Extraction and Characterization Studies of Cellulose Derived from the Roots of Acalypha Indica L

ABSTRACT

The underlying principle of this current research was to characterize the cellulosic fibers that were retted from the roots of Acalypha indica L. plant to find their aptness for making green composites. Physical characterization tests were conducted and reported proving the reinforcing capability of these fibers which has a density of 1.356 g/cm³. Chemical composition tests conducted on these fibers showed the weight % of cellulose as 67.86. Amorphous constituents such as hemicellulose and lignin were present as 0.24 and 18.75 weight %, respectively. Wax, ash, and moisture were respectively present as 0.86, 2.13, and 10.16 weight % of fibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies purported the presence of both amorphous and crystalline contents of cellulose confirming the peaks of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies. The fibers possessed a crystallinity index of 46.62% and their crystallite size was computed as 3.68 nm from XRD, with a good temperature bearing capacity of 225°C as ascertained from the thermo-gravimetric analysis. Conglomeration of fibrils and the roughness characteristics were evident from the scanning electron microscopic images and atomic force microscopic observations, respectively. Thus, it can be seen that this newly identified fiber are apposite reinforcements and can be explored further by infusing them in polymer matrices for making sustainable products.

摘要

本研究的基本原理是对从印度相思植物根中提取的纤维素纤维进行表征，以确定其适合于制造绿色复合材料. 对密度为1.356g/cm3的纤维进行了物理特性测试，证明了纤维的增强能力. 对这些纤维进行的化学成分测试表明，纤维素的重量百分比为67.86%. 半纤维素和木质素等无定形组分的含量分别为0.24%和18.75%. 蜡、灰分和水分含量分别为纤维的0.86%、2.13%和10.16%. X射线衍射研究表明，纤维素中存在无定形和结晶成分，证实了FTIR研究的峰值. 经X射线衍射计算，纤维的结晶指数为46.62%，晶粒尺寸为3.68nm，热重分析表明纤维具有225℃的良好耐温性能. 扫描电镜和原子力显微镜观察到纤维的聚集和粗糙特征. 因此，可以看出，这种新发现的纤维是合适的增强材料，可以通过将其注入聚合物基质中来进一步探索，以制备可持续产品.

KEYWORDS:

• Acalypha indica fibers
• cellulose
• physicochemical studies
• FTIR
• thermal stability
• surface morphology

关键词::

• 印度粉螨纤维
• 纤维素
• 理化研究
• 热稳定性
• 表面形貌