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

Abstract

The demand of plant fibers is increasing day by day due to the worldwide acceptance of natural plant fibers for various applications in a variety of sectors. However, the identification of suitable plant fibers with superior properties is the need of the hour in the context of developing more eco-friendly, renewable, cost-effective, and fiber-based materials. This study was designed with the intention of identifying suitability of Ficus benjamina L. aerial root fiber (FBRF) as a potential reinforcement for composite structures. The fundamental physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological features were investigated to explore the potentiality of FBRF. This study was advantageous in finding the occurrence of fiber in aerial root, fiber position, and characteristics of fibrous cells. The density analysis proved that the fiber possessed a relatively low density (1175 ± 22.14 kg/m 3 ), which shows its lightweight applicability. High cellulose content (64.48%) and crystallinity index (55.17%) observed for tested fibers in turn enhanced the thermal and mechanical behavior of the fiber. The tensile strength of 292.66 ± 12.32 MPa and thermal stability of 330 C were worthy for considering it for high-temperature processing and applications. The investigation of surface properties revealed that FBRF partake good surface roughness, which offers good fiber-matrix interfacial bonding. Hence, this study endorses further use of FBRF as a good reinforcement for composite manufacturing.

Response of extreme environmental aging on the novel Moringa stenopetala husk fiber/epoxy composites: Understanding the characteristics and thermokinetic behavior

“…Studies investigated by Wan et al, Wang et al and Mohan et al show the similar findings. [ 68–70 ] According to Table 2's chemical constituents of the MS husk fiber are compared to certain other novel fibers, husks and seeds. [ 71–84 ] The cellulose content of MS husk is more analogous to the attributes of soybean, [ 83 ] pumpkin, [ 85 ] hazelnut, [ 86 ] groundnut, [ 87 ] almond, [ 88 ] and coconut husk fibers.…”

“…Studies investigated by Wan et al, Wang et al and Mohan et al show the similar findings. [68][69][70] According to and seeds. [71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84] The cellulose content of MS husk is more analogous to the attributes of soybean, [83] pumpkin, [85] hazelnut, [86] groundnut, [87] almond, [88] and coconut husk fibers.…”

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

“…However, for NaOH-treated A. indicum fibres, it shows the better thermal degradation at the range of 335-363 °C. In similar manner, Mohan et al [71] experimented with Ficus benjamina aerial root treated with 5% NaOH and determined that the degradation temperature is about 346 °C, consequently enhancing its thermal stability. Likewise, Babu et al [72] investigated the behavior of Phaseolus vulgaris fibres (PVF) under varying temperatures.…”

“…The findings suggest that alkali treatment removes waxy layers and other impurities on the surface of the fibres, resulting in better thermal stability. Similarly, Divya et al [73] explored the thermal stability of the novel Furcraea selloa and stated that this fibre is more thermally stable (up to 365.8 °C) than A. indicum [70], F. benjamina [71], and PVF [72] due to the presence of secondary metabolites in F. selloa; the fibre is more thermally stable.…”

“…The final stage, which occurred between 275 °C and 400 °C, was characterized by the breakdown of cellulose and lignin in APFs. The researchers concluded that the thermal stability of APFs was higher than other novel natural fibres, such as N. grass, Prosopis juliflora, Lygeum spartum, A. indicum [70], F. benjamina [71], PVF [72], F. selloa [73], and F. foetida. Furthermore, they found that alkali-treated fibres had significantly higher thermal stability than untreated fibres.…”