Abstract
Tururi (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.) is a non-woven sac, which protects the fruits of the Amazon Ubuçu palm tree. The aim of this study was to use fibers withdrawn from these sacs and from sac strips – in the natural condition and after discoloration – to determine tensile, weight and regain values; additionally, longitudinal and cross-sections were studied using optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was carried out. The tensile results of fibers withdrawn from the sacs were 10·5 ± 2% elongation, 18 ± 3·2 cN/tex (175 ± 31 MPa) tenacity and 3·4 ± 0·5 N/tex (33 ± 5 GPa) Young’s modulus. These values, in addition to regain (12·0 ± 0·5%) and cross-microscopy, are compatible with those of other lignocellulosic fibers. The results related to the strips were 5·9 ± 1% elongation, 17·6 ± 7·8 MPa strength and 552 ± 288 MPa Young’s modulus. There was no significant statistical variation between the tensile characteristics of the fibrous material in the natural condition and after discoloration. The determined weight value was 182 ± 18 g/m2. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Finally, considerations about sustainable extraction and technical applications (in handcrafts and composites) of tururi fibrous material were made, presenting its potential to be employed in products, such as utensils, furniture, flooring or construction.
Highlights
The Amazon forest biome has one of the greatest biodiversities in the world.[1]
The objective of the present study is to present a physicochemical characterization of the fibrous material that composes the tururi sac in order to determine the values of tensile strength, weight and regain; longitudinal and cross-sections were studied using optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was carried out
Other fibers employed in the present study originated from the leaves of the following plants: (a) curaua (Ananas erectifolius) provided by the Federal University of Amazonas, produced in that Brazilian state, and (b) sisal (Agave sisalana) purchased in São Paulo City, originating from Bahia State
Summary
The Amazon forest biome has one of the greatest biodiversities in the world.[1] The Ubuçu palm tree (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.) is a native of this region (Figure 1(a)). The palm tree fruit bunches are protected by an enclosure (bag or sac) formed by a fibrous, flexible and durable structure, known as tururi (Figure 1(b)). The Ubuçu palm is native to Central America, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana and Brazil (Amazon). In Brazil, it is found mainly in the states of Amazonas, Para and Amapa. In these states, the palm is abundant in lowland forests and islands. The palm tree stipe is 3–4 m high, while the palm tree in its entirety reaches 3–6 m It grows vertically with a wavy surface and 30 cm in dia. Harvesting is done seasonally from December to February.[5]
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