Extraction and characterization of novel natural cellulosic fiber from Echinops spinosissimus plant stem

Abstract

Bio-based composites are outstanding materials to replace many synthetic fiber-based composites due to their biodegradability and sustainable environmental properties. This research aims to characterize and analysis a new cellulosic fibers extracted from Echinops spinosissimus plant stem, to study their integration in the field of various industries such as composites and textiles. Thus, adding and incorporating a new natural fiber to the list of fibers that enter into the production of Bio-based composites materials, and meet the needs of the market that knows a shortage of these materials. In addition, the extracted fibers from Echinops spinosissimus plant, which is abundant and have acceptable properties that can replace the synthetic fibers. The stem anatomy results showed a strong presence of fiber cells, fiber SEM micrographs showed that fiber surface become rough, these fibers have a density of 0.97 ± 0.01 g/cm3, and diameter 280.76 µm. FTIR and XRD showed that these fibers are cellulosic. Thermal analysis revealed that Echinops spinosissimus fiber have a thermal stability of 208°C. Tensile strength, Young modulus and strain at failure were found as 217.54 ± 54.16 MPa, 19.23 ± 0.76 GPa and 3.78 ± 0.36%, respectively. SEM showed that the studied fiber becomes more roughness in the outer surface following the chemical treatments, thus contributing to better adhesion with resin. This work confirmed that Echinops spinosissimus fibers are suitable materials for use in textile and biocomposite applications.