A Comprehensive Physical, Chemical and Morphological Characterization of Novel Cellulosic Fiber Extracted from the Stem of Elettaria Cardamomum Plant

ABSTRACT

To overcome the environmental regulations adopted across the globe in polymer composites, a natural fiber extracted from the waste stem of Elettaria cardamomum plant (ECF) was investigated for its suitability in polymer composites. Fundamental properties such as chemical, physical, thermal and surface morphology of ECF were evaluated using chemical composition analysis, optical microscope test, X-ray diffraction, Thermo-gravimetric and scanning electron microscope analysis. The chemical analysis outcomes revealed that ECF has a comparatively higher amount of cellulose (63.12 wt. %), lignin (16.5 wt. %) and lower hemicelluloses (13.7 wt. %), wax (1.5 wt. %) which is expected property of a reinforcement. Thermal analysis results demonstrated that ECF has thermal stability (up to 230°C). Surface morphological analysis showed that non-cellulosic materials and impurities existed on the surface of the ECF. So, mild surface treatment was recommended. Higher tensile strength (294 ± 1.62 MPa) and lower density (1470 Kg/m³) of ECF defined this as an appropriate fiber for reinforced composites.

摘要

为了克服目前世界各国对聚合物复合材料的环保要求，从豆蔻植物（ECF）的废茎中提取天然纤维，研究其在聚合物复合材料中的适用性. 采用化学成分分析、光学显微镜测试、X射线衍射、热重分析和扫描电镜分析等方法，对ECF的化学、物理、热和表面形貌等基本性能进行了评价. 化学分析结果表明，ECF具有较高的纤维素含量（63.12 wt.%）、木质素含量（16.5 wt.%）和较低的半纤维素含量（13.7 wt.%）、蜡含量（1.5 wt.%）等预期的增强性能。热分析结果表明，ECF具有热稳定性（高达230°C）. 表面形态分析表明，非纤维素材料和杂质存在于ECF表面. 因此，建议进行温和的表面处理. 较高的拉伸强度（294±1.62mpa）和较低的ECF密度（1470kg/m3）将其定义为增强复合材料的合适纤维.

KEYWORDS:

• Elettaria cardamomum fiber (ECF)
• chemical analysis
• thermal analysis
• crystalline properties
• surface morphology and Single fiber tensile strength

关键词:

• 小豆蔻纤维（ECF）
• 化学分析
• 热分析
• 结晶性能
• 表面形貌和单纤维拉伸强度