Characterization of Natural Cellulose Fibers from the Barks of Ziziphus nummularia as a Reinforcement for Lightweight Composite Applications

ABSTRACT

This study deals with the extraction and testing of natural cellulose fibers obtained from the barks of Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight & Arn. plants. The extraction of Z. nummularia fibers from its plant barks was done by water retting. The extracted fibers were analyzed for their chemical, crystalline, thermal, mechanical, and physical properties. Surface characteristics of the fibers were examined using a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope. The test results showed that cellulose content was 52.34%. The crystalline index was 45.77% whereas the crystallite size was 2.01 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a maximum degradation temperature of 348°C. The morphological properties showed that Z. nummularia fibers had a good surface roughness that helps in forming interlocks with the matrix on its usage in polymer matrix composites.

摘要

本研究对从Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight & Arn.植物皮中提取的天然纤维素纤维进行了提取和测试. 从其植物皮中提取Z.nummularia纤维是通过水浸法进行的. 对提取的纤维进行化学、结晶、热、机械和物理性能分析. 使用扫描电子显微镜和原子力显微镜检查纤维的表面特征. 试验结果表明，纤维素含量为52.34%. 结晶指数为45.77%，而微晶尺寸为2.01 nm. 热重分析显示最大降解温度为348°C. 形态特征表明，纳米Z.纤维具有良好的表面粗糙度，有助于在聚合物基复合材料中与基体形成联锁.

KEYWORDS:

• Ziziphus nummularia (Burm.F.) Wight & Arn.
• natural fiber
• manual retting
• scanning electron microscope
• reinforcement

关键词:

• Ziziphus nummularia (Burm.f.) Wight & Arn
• 天然纤维
• 手工脱胶
• 扫描电子显微镜
• 钢筋

Highlights of this investigation

• As a bio-fiber, Ziziphus nummularia fiber is abundantly available in the many places and has higher cellulose content (52.34 wt. %)

• The chemical functional group and Crystallinity index (45.77%) of the Z. nummularia fiber were examined by FTIR analysis and XRD respectively.

• The TGA exhibit that Z. nummularia fiber is thermally stable up to 150°C.

• The surface topography of Z. nummularia fiber was analyzed by AFM.

• The attained results conclude that Z. nummularia fiber is an appropriate fiber for acting as reinforcement in the manufacturing of the green composite product.

Disclosure statement

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