Physicochemical and Mechanical Characterization of Raffia vinifera Pith

Abstract

In this paper, the physicochemical and mechanical properties of Raffia vinifera pith (RVP) are discussed. Microscopic observations have shown that the structure of the RVP is similar to that of a composite consisting of natural fibers. The effective area ratio of Raffia vinifera (RV) fibers was evaluated along the raffia stem using ImageJ software, and it decreases from the periphery to the center. Energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS) analysis shows that RVP is essentially composed of carbon and oxygen. Densities of RVP and its matrix were determined using Archimedes’ principle and law of mixtures, respectively; from the results obtained, they can be considered as one of the lightest materials. Young’s modulus of RVP has been obtained from tensile and bending tests, while that of matrix has been obtained using the law of mixtures during tensile tests. RVP has better specific properties, and the results of the matrix properties show that we can easily select another matrix which has better properties than the case studied during the elaboration of composites.

Botanical from the Fruits Mesocarp of Raphia vinifera Displays Antiproliferative Activity and Is Harmless as Evidenced by Toxicological Assessments

“…Palm has been proven to have minerals like calcium [ 11 ]. The Raphia vinifera fruit pulp and pericarps were found to contain a high concentration of saponins, alkaloids, and oxalate; a moderate concentration of tannin, flavonoid, and steroid; and a low concentration of phytate, phenol, and glycoside, which are responsible for its therapeutic activity [ 12 ].…”

“…The research on toxicological effects of medicinal plants and their extract is crucial in the development of drugs and to rise human safety [ 17 ]. Many toxicological studies have been carried out using Raphia vinifera on fish [ 11 ], but studies hardly describe the biochemical toxicity of this plant on rats. This investigation was therefore carried out to evaluate antiproliferative potential of Raphia vinifera extract and its constituents, as well as the toxicity of the crude extract.…”

Modeling of Hygro-Mechanical Behaviour through Raffia vinifera Fiber during the Water Diffusion Phenomenon

“…ey have a length of 5 to 10 m and a diameter between 2 and 10 cm [2,3]. Cork consists of about 35.8% to 54.5% fibers [4] aligned lengthwise in a natural matrix. e mechanical properties of this natural matrix were determined by [4].…”

“…Cork consists of about 35.8% to 54.5% fibers [4] aligned lengthwise in a natural matrix. e mechanical properties of this natural matrix were determined by [4]. Studies on the anatomy and physical properties of raffia vinifera bamboo have shown that the physical properties of this material approach those of lightweight wood [5].…”

“…e mechanical properties in flexure, and at constant moisture content, of dry raffia cork [3,4], dry shell, and dry bamboo [3] were investigated.…”