Extraction and characterization of novel lignocellulosic fibers from Centaurea hyalolepis plant as a potential reinforcement for composite materials

Abstract

The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the use of new lignocellulosic fiber extracted from Centaurea hyalolepis plant as a potential reinforcement for light-weight composite applications. In this study, anatomical structure and morphological surface of Centaurea hyalolepis fiber were conducted. The physical-chemical, thermal, crystalline,mechanical, characteristics of extracted fibers were also examined using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and tensile test. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of the main components of lignocellulosic fiber (lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose). XRD revealed the presence of cellulose with a crystallinity index of 57.93%.By densimetry, the density of Centaurea hyalolepis was determined as 1.13 g/cm3. The Centaurea hyalolepis was found to be thermally stable up to 271°C. The kinetic activation energy was determined as 115.943 kJ/mol. Tensile tests revealed that the mean tensile strength and Young’s modulus of Centaurea hyalolepis fiber were about 372,5 MPa and 9.036 GPa respectively. Because of the dispersion in the experimental tensile results, the Weibull statistical analysis with two parameters was carried out. Regard these findings, the Centaurea hyalolepis fibers can be a suitable candidate for low density polymeric composites reinforcement.