Characterization of Corypha umbraculifera Petiole Fiber for Polymer Composite Reinforcement

Abstract

Natural fiber composites are a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic options. The study aimsto investigate the potential of Corypha umbraculifera fibers as an unorthodox reinforcing filler for biodegradable polymer matrices. Chemical, thermal, density, mechanical, crystallographic, and morphological characterizations of the Corypha umbraculifera fibers were determined. The cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and moisture contents of the fibers were obtained as 66.37, 20.51, 6.25 and 9.80%, respectively. The peak at 3331 cm⁻¹ in the FTIR spectrum indicate the presence prominent O–H stretching vibrations of the cellulose. The crystallinity index and the crystallite size of the fibers were obtained as 43.60% and 3.89 nm, respectively. The fiber has 178.02 ± 28.60 tensile strength, 39.14 ± 5.97 Young’s modulus, and 2.73±0.37% maximum breaking elongation. Microfibril angle was obtained as 18.32 ± 1.28°, influencing fiber axial strength. Degradation temperature of the fibers was determined as 323.3℃, suggesting suitability for high-temperature applications. Porous fiber morphology leads to a density value of around 0.52 g/cm3 indicating suitability for applications requiring lightweight composites. The green composite prepared by incorporating this Corypha umbraculifera fiber into poly lactic acid polymer matrix displayed a significant 17.5% increase for tensile strength at 5wt% fiber loading whereas 68.28% increase was observed for flexural strength at 2.5wt% fiber loading indicating the viability of synthesizing biodegradable composites with enhanced mechanical properties. Upon thorough examination of the characteristics in this study, it was established that fibers extracted from Corypha umbraculifera offer a promising and environmentally friendly choice as a reinforcement material for polymer- based composites.
Keywords: Corypha umbraculifera, Fiber, Cellulose, Palm, Poly Lactic Acid