Physico-Chemical and Thermal Characterization of Some Lignocellulosic Fibres: <i>Ananas comosus</i> (AC), <i>Neuropeltis acuminatas</i> (NA) and <i>Rhecktophyllum camerunense</i> (RC)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the study of the physical, biochemical, structural, and thermal properties of plant fibres of Rhecktophyllum camerunense (RC), Neuropeltis acuminatas (NA) and Ananas comosus (AC) from the equatorial region of Cameroon. The traditional use of these fibres inspired researchers to investigated their properties. This study aims at improving the state of knowledge with a view to diversifying applications. The fibres are extracted by retting. Then, their apparent density was measured following the ASTM D792 standard and their water moisture absorption and moisture content were also evaluated. Their molecular structure was studied by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. A quantitative analysis of the biochemical composition was performed according to the analytical technique for the pulp and paper industry (TAPPI). A TGA/DSC analysis was also performed. The results reveal that the AC, NA and RC fibres have densities of 1.26 ± 1.06, 0.846 ± 0.13 and 0.757 ± 0.08 g•cm −3 respectively. They are also hydrophilic with a water absorption rate of 188.64 ± 11.94%, 276.16% ± 8.07% and 198.17% ± 20%. They have a moisture content of 12.21%, 10.36% and 9.37%. The studied fibres exhibit functional groups that are related to the presence of hemicellulose, pectin, lignin and cellulose. The cellulose crystallinity index was found to be 67.99%, 46.5% and 59.72% respectively. The fibres under study have the following chemical composition: an extractive content of 3.07%, 14.77% and 8.74%; a pectin content of 4.15%, 7.69% and 3.45%; a hemicellulose content of 4.90%, 15.

Influence of sampling area and extraction method on the thermal, physical and mechanical properties of Cameroonian Ananas comosus leaf fibers

“…The thermal stability is considered as the threshold temperature of degradation. When natural fibers are used in the implementation of polymer matrix composites or in surface treatments in hot environments, thermal stability must be taken into account ( Neto et al., 2015 ; Betene et al., 2020 ). On the criterion of thermal stability, two classes of fibers can be distinguished: the first class associated with thermal stability values ranging from 210 °C to 217 °C includes all ACG and ACR(Top), and the second class includes ACR(Middle) and ACR(Bottom) with higher values of 227°C–230 °C.…”

“…Many studies ( Reshmy et al., 2020 ; Prado et al., 2020 ) have demonstrated the textile potential and the composite reinforcement potential of these fibers. Pineapple fiber is a secondary lignocellulosic fiber obtained from agricultural by-products or pineapple leaves and contains mainly cellulose (55–70%) and non-cellulose materials, namely hemicelluloses (15–20%), lignin (8–12%), pectin (2–4%), and low proportions of extractables (1–3%) (waxes and proteins) ( Pandit et al., 2020 ; Betene et al., 2020 ). Its crystalline structure is essentially composed of type I cellulose with crystallinity indices between 61-79% ( Neto et al., 2015 ).…”

Characterization of Tensile Properties of Cola lepidota Fibers

“…It is a plant that belongs to the Sterculiaceae family and genus Cola. This shrub can reach 15 m in height and 25 cm in width [33]. Its stem is very slightly branched and humped and has a grey-green to brown coloring.…”

“…Thus, works have focused on the study of the properties of new plant fibers such as those derived from pineapple leaves [20], okra stems [21], Sida cordifolia [22], Arundo donax [23], Lygeum spartum [24], Coccinia grandis [25], Markhamia lutea [26], Erythrina variegate [27] and Albizia Saman [28]. Concerning plant fibers issued from tropical plants in Central, East and West African countries, some studies are related to the identification of properties of African star apple leaves [29], Bast fibers of Triumfetta cordifolia [30] and Rhectophyllum camerunense fibers [31][32][33]. This paper concerns the mechanical properties of plant fiber extracted from the bark of Cola lepidota (CL) plant.…”

Implementation and Evaluation of Certain Properties of a Polymer Matrix Composite Material Reinforced by Fibrous Residues of <i>Saccharum officinarum</i> in View of an Applicability Orientation

“…The principle of the test is to measure a displacement crosshead (y) from an effort (F) placed in the middle of two supports [23] [49]. Models from materials science make it possible to make the link between the sizes (y and F), the geometry of the piece (L, h and b) and the characteristics of the material (σ, ε and E), according to the Equations ( 6) and (7) [19] [27] [50]:…”