Chapter 15 - Emerging research trends in new natural fibers—some insights

Abstract

The chapter analyzes the new types of natural fibers and explores their prospects for varied applications and possible substitutes for existing fibers. Lotus fibers extracted from lotus stem has been characterized by various methods. The crystallinity, crystallite index, cellulose content, and moisture regain of the fiber are determined. The initial modulus, yield point, and specific work before and after the yield point of palm and ramie fibers are also determined. Palm fiber showed remarkable yield characteristics. The crystallinity index of ramie fibers was higher than that of palm fibers, which considerably influenced the mechanical behavior of the fibers. The distinctive tensile properties of palm fiber may endow its potential application in industrial areas. The surface and cross-sectional features of pig hair fibers have been evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The cross-section of pig fiber is modeled into an ellipse and the elliptical features of the fiber are correlated with its tensile properties. Attempt has been made to extract sunhemp fiber from stalks of sumhemp plants which are considered as agricultural waste after harvesting seeds. Urea-treated sunhemp stalks give relatively longer, finer, and stronger fibers than the compost culture treated and control stalks. Comprehensive characterization of spadix fiber has been done to examine its morphological, physical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. High cellulose content of the fiber provides better strength and ensures better bonding with the matrix. Moreover, the low density of the fiber makes it alternative for hazardous synthetic fiber. The new fibers explored show prospects for varied applications and also offer possible substitutes for some commercially used fibers and are a step toward sustainability.