Natural Cellulose Fibers Research Articles

Humidity Response of Cellulose Thin Films.

Cellulose–water interactions are crucial to understand biological processes as well as to develop tailor made cellulose-based products. However, the main challenge to study these interactions is the diversity of natural cellulose fibers and alterations in their supramolecular structure. Here, we study the humidity response of different, well-defined, ultrathin cellulose films as a function of industrially relevant treatments using different techniques. As treatments, drying at elevated temperature, swelling, and swelling followed by drying at elevated temperatures were chosen. The cellulose films were prepared by spin coating a soluble cellulose derivative, trimethylsilyl cellulose, onto solid substrates followed by conversion to cellulose by HCl vapor. For the highest investigated humidity levels (97%), the layer thickness increased by ca. 40% corresponding to the incorporation of 3.6 molecules of water per anhydroglucose unit (AGU), independent of the cellulose source used. The aforementioned treatments affected this ratio significantly with drying being the most notable procedure (2.0 and 2.6 molecules per AGU). The alterations were investigated in real time with X-ray reflectivity and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, equipped with a humidity module to obtain information about changes in the thickness, roughness, and electron density of the films and qualitatively confirmed using grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering measurements using synchrotron irradiation.

MoS2 nanoflowers decorated natural fiber-derived hollow carbon microtubes for boosting perfluorooctanoic acid degradation

Calotropis gigantea fiber (CGF) is a natural cellulose fiber with thin-walled large lumen. Benefitted from its unique structure, CGF was utilized here as a bio-template for the fabrication of hollow carbon microtubes using a facile hydrothermal method, and simultaneously, nano-sized MoS2 flowers were in-situ generated along the inner and outside surfaces of carbonized fiber microtubes, forming MoS2 nanoflowers decorated biochar MoS2/CGB. Coupled with dual active centers from non-metallic biochar and metallic MoS2, MoS2/CGB was then used for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), one emerging pollutant that had received wide attention in recent years. The experimental results indicated that at room temperature and pH 3.0, MoS2/CGB exhibited the degradation efficiency of 79.6% for PFOA, and removal percentage of 50.7% for total organic carbon. During the degradation process, the free radical (SO4•−/•OH) and non-radical (1O2) routes coexisted, and the amount of SO4•− was about 9 times that of •OH. Combined with mass spectrometry, the possible degradation pathway of PFOA was proposed as transforming into short chained C2- to C5-containing carboxylic acids. With Vibrio fischeri as an indicator, the acute toxicity of PFOA solution and intermediates was evaluated, with the inhibition rate decreased from 27.6% to 4.5%. Finally, MoS2/CGB had the ability not only for removing perfluorinated compounds with different carbon chain lengths, but also for catalytically degrading PFOA in tap water and Yellow River water. This work provides plant fiber-based sustainable catalyst for potential application in PMS-based system for boosting PFOA degradation.

High-performance cotton fabric-based supercapacitors consisting of polypyrrole/Ag/graphene oxide nanocomposite prepared via UV-induced polymerization

Cotton fabric (CF) fabricated by natural cellulose fibers has porous structure, abundant hydrophilic hydroxyl groups and good mechanical flexibility, which is a promising substrate for flexible fabric-based supercapacitors. Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were fixed on the CF by vacuum filtration, and then the pyrrole monomers and silver ions (Ag+) were adsorbed to the surface of GO/CF by π-π and electrostatic interactions, respectively. Polypyrrole/silver (PPy/Ag) nanoparticles were generated on the surface of GO/CF via in situ UV-induced polymerization, forming the flexible PPy/Ag/GO/CF electrodes. The electrodes combine three active materials (PPy, Ag and GO), which show good electrochemical performance. The electrode prepared under optimum conditions (UV irradiation time: 120 min; mass loading of GO on the CF: 3 mg cm−2) exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1664.0 mF cm−2. The flexible symmetric quasi-solid-state fabric-based supercapacitor (QFSC) based on the optimum electrode also keeps superior electrochemical performance and excellent mechanical flexibility, which has a great application prospect for wearable energy storage devices.

Natural Cellulosic Fiber Reinforced Concrete: Influence of Fiber Type and Loading Percentage on Mechanical and Water Absorption Performance.

The paper reports experimental research regarding the mechanical characteristics of concrete reinforced with natural cellulosic fibers like jute, sisal, sugarcane, and coconut. Each type of natural fiber, with an average of 30 mm length, was mixed with a concrete matrix in varying proportions of 0.5% to 3% mass. The tensile and compressive strength of the developed concrete samples with cellulosic fiber reinforcement gradually increased with the increasing proportion of natural cellulosic fibers up to 2%. A further increase in fiber loading fraction results in deterioration of the mechanical properties. By using jute and sisal fiber reinforcement, about 11.6% to 20.2% improvement in tensile and compressive strength, respectively, was observed compared to plain concrete, just by adding 2% of fibers in the concrete mix. Bending strength increased for the natural fiber-based concrete with up to 1.5% fiber loading. However, a decrease in bending strength was observed beyond 1.5% loading due to cracks at fiber−concrete interface. The impact performance showed gradual improvement with natural fiber loading of up to 2%. The water absorption capacity of natural cellulosic fiber reinforced concrete decreased substantially; however, it increased with the loading percent of fibers. The natural fiber reinforced concrete can be commercially used for interior or exterior pavements and flooring slabs as a sustainable construction material for the future.

Physico Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Natural Cellulosic Water Hyacinth Fiber and Its Composites

ABSTRACT Physicochemical and mechanical characterization of Water Hyacinth (WH) fiber was reported in this paper. Compression molding technique is used to fabricate WH fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. The chemical analysis indicates that the WH fiber contains higher percentage of cellulose and lignin content and lesser amount of ash and wax content. Structure of WH fiber shown from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. Four different ratio’s of fiber and epoxy resin were used to fabricate the composites (25:75, 30:70, 35:65, 40:60), first two digit mention the fiber content and last two digit are mention resin. The result shows that at 35 wt.% of the fiber content in the composite provides a better improvement in properties. Results shown from the SEM depicts that the reason for fiber breakage, matrix fracture and pull-out of fiber is mechanical failure which stands as main mechanism. It stands as victim that WH fiber-reinforced composites can be used in various industrial applications.

Tapioca starch/PVA plastic films with water hyacinth powder: Enhanced stability in direct contact with moisture

Thermoplastic starch/polyvinyl alcohol (TS/PVA) composite is high potential plastic material but its applications are restricted owing to its strong hydrophilicity. In this study, different amounts of cellulosic fibers in the form of powder were added to TS/PVA blend with the aim of slowing down the biodegradation rate of TS/PVA films in an environment with direct moisture contact. Water hyacinth as waste biomass is considered as a readily available and low-cost source of natural cellulosic fibers. Water hyacinth powder (WHp) was prepared from fresh water hyacinth leaves and petioles with bleaching as the only treatment carried out. TS/PVA films were prepared by sol–gel casting. A preliminary study revealed that the [7:20]-TS/PVA films containing 7% w/v of tapioca starch and 20% w/w (of starch dry weight) PVA are of highest potential in term of tensile properties. A series of [7:20/x]-TS/PVA/WHp films were prepared, where “x” refers to the percentage by weight of WHp (with respect to starch dry weight) added to the TS/PVA blend and ranges from 10, 15, 20 to 25%. It is found that, although the addition of WHp results in inferior tensile properties, the films’ elasticities are partially recovered when higher amount of WHp is added. Differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed that glass transition temperatures of the films with WHp additive is slightly higher than that of the film without the additive. The best tensile properties are observed in the [7:20/20]-TS/PVA/WHp films with the ultimate tensile strength of 14.20 ± 0.08 MPa. The resistances of the [7:20/x]-TS/PVA/WHp films to biodegradation in direct contact with moisture were assessed by burying in moisture-rich soil for weeks. All of the [7:20/x]-TS/PVA/WHp films are biodegradable but degrades at significantly slower rate than that observed in the [7:20]-TS/PVA films. The 2-week cumulative extent of biodegradation of the [7:20/20]-TS/PVA/WHp films reduces to 54.91%. From fabrication perspective, the incorporation of WHp at 20% w/w enhances the films’ stabilities against moisture to the greatest extent while retains usable elasticity for a range of applications.

Assessment of natural cellulosic fibers derived from agricultural by-product

Algeria is among the countries which have extraordinary plant fiber resources (palm tree, Date cores, Alfa Abaca, Hemp, Cotton, olive Husk, etc.). Plant fibers can enable materials industries to reduce their dependence on petroleum, favor to their mechanical properties, low density, thermal resistance, surface properties, and biodegradability. The incorporation of this into a mixture of polymers, for example, improves the properties of the matrix and by the same to recover cellulosic waste. The objective of this work is to study the chemical composition of lignocellulosic flours which are: Date Core (DC), Olive Husk (OH) and Argan Nut Shells (ANSh). With a study of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the thermogravimetric characterization ATG/DTG.The results of the chemical composition obtained have enabled us to observe that the cellulose level is minimal for the average DC and OH compared to ANSh, as long as the level of hemicellulose varies in the opposite direction, and for the lignin it is practically the same for the three fours. ATG/DTG thermogravimetric analysis found that Argan Nut Shells are the most thermally stable followed by olive husk and finally date cores.

Moringa Oleifera as Fibrous Raw Material for Production of Handmade Paper and Packaging Materials

The aim of this research paper is to find suitability of wood chips of Moringa Oleifera tree for paper and packaging materials as this plant is cultivated in large area of India and many other tropical and sub-tropical areas for its products like drum stick, leaves and seeds. Again, the tree is trimmed every year for better quality of its products. But the tree branches cut are mostly used as fuel material, so this biomass can be better utilized in production of natural cellulosic fibers having good fiber length and used in paper and packaging materials production. The study assessed the fiber characteristics of Moringa oleifera branches for pulp and paper production. Samples are collected from Moringa oleifera trees grown in nearby areas of Sangrur, Punjab. Moringa Oleifera has potential for the Paper Making as it has good fiber length, fiber length to diameter ratio, flexibility and very low percentage of ash. This is supported by relevant analysis of raw material along with several with testing of paper hand sheet samples prepared in paper technology lab. The plant has several medicinal, antibacterial, antioxidant properties, which can be further explored for making specialty paper and packaging materials. This beneficiation of the moringa tree biomass will increase the income of farmers and provide a new potential fibrous raw material for pulp and paper industries which is facing scarcity of good fiber length lignocellulosic raw materials.

POTENTIAL OF RICE STRAW AS A NATURAL FIBER MATERIAL FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

Cellulose is a material used in producing natural fibers, which is more environmentally friendly than synthetic fibers. Rice straw waste contains much cellulose and has potential as natural fiber. However, before the natural cellulose fiber is extracted from the rice straw, it must pass through several processes, such as chemicals or nuclear radiation, especially during the pretreatment process. Furthermore, the resulting natural fibers are utilized to replace synthetic fibers for use as raw materials in manufacturing several commercial products. This review describes a process that can be applied to manufacture natural fibers from rice straw and commercial products made from natural cellulose fibers.

Effect of silane treatments on mechanical performance of kenaf fibre reinforced polymer composites: a review

Natural cellulosic fibres, such as kenaf, can be used in polymeric composites in place of synthetic fibres. The rapid depletion of synthetic resources such as petroleum and growing awareness of global environmental problems associated with synthetic products contribute to the acceptance of natural fibres as reinforcing material in polymer composite structures. In Africa and Asia, kenaf is considered a major crop used for various cordage products such as rope, twine, and burlap and in construction, it is used for thermal insulation of walls, floors, and roofs and soundproofing solutions. In the furniture and automotive industry, it is used to manufacture medium-density fibreboard and other composite materials for structural applications. Kenaf is primarily composed of cellulose (approximately 40%–80%), which accounts for its superior mechanical performance. Kenaf fibres are chemically treated before mixing with the polymer matrix to improve their fibre interaction and composite performance. The alkaline treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution is the most frequently used chemical treatment, followed by a silane treatment. Numerous chemical concentrations of NaOH and silane solutions are investigated and several combined treatments such as alkaline-silane. The present review discusses the effect of silane treatments on the surface of kenaf fibre on the fabrication of polymer composites and their mechanical properties.

Extraction and Characterization of Natural Cellulosic Fiber from Pandanus amaryllifolius Leaves.

Pandanus amaryllifolius is a member of Pandanaceae family and is abundant in south-east Asian countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and India. In this study, Pandanus amaryllifolius fibres were extracted via a water retting extraction process and were investigated as potential fibre reinforcement in polymer composite. Several tests were carried out to investigate the characterization of Pandanus amaryllifolius fibre such as chemical composition analysis which revealed Pandanus amaryllifolius fibre’s cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content of 48.79%, 19.95% and 18.64% respectively. Material functional groups were analysed by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis confirming the presence of cellulose and amorphous substances in the fibre. The morphology of extracted Pandanus amaryllifolius fibre was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Further mechanical behaviour of fibre was investigated using a single fibre test with 5 kN cell load and tensile strength was found to be 45.61 ± 16.09 MPa for an average fibre diameter of 368.57 ± 50.47 μm. Meanwhile, moisture content analysis indicated a 6.00% moisture absorption rate of Pandanus amaryllifolius fibre. The thermogravimetric analysis justified the thermal stability of Pandanus amaryllifolius fibre up to 210 °C, which is within polymerization process temperature conditions. Overall, the finding shows that Pandanus amaryllifolius fibre may be used as alternative reinforcement particularly for a bio-based polymer matrix.

Effect of Alkali Treatment on the Mechanical Property of Natural Fiber in a Concrete-A Mini Review

Ongoing studies show that an effective demand for using natural fibers as a substitution of an artificial fiber in fiber-reinforced composites formation has increased their applicability in an industrial area worldwide. The hydrophobic nature of natural fiber makes week adhesion among the cellulose fiber and matrix components; these problems are usually encountered in fiber-reinforced composites production. To overcome such a limitation of a cellulose fiber, specific physical and chemical treatment strategies were advised by researchers around the world for surface modification of natural cellulose fibers. One of the most basic and efficient surface modification approaches adopted today by the researchers was alkali treatment, widely used in natural fiber composites formation. This technique effectively improved the Mechanical property of natural cellulose fiber, such as tensile strength and flexural properties, while the impact strength result was reduced.

Extraction and characterization of natural cellulosic fiber from fragrant screw pine prop roots as potential reinforcement for polymer composites

AbstractBiodegradable natural plant fiber isolated from the prop roots of fragrant screwpine (FSP) plant has been thoroughly studied as a potential replacement for artificial fiber in light weight bio‐based composite applications. Chemical, physical, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermo gravimetric studies were used to determine the appropriateness of FSP fiber for use as a novel reinforcement. FSP fibers were determined to have a density of 1.3852 g/cm3 and a diameter of 27–280 μm respectively. Good specific strength and bonding qualities are provided by a high cellulose content (73.10 wt%) and a low wax content (0.35 wt%). The tensile strength of raw FSP fiber was 915 ± 195 MPa, the young's modulus was 33 ± 12 GPa, and the average strain to failure rate was 4.59 ± 2.17%. Thermal analysis (TG and DTG) confirmed FSP fiber's thermal stability up to 235°C. The findings revealed that FSP fiber (FSPF) is an excellent alternative for constructing polymer‐based bio‐composites and other high‐value products with both technical and environmental requirements.

Characterization and analysis of novel natural cellulosic fiber extracted from Strelitzia reginae plant

The purpose of this study is to evaluate in detail the usability of new cellulosic fibers extracted from the stem of the plant Strelitzia reginae, as a potential reinforcement for polymer composites. The morphological, physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of fibers were addressed for the first time in this paper. Both untreated and alkali-treated fibers were characterized, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical microscope, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and applying tensile test for determining the mechanical behavior. For both fiber treated at one hour (T1H) and at four hours (T4H), the stem anatomy and fiber SEM micrographs showed a strong presence of fiber cells. Thermogravimetry and DSC showed that the fiber was thermally stable up to 233°C for untreated fiber, 254 and 240°C, respectively, In single-fiber tensile tests, it was observed that the fibers extracted from the stem of Strelitzia reginae were strong. The mean values of Young’s modulus exhibited by untreated fibers and treated (T1H) and (T4H) are, respectively, 9.89 GPa, 12.08, and 18.39 GPa. Also mean values of tensile strength are 271.79, 306.23, and 421.39 MPa. The XRD reveals the presence of cellulose with a Crystallinity Index of 70% for raw fiber and 72% for the treated one. Fourier-transform infrared analysis well demonstrated the effect of chemical treatment. It can be concluded from the results of all above experiments that the Strelitzia reginae fibers (SR) could serve as a possible reinforcement in composite materials.

Single fiber swelling behavior for natural and man-made cellulose fibers under alkaline treatment

Swelling behavior of cotton, dissolving wood pulp (DWP), viscose staple fiber, and Tencel staple fiber in varying sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration were investigated by means of optical microscopy and were characterized by molecular mass distribution, X-ray diffractometer, and dynamic vapor sorption. The effect of temperature (20–45 °C) and duration (0–120 min) was studied. The results reveal that the swelling ratio of fiber in alkali solution depends on fiber accessibility and NaOH concentration. Viscose staple fiber exhibited the highest swelling ratio and lowest swelling ratio observed for dissolving wood pulp fiber among all the materials. The cotton or DWP fibers provide maximum swelling during alkaline steeping (18wt % lye) at higher temperatures, i.e., 45 °C. As for viscose staple fiber and Tencel staple fiber, using 12 wt% lye concentration and steeping at lower temperatures, i.e., 20 °C maximum swelling behavior.

Effect of Alkali Treatment on the Structure and Properties of Natural Cellulose Fibers from Areca Cathechu Shells

ABSTRACT Natural cellulose fibers with high cellulose and lignin content and elongation as high as 45% similar to that of coir were extracted from the shells of Areca cathechu for potential use for composite, textile and other applications. Areca shells are removed to obtain the nuts and are disposed as waste with no significant value. The shells are lignocellulosic in nature and have antioxidant properties and usefulfor medical applications. Some attempts have been made to utilize the shells as reinforcement for composites, conversion into carbon etc. In this research, we have subject areca shells to extensive alkali treatment to obtain cellulose rich fibers. Alkali treatment resulted in compositional, structural and morphological changes to the fibers depending on the concentration of alkali and treatment time. Tensile strength increased from 23 to 59 MPa and elongation from 34% to 45%. Although, there was no major change in the composition of the fibers, the diameter of the fibers decreased by about 50% and thermal stability showed substantial improvement. Morphological changes included increase in pores and surface appearance. Fibers obtained in this research show potential for composite and other applications. Using areca nut shells for fibrous applications could lead to substantial value addition and eventual use of the shells as sustainable sources for materials and products.

Characterization of Optimally Alkali-treated Natural Cellulosic Fiber Extracted from the Stem of Cissus Vitiginea Plant

ABSTRACT New novel natural fibers are being identified and reported to the research community in the recent decades. Selective techniques to modify the properties of natural fibers have also been focused and investigated. In the present work, Cissus vitiginea stem fibers (CVSF) have been chosen and optimally treated using aqueous alkali solution and tested for the improvement in the The treated C. vitiginea has been characterized to report the essential properties such as physical properties, crystalline properties, chemical composition, thermal stability characteristics, etc., The chemical composition analysis revealed that the cellulose contents in the treated CVSF has been increased by 10.71% after the treatment. The crystallinity index value of the treated CVSF (38.43%) got improved by 26% over the raw fibers as a result of the alkali treatment. The tensile strength of the treated CVSF has been reported as 376.4 ± 13 MPa. The elimination of the wax and other impurities from the surface of the fibers has been confirmed using the SEM micrographs. The results of all the carried out experimentation confirmed that the properties of the CVSF have got significantly improved, and the treated CVSF can be suggested to be used for making thermo and thermo set plastic green composites.

Extraction and characterization of novel ultrastrong and tough natural cellulosic fiber bundles from manau rattan (Calamus manan)

Natural fibers are an ideal choice for fabricating advanced functional materials. In this study, novel ultrastrong and tough natural cellulosic fiber bundles (RFs) extracted from vascular tissues of manau rattan stems were obtained. The physical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, crystallographic, and morphological characteristics of RFs with different diameters were analyzed. The chemical composition analysis showed that more cellulose and less lignin existed in thinner RFs. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that manau rattan was mainly composed of vascular bundles, consisting of xylem, parenchyma, and run-through thicker tracheids. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the RFS had higher crystallinity (51.7 %) than RFM (49.7 %) and RFL (47.7 %). The rattan fiber bundles showed simultaneously enhanced tensile strength (170.2 for RFSvs. 65.6 MPa for RFL) and toughness (31.6 for RFSvs. 16.7 MJ/m3 for RFL) as diameter decreased. Tensile strength and toughness were 482.6 MPa and 79.9 MJ/m3 when RF diameter decreased to 0.15 mm. These findings suggested that these RFs will play a promising role in the field of nano-advanced functional materials.

Characterization of natural cellulosic fiber isolated from Malaysian Cymbopogan citratus leaves

A novel natural fiber derived from the Cymbopogan citratus plant was investigated for the first time. The characterization of the C. citratus fibers was conducted, and the chemical composition and physical, thermal, mechanical, crystallinity, and morphological characteristics were studied. The chemical composition analysis of Cymbopogan citratus fiber revealed that the suggested fiber was rich in cellulose contents (37.6%). The tensile test of C. citratus fiber demonstrated the fiber’s average tensile strength of 43.81 ± 15.27 MPa and modulus of elasticity of 1.046 ± 0.33 GPa. Further analysis with X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that the crystallinity index of Cymbopogan citratus fiber was 35.2%, and the crystalline size was estimated as 4.28 nm. The Cymbopogan citratus fiber’s thermal stability was investigated via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and observed to be thermally stable (230 °C). A morphological investigation was employed on the fiber via a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The morphological study result exhibited that the fiber had a perforated and rough surface with the lumen in the center. Thus, the findings revealed that the Cymbopogan citratus fiber was a promising potential reinforcement for thermoplastic green composite applications.

Larvicidal efficacy of temephos impregnated onto kenaf cellulose nanofibre to control Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae

Larviciding is an effective control method in managing mosquito-borne diseases. However, most of the current larvicide formulations have raised environmental concerns due to the presence of non-biodegradable inert or carrier materials. Therefore, the utilisation of biodegradable natural cellulosic fibres has created much attention. This study aims to evaluate the application of biodegradable kenaf cellulose nanofibre (KCNF) in larvicide formulation where the larvicide, namely temephos, is impregnated onto the fibre matrix (KCNF+T). The bioefficacy of the formulation was evaluated against Aedes aegypti ( A. aegypti) mosquito larvae. The presence of the temephos on the KCNF was evaluated through micro- morphological analysis using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM), while the quantity of temephos impregnated, released, and retained on the fibres upon dispersion in water were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It was observed that 97% of the temephos (0.1 mg) were impregnated on the KCNF. Upon dispersion in water, 53% of the temephos were released from the KCNF+T and the retention of temephos on the KCNF+T gradually decreased to 30%, 17%, and 7% on the first, third, and fifth month, respectively. Exposure of the A. aegypti larvae to the KCNF+T at concentrations ranging between 0.006 to 0.01 mg/L was effective in killing A. aegypti larvae at 17-25 folds as compared to using the temephos without KCNF. Microscopic examination revealed the accumulation of the KCNF on the larval appendages. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the utilisation of KCNF in pesticide formulation is an effective way of delivering the temephos to control A. aegypti mosquito larva.