Abstract
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed in 2005 that Ugandan bark cloth is largely produced from mutuba tree (Ficus natalensis) as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.” An exploratory investigation of bark cloth a nonwoven material produced through a series of pummeling processes from mutuba tree in Uganda is fronted as a prospective engineering natural fabric. Bark cloth was obtained from Ficus natalensis trees in Nsangwa village, Buyijja parish in Mpigi district, Central Uganda. The morphology of the fabric was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). thermal behavior of the fabric was studied using thermagravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the surface functional groups. The fabric was subjected to alkaline treatment for six hours at room temperature in order to study the change in fabric thermal properties so as to set a base for applications in biodegradable composites. Findings show that the natural nonwoven fleece is stable below 200°C; alkaline treatment positively influences the thermal behavior by increasing the onset of cellulose degradation temperature. The fabric morphology showed that it is made up of fairly ordered microfibers which can be beneficial for nanocomposites.
Highlights
Worldwide, researchers are embroiled in a race for niche products whereby industries can boost production processes as well as putting into consideration the laws of sustainability
Nicolet iN10 MX Scanning Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Microscope was used to provide the spectrum of the sample
The front seat drivers of scanning electron microscope (SEM) against optical microscope are that SEM has a high depth of field even at high magnifications
Summary
Researchers are embroiled in a race for niche products whereby industries can boost production processes as well as putting into consideration the laws of sustainability. Value addition of bark cloth through engineering the fabric for probably composite reinforcement will create sustainable development of the rural communities and will once again lead to vibrant communities and increased bark cloth production. The front seat drivers and prospects of bark cloth are because it is a naturally occurring fabric meaning that it is biodegradable, cheap, low-specific weight, and so forth. The fact that it is a natural nonwoven material is advantageous whereby it can be applied as a starting material for heat insulation and composite products. In this study, for the first time we present the microstructure, static, thermal, and mechanical properties of bark cloth
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
