Extraction and characterization of natural cellulose fibers from common milkweed stems

Abstract

Natural cellulose fibers with cellulose content, strength, and elongation higher than that of milkweed floss and between that of cotton and linen have been obtained from the stems of common milkweed plants. Although milkweed floss is a unique natural cellulose fiber with low density, the short length and low elongation make milkweed floss unsuitable as a textile fiber. The possibility of using the stems of milkweed plant as a source for natural cellulose fibers was explored in this research. Natural cellulose fibers extracted from milkweed stems have been characterized for their composition, structure, and properties. Fibers obtained from milkweed stems have about 75% cellulose, higher than the cellulose in milkweed floss but lower than that in cotton and linen. Milkweed stem fibers have low % crystallinity when compared with cotton and linen but the strength of the fibers is similar to cotton and elongation is higher than that of linen fibers.

Study of oil sorption behavior of filled and structured fiber assemblies made from polypropylene, kapok and milkweed fibers

“…Milkweed floss has been reported to have hollow structure that provides large interspatial area to trap and retain oil [14]. Kapok fibers typically comprise of 64% cellulose, 13% lignin [15] and milk weed fiber comprise of 55% cellulose, 18% lignin [16]. Besides these constituents, they also contain waxy cutin on the fiber surface which makes them water repellent notwithstanding they are mainly composed of cellulose.…”

Design, construction and evaluation of a fiber extracting machine from Calotropis (milkweed) stems

“…Chicken feather [3], Banana fibers [4], Coconut fibers [5] and Bamboo fibers [6] are new natural fibers that are used in the composites. Similarly, Calotropis has valuable fibers that have various applications based on performed researches [7]. Calotropis belongs to the family of Asclepiadaceae and is an evergreen shrub.…”

“…Consumed power curve while the stem passes through the machineWhile stem passes through the separation units, some fibers are extracted from bark and the remaining fibers would be separated after bark drying or by retting[7]. After drying of separated barks and fibers, they would be suitable for carding processes.Fig.…”

Performance and biodegradability of a maleated polyester bioplastic/recycled sugarcane bagasse system

“…This awareness has led to a great deal of research aimed at producing ecofriendly polymers, and considerable interest has emerged in the production and use of materials that are renewable, degradable, and recyclable, better known as ''green materials.'' [1][2][3][4][5] Among the commercialized biodegradable plastics, poly(butylene succinate adipate) (PBSA) has received a great deal of attention because of its mechanical strength, hydrophobic nature, and biodegradability. 6,7 However, high production costs appear to limit its commercial applications.…”