Fiber Extraction and Characterization from Typha Domingensis

Abstract

ABSTRACT In recent years, the use of natural fibers has become highly popular in industrial textile applications. Typha domingensis (TD), a naturally growing plant under wetland conditions characterized by its high-quality leaf and seed fibers. An attempt was made to extract and characterize fibers from its leaves and seeds by water retting. The fibers obtained from the leaves were continuous, more than 0.9 m long, possess high tensile strength and modulus whereas, seed fibers were feathery and porous. The morphological, mechanical, chemical properties, and crystalline structure of both the fibers were analyzed. The scanning electron microscopic studies showed that typha fiber surface is smooth, fine, and circular in cross-section. The crystalline and chemical properties were very close to that of cellulosic fibers. This research has shown the possibility of using biodegradable TD leaf and TD seed fibers in the manufacturing of technical textiles and composites.