Serious Environmental Threat Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Plant Natural Fibers: Different Extraction Methods and Morphological Properties for Polymer Composite Applications

Abstract

The aim of this research is to explore the different types of water hyacinth plant fiber extraction methods, as well as the effects of several extraction methods to obtain appropriate hyacinth fibers. During this research, we first tried several extraction methods, such as the conventional retting process, manual extraction method, hot water extraction method, and chemical hot water boiling method. Nevertheless, in all cases, the fiber quantity produced by this method is very low, while the quality of the fiber surface is harmed. An automated machine with the help of a bare motor is then used to perform the extraction process through mechanical means. The goal of the hyacinth fiber production process is to produce a much higher quantity of good-quality fiber. Only mechanical extraction is capable of accomplishing this goal. A mechanically extracted fiber has a cellulosic content of 65 to 68%, and a hemicellulose content of 35%, as well as a lignin content of 2.56% and moisture content of 0.215%. Water hyacinth fibers measure 45 to 65 cm long, 150 mm wide, and have a density of 1.226 grams per cubic centimeter. Specifically, the results showed that the fiber surface conditions had an impact on the optimum length of the hyacinth fiber.