Physico-Chemical and Mechanical Characterization of Triumfetta Pentandra Bast Fiber from the Equatorial Region of Cameroon as a Potential Reinforcement of Polymer Composites

ABSTRACT

This study aims at characterizing Triumfetta Pentandra (TP) bast fibers from the equatorial region of Cameroon and evaluating its potential as a strengthening agent in a polymer matrix. The fibers were extracted from the bark of the plant by water retting method and subjected to phytochemical, morphological, thermal, and mechanical characterization. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the fibers were made up of several elementary fibers cross the whole section, which were composed of celluloses (61.10%), hemicelluloses (14.30%), lignins (17.73%), pectins (5.65%), and other extracts (0.86%). A fiber density of 0.351 g/cm3, was recorded which was relatively small compared to other plant fibers. They are hydrophilic with a water absorption of 183.31%, which corresponds to the presence of free hydroxyl functions as confirmed from the spectrometry study (FTIR). Also, the fibers exhibit significant thermal stability up to 220°C with a peak thermal decomposition of cellulose located at 380°C. A crystallinity index of 28.84% was obtained. Finally, mechanical studies indicated; a tensile Young’s modulus of 1.85 GPa, tensile strength of 1503.57 MPa and an elongation at break of 8%. These results show that Triumfetta Pentandra fibers are very suitable for reinforcing polymer matrix composite materials.

摘要

本研究旨在表征喀麦隆赤道地区的Triumfetta Pentandra (TP) 韧皮纤维, 并评估其作为聚合物基质增强剂的潜力. 通过水脱胶法从植物树皮中提取纤维, 并对其进行植物化学、形态学、热学和力学表征. 植物化学分析表明, 纤维由多个基本纤维组成, 包括纤维素 (61.10%) 、半纤维素 (14.30%) 、木质素 (17.73%) 、果胶 (5.65%) 和其他提取物 (0.86%). 纤维密度为0.351 g/cm3, 与其他植物纤维相比相对较小. 它们是亲水性的, 吸水率为183.31%, 这与光谱研究 (FTIR) 证实的自由羟基功能的存在相对应. 此外, 纤维在高达220°C时表现出显著的热稳定性, 纤维素的热分解峰值位于380°C. 结晶指数为28.84%. 最后, 力学研究表明; 拉伸杨氏模量为1.85 GPa, 拉伸强度为1503.57 MPa, 断裂伸长率为8%. 这些结果表明, 三元五面体纤维非常适合增强聚合物基复合材料.

KEYWORDS:

• Triumfetta pentandra fiber
• chemical composition
• morphological characterization
• crystallinity index
• mechanical behavior
• thermal behavior

关键词:

• Triumfetta Pentandra纤维
• 化学成分
• 形态特征
• 结晶度指数
• 机械性能
• 热行为

Acknowledgments

Our thanks go to Cesar Segovia of the University of Lorraine, CETELOR, 27 Rue Philippe Seguin, 88000 Epinal, France and to Beckly Victorine Namondo of Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Buea for their availability and numerous services.

Disclosure statement

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