Search

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.)

There is growing interest in recent times to develop biodegradable films with improved properties. They are potential substitutes for existing petroleum-based synthetic polymers. Eco-friendly biofilms based on Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Nano coconut shell filler (PVA/NCSF) were primed by a solution casting method. The biofilms were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis, Tensile test, FESEM, Transparency Water absorption, biodegradability test, and tensile testing. FTIR and XRD results revealed the structural characterization and crystallinity index of prepared PVA/NCSP biofilms. FTIR suggested that strong hydrogen bonding due to interfacial exchanges of PVA/NCSF. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed thermal degradation temperatures of biofilms that were observed between 259.79°C and 350°C. The tensile strength and elastic modulus were enhanced by 25.5% and 97.25%, respectively, when NCSF was added at 25 wt% level. It is intriguing that % of elongation linearly decreased with the incorporation of filler. The FESEM results evident that good compatibility between PVA and NCSF. The water absorption of PVA/NCSF biofilms slightly increases with increase in the NCSF content. Soil burial test results evident that 34% weight loss of biofilms (25 wt% of NCSF) due to NCSF loading in PVA Matrix. Taken together, the present study confirmed that PVA/NCSF biofilms can be a potential for packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.)

This article presents the characteristics of Carica papaya fibers (CPFs) extracted from the bark of the perennial papaya plant. Detailed chemical compositions of CPFs such as cellulose, lignin, ash, moisture, and wax contents were established and determined by using standard methods. Further, chemical groups, crystalline structure, surface roughness, and thermal stability of CPFs were examined using Fourier transform infrared analysis, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The physico-chemical properties of CPFs, crystallinity index (56.34%), cellulose content (38.71 wt. %), hemicellulose (11.8%), and density (943 kg/m3) were compared to those properties of other natural fibers. The results suggest that the biodegradable CPFs can be used as a potential reinforcemnet in the polymer matrix composite structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibers are the one worthy substitute for replacing synthetic fibers and used as a polymer reinforcement due to their eco-friendly nature. This investigation deals with the newly identified Sida cordifolia fibers (SCFs) characterized by chemical analysis, single fiber tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The chemical constituents of SCFs contains cellulose (69.52%), hemicellulose (17.63%), and lignin (18.02. %). The SCFs are thermally stable up to a temperature of 338.2°C evidenced by TGA analysis. The X-ray diffraction confirmed that SCFs were rich in cellulose fraction with a crystallinity index of 56.92%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Abstract Cellulose, a major proportion of all plant resources are not utilized at its best. Hence, this investigation explores the potential of cellulose fraction in bark fibers of Thespesia populnea for real time use by evaluating its anatomical, physicochemical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Anatomical studies confirm two types of phloem fiber cells based on dimensions of secondary cell wall and lumen. Significant concentration of cellulose (70.12%) helps to attain favorable outcomes in tensile strength (557.82 ± 56.29 MPa). FTIR spectra confirm the presence of cellulosic compound in fiber structure and the size of crystalline cellulose is estimated as 35.76 Å using XRD results. Thermal profile of TGA and DSC validates that fiber is steady up to 245.4 °C and cellulose degradation befalling between 250 °C and 370 °C accounts for major weight loss in fiber. Images acquired through SEM and AFM depict that the fiber surface is smooth with average roughness of 3.002 nm. Highlights • Cellulose content in bark fibers of Thespesia populnea tree was assessed and characterized. • Cellulose fiber diameters were in the range of 87–256 μm with 1412 kg/m3 density. • FTIR and XRD spectra confirm the presence of cellulose compounds. • Thermal analysis reveals that fiber was stable up to 245.4 °C. • SEM and AFM images illustrate that the surface of fiber was smooth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Environmental friendly self cured geopolymer mortars were developed. • Bio-additives showed positive effects in physico-chemical properties of geopolymer. • Bio-additives added geopolymer mortars showed intense structural reorganization. Abstract Heat curing catalyzed the geopolymerization reaction in geopolymers whereas the practical challenges in applying heat curing process limited the applications of geopolymers to precast elements alone. Bio-additives inclusion could facilitate ambient temperature curing that lead to environment friendly self cured geopolymers. Natural sugars (molasses/palm jaggery/honey) and terminalia chebula were used as bio-additives in fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) based geopolymer mortars. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectral (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies were used for the characterization for all geopolymer mortar samples. Physico-chemical test results of bio-additives added FA-GGBS based self cured geopolymer mortar samples showed XRD peaks at 2θ = 20°, 26°, 39°, 48°, 66° and 75°, FTIR bands at 3430, 2922, 1390, 1270, 1120 and 881cm−1, DTG peaks at 120 °C, 126 °C and 134 °C that led to the conclusion that development of differences in geopolymer reaction products, intense structural reorganization leading to stable geopolymer matrix and more ordered geopolymer gels. Further SEM observations revealed compact and dense microstructure development in bio-additives added FA-GGBS based self cured geopolymer mortar samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]