Comprehensive characterization of Echinochloa frumentacea leaf fiber as a novel reinforcement for composite applications

Abstract

The promising characteristic features of some natural plant fibers identified has driven many scientists/researchers to seek more plant fibers with good mechanical, thermal, tensile and surface properties. Plant fibers with such characteristics along with their renewable, degradable, eco‐friendly, cost‐effective nature could make them a probable competitor against synthetic ones, in many aspects. Since identification of novel plant fibers with superior quality is necessary at the moment in order to reduce the harmful effects of synthetic materials. Since the current study recognized a novel natural plant fiber from Echinochloa frumentacea and analyzed its efficiency for composite fabrication through various characterization practices. It was found from the physico‐chemical investigation that the fiber encloses with good crystallinity index (35.87%), cellulose content (60.31%) and relatively low density (896 ± 32.14 kg/m3). In fact, EFLF's has admirable thermal stability (330°C) and tensile strength (204.32 ± 14.25 MPa) designated its suitability for temperature varying environments. Conversely, the proposed fiber ensures good fiber‐matrix adhesion in spite of good surface roughness and decreased microfibrillar angle (9.27 ± 0.31°), noted by surface analysis. Hence, the current study recommends further utilization of EFLF as a reinforcing material with high specific qualities and low environmental effect, for composite manufacturing.

Suitability characterization of novel cellulosic plant fiber from Ficus benjamina L. aerial root for a potential polymeric composite reinforcement

“…Thereafter, the dehydrated specimens with a size of 10–12 μm were dyed using toluidine blue and subsequently subjected to the microscopic unit to monitor the location of fiber, fiber thickness, and fiber‐forming cells inside the specimen. [ 9 ]…”

“…The density (0.87 g/ml) of toluene is denoted as ρ t and density of FBRF (g/cm 3 ) is shown as ρ FBRF in this relation. [ 9 ] …”

Preparation, Characteristics, and Application of Biopolymer Materials Reinforced with Lignocellulosic Fibres

“…This section summarizes various research studies on novel natural fibrebased NFRCs that have been conducted to enhance the mechanical properties of NFRCs. Rathinavelu and Paramathma [55] identified a novel natural plant fibre from Echinochloa frumentacea and found it to have good crystallinity, cellulose content, low density, thermal stability, and tensile strength, making it suitable for use in varying temperatures. It reveals that the presence of cellulose content of 60.31% formed a good fibre-matrix adhesion and surface roughness which makes that composite with better tensile strength of 204:32 ± 14:25 MPa.…”