Title Comprehensive extraction and multiscale characterization of a novel lignocellulosic fiber from Microcos paniculata bark
Authors Uddin, Afsar ; Islam, Shahidul ; Karim, Fahmida-E ; Islam, Md. Redwanul ; Motaleb, K.Z.M. Abdul ; Chakma, Arkid ; Hossain, Shahib Sharar ; Hossain, Md. Safwan ; Hasan, Md. Zahid ; Tamulevičienė, Asta ; Abakevičienė, Brigita
DOI 10.1155/ijps/1694321
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Is Part of International journal of polymer science.. Hoboken, NJ : Wiley. 2026, 2026, iss. 1, art. no. 1694321, p. 1-15.. ISSN 1687-9422. eISSN 1687-9430
Keywords [eng] cellulosic fiber ; characterization ; extraction ; Microcos paniculata ; retting
Abstract [eng] Natural fibers are gaining popularity as eco-friendly and biodegradable reinforcements in polymer composites. This project is aimed at extracting and analyzing organic cellulose fibers from the barks of Microcos paniculata plants, employing a 9-day water retting process followed by alkali treatment with 5% (w/w) NaOH. Both alkali-treated and untreated fibers were analyzed using advanced techniques to assess their key properties. The chemical composition of the untreated fibers, determined by the TAPPI method, was found to consist of 55% cellulose, 20% hemicellulose, and 18% lignin, with the cellulose content increasing to 64% after alkali treatment. Surface morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy revealed a smoother surface for untreated fibers and a rougher surface for alkali-treated fibers. The density and moisture regain of the fibers were measured as 1.28 g/cm3 and 12.61%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups, which correspond to the cellulosic polymers, and indicated the removal of natural impurities after alkali treatment. The crystallinity index and tenacity of the alkali-treated fibers increased from 63% to 69% and from 34.85 to 38.59 g/tex, respectively, compared to the untreated fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated excellent thermal stability, with the fibers exhibiting temperature resistance up to ~240°C and 24.09% char formation at 993°C. These results suggest that the isolated natural cellulose fibers from M. paniculata have significant potential as a durable reinforcement material in polymer composites.
Published Hoboken, NJ : Wiley
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2026
CC license CC license description