Extraction and Characterization of Bismarck Palm Fibres

Abstract

Objectives: A novel natural cellulose bismarck palm fibre (BPF) has been discovered and extracted from the leaf stalk of its tree. Physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal characterizations have been conducted in this current study. Methods: A water retting method was employed for the extraction of BPFs. The diameter of BPF was assessed using an optical microscope image analyzer. A single fibre tensile test method was employed to calculate the tensile strength of BPF. The thermal behaviour of BPF was evaluated using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). A scanning electron microscope was utilized to evaluate the surface morphological structure of the BPF. Findings: The BPF has a fibre fineness of 819 denier, a mean diameter of 0.3636 mm, a density of 0.98 g/cc, cellulose content of 70.71%, hemi cellulose of 34.89%, lignin of 12.88%, wax of 0.30%, ash of 2.13 %, moisture of 10.80 %, pectin of 3.08 %, a mean breaking tensile strength of 904 MPa, mean breaking elongation of 6.4 %, and Young’s modulus of 28.6 GPa, respectively. It is evident that the thermal analysis of BPF was thermally sustainable up to 268 ◦C. The results ensure that the BPF is the anticipated reinforcement of fibre-reinforced composite materials. SEM images revealed that cross section of BPF sample and rugged surface along the length of the fibre. Novelty: The higher cellulose percentage content of BPF samples has significantly shown better mechanical behaviour and thermal stability. This characterization evidenced that it is an outstanding alternative natural cellulose fibre for Eleusine indica grass fibres, Saccharum Bengalense fibres, Leucas Aspera fibres, Catharanthus roseus fibres, and Tridax procumbens fibres and also for synthetic fibres. Keywords: Bismarck palm fibre; Natural cellulose fibre; Extraction; Characterization; Tensile strength