Characterization of a new cellulose fiber extracted from Syagrus Romanzoffiana rachis as a potential reinforcement in biocomposites materials

Abstract

New cellulosic fibers collected from the rachis of Syagrus Romanzoffiana (SR) have been identified as potential reinforcement materials for biocomposites. The morphological, physical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of these fibers were studied for the first time using several techniques, as well as applying a water absorption test to evaluate their absorption behavior. SEM images of the fibers revealed a dense population of fiber cells. TGA analyses proved that the fiber was resistant to temperatures of up to 352 °C. XRD revealed the presence of cellulose with a crystallinity index of 40.81% and a crystal size of 11.4 nm. Fourier-transform - IR measurement successfully identified the major chemical groups and molecular structures. While the average tensile strength of the fibers was 671 MPa, the strain at the failure rate was 1.84%, and the Young's modulus was 415 GPa, their distribution necessitated analysis via a statistical Weibull distribution with two parameters (ML method). Considering the outcomes of the tests mentioned above, it is possible to consider Syagrus Romanzoffiana fibers (SRFs) as a possible reinforcement in biocomposites materials for lightweight applications in various industries.