Biofibres from biofuel industrial byproduct—Pongamia pinnata seed hull

Abstract

BackgroundBiodiesel production using Pongamia pinnata (P. pinnata) seeds results in large amount of unused seed hull. These seed hulls serve as a potential source for cellulose fibres which can be exploited as reinforcement in composites.MethodsThese seed hulls were processed using chlorination and alkaline extraction process in order to isolate cellulose fibres. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analysis demonstrated the morphological changes in the fibre structure.ResultsCellulose microfibres of diameter 6–8 µm, hydrodynamic diameter of 58.4 nm and length of 535 nm were isolated. Thermal stability was enhanced by 70 °C and crystallinity index (CI) by 19.8% ensuring isolation of crystalline cellulose fibres.ConclusionThe sequential chlorination and alkaline treatment stemmed to the isolation of cellulose fibres from P. pinnata seed hull. The isolated cellulose fibres possessed enhanced morphological, thermal, and crystalline properties in comparison with P. pinnata seed hull. These cellulose microfibres may potentially find application as biofillers in biodegradable composites by augmenting their properties.

Millettia pinnata: a study on the extraction of fibers and reinforced composites

“…Some additional peaks can be seen in the untreated stalk diffraction curve, presumably from minerals and impurities present in it. The value of crystallinity obtained in M. pinnata fibers compared to other non-traditional fibers is greater than that of turmeric plant residue (33%) and M. pinnata seed hull (47%), but less than that of Mengkuang leaf fibers (Kargarzadeh et al 2012;Manjula et al 2017;Ilangovan et al 2018b).…”

Metaplexis japonicaseed hair fiber: a member of natural hollow fibers and its characterization

“…However, under wet conditions, the breaking strength and elongation of the single fiber were obviously enhanced, which was related to the plasticization of the water molecules so that the stress distribution tended to be uniform, thereby increasing the strength of the fiber. In addition, the density of the Mj-fiber tested by pycnometer was only 0.33 g/cm 3 , which was only one-fifth of that for the cotton fiber, equivalent to the kapok fiber, indicating that it was an ultra-light natural fiber material.…”

“…Unlike synthetic fibers extracted from the limited and precious petrochemical resources, biofibers are renewable fibers that can be obtained from wild plants, agricultural crops and residues, forest resources and residues, and even animal and municipal wastes, being abundant in sources. [1][2][3][4][5] In recent years, study on biofibers such as seed hair fibers from poplar, kapok and Pergularia daemia plant and wheat and rice straw fibers is burgeoning, not only because of their biodegradability and environmental friendliness, but also because of their distinct structures, morphology and chemical compositions to ensure their application in many special fields. [6][7][8][9] Taking kapok fiber for example, as a natural fiber it is harvested from the kapok tree and has been successfully used in many fields such as warmth retention fabrics, oil-absorbing materials, and even versatile activated carbon fiber materials due to its peculiar cavity structure.…”

Incorporation of canola meal as a sustainable natural filler in PLA foams

“…It is estimated that the utilization of plant-derived resources to produce composite materials will increase from 12% in 2010 to 25% in 2030, driven by concerns about the environment and sustainability (Wedin 2004 ; Li et al 2018a ). The resulting products termed biocomposites, comprise one or more phases derived from natural biological origin that can be easily disposed of or composted at the end of their life without harming the environment (de Lima et al 2020 ; Manjula et al 2017 ). Poly(lactic acid) (PLA; (-CH(CH3)-CO-O-)n) is the most extensively researched and utilized biodegradable thermoplastic polyester, having the potential to replace conventional fossil fuel-based polymers.…”