Characterization Studies on Novel Cellulosic Fiber Obtained from the Bark of Madhuca Longifolia Tree

ABSTRACT

Recently, the global demand for plastics rose to its maximum mainly due to the rapid increase in population and the growing demand for automobiles. The mass production and disposal of synthetic fiber-based composites pollutes the environment and emission of greenhouse gases. Natural fibers prove to be a suitable alternative to synthetic fibers and the green composites made by reinforcing them with biopolymers find widespread use in various engineering applications. In this paper, the physico-chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of novel cellulosic fibers extracted from the bark of Madhuca longifolia tree have been investigated through standard test procedures. Test results revealed the presence of cellulose (50.64 wt.%), lignin (17.44 wt.%), and wax (0.60 wt.%) in Madhuca longifolia fiber (MLF). High strength, high rigidity, and better interfacial bonding characteristics with polymer matrix results due to the presence of these chemical constituents. Lower density (1510 kg/m³) and higher activation energy (67.04 kJ/mol) make MLF suitable for making lightweight green composites. The tensile strength and modulus of MLF were found to be 140.96–317.50 MPa and 4.29–5.90 GPa, respectively. The morphology of MLF surface examined through FESEM images revealed the existence of a rough, porous surface, which is essential for making biodegradable composites.

摘要

最近, 全球对塑料的需求达到最大值, 主要是由于人口的快速增长和对汽车需求的增长. 合成纤维基复合材料的大规模生产和处理污染了环境和温室气体的排放. 天然纤维被证明是合成纤维的合适替代品, 通过生物聚合物增强天然纤维而制成的绿色复合材料在各种工程应用中得到广泛应用. 本文通过标准试验程序研究了从长叶马杜卡树皮中提取的新型纤维素纤维的物理化学机械和热性能. 测试结果显示, 长叶马杜卡纤维(MLF)中含有纤维素(50.64 wt.%)木质素(17.44 wt.%)和蜡(0.60 wt.%). 由于这些化学成分的存在, 聚合物基体具有高强度高刚性和更好的界面结合特性. 较低的密度(1510kg/m3)和较高的活化能(67.04 kJ/mol)使MLF适合制造轻质绿色复合材料. MLF的拉伸强度和模量分别为140.96-317.50MPa和4.29-5.90GPa. 通过FESEM图像检查MLF表面的形态, 发现存在粗糙多孔的表面, 这对于制造可生物降解的复合材料至关重要.

KEYWORDS:

• Madhuca longifolia fiber
• cellulose
• chemical properties
• crystallinity index
• mechanical properties
• thermal stability

关键词:

• 长叶马杜卡纤维
• 纤维素
• 化学性质
• 结晶度指
• 力学性能
• 热稳定性

Acknowledgments

The authors thank final-year mechanical engineering students of Government Polytechnic college-Villupuram 605752, Tamilnadu India for rendering their support for carrying out this research work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).