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The viability of using cellulosic Cymbopogon flexuosus root (CFR) fiber waste from the industry as a reinforcing material in a polyester-reinforced composite was investigated. Initially, CFR anatomy, mechanical, thermal, physio-chemical, morphological, and spectroscopy behaviors were investigated. Spectroscopy and chemical analysis were evidence for the richness of cellulose content (74.33%) in the fiber which reflected in increased tensile strength of 315.22 ± 61.72 MPa and thermal stability 272.31 C. Fiber reinforcement was varied from 0 to 50 wt% at random orientation and mechanical, and water absorption properties were correlated with the glass fiber reinforced composite of the same weight percentage. The composite with a 40% fiber combination has an enhancement in mechanical, morphological, and thermal characterization. This comprehensive study confirms the usage of this bio-material in replacing harmful synthetic material in structural, marine and mechanical industrial applications.

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In this research article, a leftover of Cymbopogon flexuosus stem (CFS) collected from the oil extraction industry was examined for its ability as a reinforcing agent in a polymer composite. Anatomical, morphological, physical, chemical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the CFS fiber were examined. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of higher amount of cellulose (68.13%), which offers better bonding properties and higher tensile strength (431.19 ± 23.96 MPa). Moreover, the density of the fiber (1270 kg/m3) found using physical analysis was less than that of synthetic fibers, which paves a path in replacing hazardous synthetic fiber. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectrum spectroscopy analyses were conducted to study the functional groups of the extracted CFS fiber. The thermal stability (253.17°C), activation energy (73.01 kJ/mol), and maximum degradation temperature (345.08°C) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the semi-crystalline nature of the fiber with crystallinity index (46.02%) and crystallite size (13.96 nm). The CFS had a smooth surface, as conformed by an atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscope analysis. Altogether, this study highlights the feasibility of leftover CFS fiber residue as reinforcement in biopolymer matrices replacing synthetic fiber.