Characterization of New Natural Cellulosic Fiber from <i>Heteropogon Contortus</i> Plant

TLDR

Natural fibers offer a biodegradable alternative to artificial fibers for reinforcing polymer matrices. The study aimed to characterize the physico‑chemical properties of fibers from the Heteropogon contortus plant. The fibers were analyzed by FTIR and TGA for functional groups and thermal stability, and tensile tests measured strength, modulus, and microfibrillar angle. The fibers contain 64.9 wt % cellulose, 19.3 wt % hemicellulose, 13.6 wt % lignin, have a low density of 602 kg m⁻³, and exhibit properties suitable for use as a reinforcement in biocomposites.

Abstract

Natural fibers are one of effective substitute for switching artificial fiber and concentrating to reinforce polymer matrixes due to their decomposable character. This study was implied to realize physico-chemical properties of bio fiber obtained from Heteropogon contortus (HC) plant. Heteropogon contortus fibers (HCFs) had cellulose (64.87 wt. %), hemicellulose (19.34 wt. %), lignin (13.56 wt. %), and low density (602 kg/m3). The chemical functional group of HCFs was established by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal stability of the fiber up to 220°C discovered by thermogravimetric analysis. Further the assets of HCFs proved that it can act as an excellent reinforcement material as a bio composite. Finally, the tensile properties were carried out through single fiber tensile tests, such as tensile strength, tensile modulus and microfibrillar angle.