Exploration of alternative cellulosic natural fiber from the stem of Malva Slyvestris

Abstract

The present work is planned to research the properties of fibers extracted from the stem of Malva sylvestris in detail. Cellulose and hemicellulose contents, surface atomic concentrations, surface chemical bonds and functional groups of Malva sylvestris fibers were determined by means of chemical characteristics. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to further analyze the fibers. Fiber density measurement and single fiber tensile test were performed. Malva sylvestris fibers were found to be thermally stable until 301 C which is a key parameter when processing with thermoplastic polymers. Thermal analysis also showed a char yield of 30.31%. The relatively lower density (1.104 g/cm3) can make it usable for light-weight applications. The crystallinity index (60.9%), cellulose content (75.7%) and maximum degradation temperature (355 C) are comparable with both common and new natural cellulosic fibers. Morphological observations confirmed its rough surface in untreated form. Malva sylvestris fibers are confirmed to be an appropriate material in manufacturing of green composites as reinforcement and/or additive.