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Characterization of Novel Lignocellulosic Spinifex littoreus Fibers and Their Composites

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Abstract

This innovative work presents mechanical, physical and chemical characterization and analysis of newly extracted fiber from naturally resourced plant stem, named Spinifex littoreus fibers (SLF). This is a novel natural, biodegradable and sustainable reinforcement for an improved composite. Initially, the chemical constituents of SLF, such as cellulose, lignin, moisture and wax content were studied. The raw SLF surfaces were modified by chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and silane. A polyester matrix was reinforced with all the treated SLF, before the mechanical properties (tensile strengths) of the composites were determined. Among all the surface chemically treated SLF/polyester composite samples, the Ca(OH)2 treated sample exhibited the highest tensile strength. Further microscopic examination was carried out to validate this result. Also, this analysis established the mechanism of failure of the tensile fractured composite samples, using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), among other techniques.

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Acknowledgment

The authors sincerely appreciate the Center for Advanced Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cape Institute of Technology, Kalasalingam University for their permission to carry out the preparation and testing of the composite samples. The King Saud University author is grateful to the Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University for funding through Vice Deanship of Scientific Research Chairs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cape Institute of Technology, Levengipuram, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, 627114, India

    Milan Soosai

  2. Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Kamaraj College of Engineering & Technology Vellakulam, Madurai dist, 622701, Tamil Nadu, India

    Christopher Thankian

  3. Centre for Composite Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalasalingam University, Krishnankoil, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, 626 126, India

    Winowlin Jappes Jebas Thangiah, Rajini Nagarajan & Mayandi Kalimuthu

  4. Centre for Engineering Research, Department of Engineering, School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK

    Sikiru Oluwarotimi Ismail

  5. Surfactants Research Chair, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Faruq Mohammad

Authors
  1. Milan Soosai
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  2. Christopher Thankian
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  3. Winowlin Jappes Jebas Thangiah
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  4. Rajini Nagarajan
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  5. Mayandi Kalimuthu
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  6. Sikiru Oluwarotimi Ismail
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  7. Faruq Mohammad
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Correspondence to Rajini Nagarajan.

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Soosai, M., Thankian, C., Thangiah, W.J.J. et al. Characterization of Novel Lignocellulosic Spinifex littoreus Fibers and Their Composites. J Bionic Eng 17, 393–404 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42235-020-0032-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42235-020-0032-5

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