Fecha de publicación: 22/11/2024 Fuente: Cellulose (Springer) Abstract
Natural lignocellulosic fibers possess distinct capacities and properties from various perspectives. To utilize natural fibers most effectively, particularly in high-quality applications, it is essential to have a solid understanding of their fundamental qualities. This study isolates ultrastrong fibers from the vascular tissues of the Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (candle bush) plant stem. The α-cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose contents of the fibers were measured to be 72.14%, 12.28%, and 10.47%, respectively, which fell within a favorable range for creating ropes, sacs, yarns, and textile fabrics. To evaluate their potential qualities against commercially available fibers, S. alata was tested for tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break. The findings revealed tensile strength, breaking elongation, and E-modulus values of 625.22 ± 81.12 MPa, 3.86 ± 1.7%, and 67.77 ± 0.33 GPa, which were comparable to those of commercially available natural fibers, making them suitable for applications in door panels, furniture, and structural components. The fibers also exhibited lower mass losses (5% at 270 °C), making them appropriate for biocompatible materials with excellent heat stability, including insulation, packaging, circuit boards, dielectric substrates, and switches. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the fibers were evaluated and found suitable for use in the textile, pharmaceutical, and wound dressing sectors. The results illustrate that this unique fiber is an ecologically benign and sustainable raw material due to its superior value addition and the versatility it offers in manufacturing.