, the adsorption capacity using Freundlich isotherms is found to be 0.58 L/g and 0.59 L/g with fluoride concentration of 1.84 mg/L and 2.15 mg/L respectively. The results from the present study confirm that coconut fiber possesses appropriate sorption capabilities of fluoride ion but is a pH dependent phenomenon. The outcomes of the study indicate the possible use of cellulose extracted from waste coconut fiber as a low-cost fluoride adsorbent. The present study can be well implemented on real scale systems as it will be beneficial economically as well as environmentally. [Display omitted] • Sustainable solution for Fluoride removal using coconut fibre. • Cellulose derived from coconut fibre used as an adsorbent for fluoride treatment. • Adsorption of fluoride increases with an increase in pH value from 2 to 5 with maximum adsorption at pH 5. • 85.86% fluoride removed at 2.15 mg/L, 78.13% at 1.84 mg/L, at an adsorbent dose of 0.5g/50 mL for 24 hrs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grewia damine is a flowering plant found in India and Sri Lanka. The fiber taken out from the stem bark of G. damine is found to be novel and selected for characterization study. The G. damine stem bark fiber (GDSF) has rich in cellulose contents (57.78 ± 3.56%). Its lower density (1.378 ± 0.036 g/cm3) makes it fit for use in lightweight applications. The weight percentage values of the chemical constituents confirm the use of GDSF for structural applications. Crystallinity index of GDSF was noted as 30.35%. The mechanical properties of GDSF were predicted as 375.6 ± 16.58 MPa tensile strength and 126.2 ± 11.93 GPa modulus of elasticity. The morphological and atomic force microscopy study results revealed that the fiber has rough surface even in its raw form. Hence it can be used to prepare composite specimens with better bonding strength between fiber and polymer. The thermal stability of GDSF was noted as 326 °C. Weibull distribution plots were drawn for validating the physical and tensile property values of GDSF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Disulphide bonds affixed on CNF backbone ensued high selectivity for Hg(II) and SO. • Soft-soft interactions led to high selectivity and good adsorption of 828.5 mg g−1. • Rapid and nearly complete removal of Hg(II) was achieved in 8 min at 100 mg L−1. • Concomitantly, affinity for SO with 81.92% removal at 25 mgL-1 endorsed versatility. • Excellent recyclability after 8 cycles affirmed potential in wastewater remediation. Hemp stalks, readily available bio-waste in northern India, are good source of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with exceptional strength and stiffness. In this study, a facile route was envisaged to affix disulphide linkages on hemp derived CNFs (CNF-S-S-CNF) using 3,3-dithiopropionic acid. CNF-S-S-CNF with two sulphur groups on the cellulose backbone scored high selectivity for mercury ions (distribution coefficient of 5 × 105 mL.g−1) owing to soft–soft interactions, besides exhibiting affinity for safranin O (SO) due to strong electrostatic attractions. Thermal stability up to 700 °C advocated high temperature applications of CNF-S-S-CNF. Response surface methodology (RSM) with Box Behnken Design (BBD) was applied using Design Expert software 13 for tuning the process parameters. Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) established a maximum adsorption capacity, q e of 100% for Hg(II) ions achieved at optimum conditions of pH 5.5, Hg(II) concentration of 100 mg L-1 with adsorbent dosage of 100 mg and contact time of 9.50 min, while for SO, 100% adsorption was achieved at pH 6.5, SO concentration of 1 mg L-1 with adsorbent dosage of 60 mg and contact time of 9.50 min, in accord with the experimental results. Both, linear and non-linear kinetics and isotherm models were fitted to further understand the adsorption mechanism. The non-linear pseudo-second order demonstrated better adsorption kinetics for Hg(II), while SO fitted better to the linear pseudo-second order model. Ultra-rapid adsorption kinetics was achieved with pseudo second order rate constant, K 2 of 0.197 g.mg −1.min−1 and 100% removal within 5 s (Co = 10 mg L-1) of Hg(II) ions. FTIR and XPS confirmed strong interactions of CNF-S-S-CNF with Hg(II) ions accomplishing a maximum adsorption capacity, q e exp of 828.5 mg/g. Regeneration of adsorbent for 8 cycles with retention of 96% and 80% efficacy for Hg(II) ions and SO, respectively endorse its outstanding potential in waste-water remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores an alternative approach to loss compensation in palm leaf manuscripts. Among the alternative materials, the inner white bark of the kozo or mulberry plant was found to offer advantages as it possesses a high cellulose content and therefore improved material permanence over wood veneer or palm leaf. Kcizo white bark offers comparable rigidity, without adding extra thickness, and so doesnot introduce strain to the object. The museum's palm leaf manuscript, Savaga-padikkamana sutta-cunni, dates to 1260 and is from Western India. Three museum's palm leaves were conserved in preparation for exhibition. The leaves exhibited overall discoloration and were brittle. There were horizontal breaks between the veins at the sides of the leaf and some edge loss. One of the leaves exhibited significant edge damage that included large losses along the bottom edge and at the lower right side. To prepare the leaf for loss compensation, flaking pigment in the illustrated areas was consolidated with 0.5% methylcellulose by brush. Folds in the leaf were locally relaxed with humidification, repositioned, as possible, and weighted between dry blotters and rigid surfaces. Large edge losses were filled primarily to protect the areas adjacent to the loss from further physical damage and then to improve overall visual continuity. Strips of inner white bark from the kozo plant were selected for minimal residual green and black bark.

The article presents information on issues concerning chemical fibre production in China and India. It is reported that the global production of polyester fibers increased by 1.35 million tons to 27.8 millions in 2006. Statistics reveal that 67% of total synthetic fiber production were attributed to polyester fibers in 2006. However, the percentage increase in chemical fibre production has been exemplary for China and India. The article discusses staple production of chemical fibres including acrylic fibers, cellulosic man-made fibers, polyamide fibers, and others in India and China in comparison with the other countries of the world.

The article presents information on issues related to production of cellulosic fibers for Lenzing AG and its subsidiary corporations. In 2006, the company and its subsidiaries have produced 478,000 tons of cellulose fibers, while achieving a turnover of € 903 million. It informs about installation of new industrial plants for production of viscose fibers in India and China. The article also informs about high investments and increased turnover of Lenzing AG's subsidiaries in the area of monofilament.