Physico-Chemical and Thermal Characterization of a Lignocellulosic Fiber, Extracted from the Bast of <i>Cola lepidota</i> Stem

Abstract

In this research work, fiber extracted from the bark of Cola lepidota (CL) plant, grown in the flora of Southern part of Cameroon, was investigated for composites reinforcement. The investigation was carried via evaluation of water absorption capacity, moisture content, real density, porosity, chemical composition, chemical structure and thermal behaviour. It was discovered that the new fiber has relatively low moisture content and water absorption capacity similar to those of other investigated natural fibers such as flax, sisal, coconut, hemp and jute. Its porosity was found appropriate for composite production and the fiber was found to be thermally stable up to 230˚C, with maximum degradation temperature of 325˚C. The main constituents of the fibre include cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. In conclusion, based on the properties investigated, this fiber is considered suitable for composite manufacture.

Hybrid Composite Based on Natural Rubber Reinforced with Short Fibers of the <i>Triumfetta cordifolia/Saccharum officinarum</i> L.: Performance Evaluation

“…glycosidic bonding of the (C-O) groups of cellulose [10]. This analysis demonstrates not only that sugarcane bagasse and Triumfetta cordifolia that the different treatments influence the structure of TC and BCS fibers as observed in the literature [21].…”

“…In this study, an emphasis is placed on the functional groups of lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose which have more influence on the mechanical properties. cm −1 is associated with the CH 2 symmetric bending present in cellulose [10]- [24].…”

“…To this end, the orientation of local biomass is an opportunity for African countries in the equatorial region to develop new fibers such as Cola lepidota (CL) bark [10] [11], fibers from Rhectophyllum camerunense (RC) [24] and Neuropeltis Acuminatas (NA) [25] and Triumfetta cordifolia (TC) bast fiber [3]- [9] Triumfetta cordifolia bast fibers traditionally used to produce ropes are widely available and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) bagasse fibers mainly used as fuel (in distilleries or sugar mills) [26] are available in Cameroonian biomass and the latter could be very interesting as reinforcement of the natural rubber matrix as they present a potential for many technical applications [3]- [27].…”

Elaboration and Characterization of a Plaster Reinforced with Fibers from the Stem of <i>Cola lepidota</i> for Industrial Applications

“…Previous studies have characterized the stem fiber of CL [13] [30]. Those used come from the bark of the stem of the kola tree, genus CL present in the humid forest of ebemewoman 2, which is a town located in southern Cameroon.…”

“…It belongs to the Sterculiaceae family. It is an undergrowth shrub reaching 15 m in height and 25 cm in diameter; bole bumpy, sparsely branched crown; its particularity is its bark: gray-green to brown, its right section shows a whitish slice with brown-yellow lines and exuding a yellowish secretion [13]. This coloration is observed on the raw fibers extracted from the latter.…”