Natural Cellulosic Fiber from Coccinia Indica Stem for Polymer Composites: Extraction and Characterization

ABSTRACT

This study mainly focuses on the possibility of using Coccinia Indica (CI) fiber as reinforcement in structural polymer composite materials because of its lightweight and eco-friendly nature. Fibers were extracted from the dried stems by combing process using metal teeth brush. The thermo-physico-mechanical properties, chemical compositions, and morphological structures of CI fiber were analyzed in detail. A higher percentage of cellulose content in CI fiber and the lesser amount of skimpy lignin, hemicellulose, ash, and wax content were confirmed through chemical analysis. The functional groups with their corresponding peaks were depicted through FTIR analysis. XRD studies divulge that the CI fiber contains crystallinity index (CrI) of 53.03% and crystallite size (L) of 5.81 nm. SEM revealed that the fiber possesses cylindrical morphology with multi-cellular structure. The presence of parenchyma and chlorenchyma tissues in the cell wall of CI fiber was also confirmed, which helps for better adhesion and mechanical properties to the composite. TGA study reveals that the major degradation of CI fiber occurs at a temperature range of 204.16°C to 376.3°C. The tensile strength of cellulose-based CI fiber is comparable with the other conventional fibers and it is well enough for its usage as reinforcing material in composite manufacturing.

摘要

本研究主要探讨了球虫夏草纤维（CI）以其轻质、环保的特性在高分子结构复合材料中作为增强材料的可能性.采用金属牙刷梳理法从干燥的茎中提取纤维.详细分析了CI纤维的热物理力学性能、化学成分和形态结构.化学分析证实，CI纤维中纤维素含量较高，而脱脂木质素、半纤维素、灰分和蜡含量较低.通过FTIR分析，描述了各官能团的相应峰。XRD研究表明，CI纤维的结晶度指数（CRI）为53.03%，结晶尺寸（L）为5.81nm.扫描电镜分析表明，纤维具有多胞结构的圆柱形结构.同时证实了CI纤维细胞壁中存在薄壁组织和厚壁组织，有助于提高复合材料的粘附力和力学性能.TGA研究表明，CI纤维的主要降解发生在204.16°C至376.3°C的温度范围内.纤维素基CI纤维的拉伸强度与其他常规纤维相当，足以作为复合材料制造中的增强材料.

KEYWORDS:

• Coccinia Indica fiber
• technical properties
• morphology
• reinforcement
• conventional fibers
• medicinal plant

关键词:

• 胭脂虫纤维
• 技术性能
• 形态强化
• 传统纤维
• 药用植物

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to LMP R&D Laboratory, Erode, Tamil Nadu State, India and PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu State, India for providing their facilities for testing the samples.