TITLE:
Physico-Chemical and Thermal Characterization of Some Lignocellulosic Fibres: Ananas comosus (AC), Neuropeltis acuminatas (NA) and Rhecktophyllum camerunense (RC)
AUTHORS:
Achille Désiré Omgba Betene, Fabien Ebanda Betene, Florian Martoïa, Pierre J. J. Dumont, Ateba Atangana, Pierre Marcel Anicet Noah
KEYWORDS:
Lignocellulosic Fibre, Rhecktophyllum camerunense, Neuropeltis acuminatas, Ananas comosus, Biochemical Composition, Cellulose Crystallinity Index, Thermal Behaviour
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.8 No.4,
July
8,
2020
ABSTRACT: This paper focuses on the study of the physical,
biochemical, structural, and thermal properties of plant fibres of Rhecktophyllum
camerunense (RC), Neuropeltis acuminatas (NA) and Ananas comosus (AC) from the equatorial region of Cameroon. The traditional use of these
fibres inspired researchers to investigated their properties. This study aims
at improving the state of knowledge with a view to diversifying applications.
The fibres are extracted by retting. Then, their apparent density was measured
following the ASTM D792 standard and their water moisture absorption and
moisture content were also evaluated. Their molecular structure was studied by
ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. A quantitative analysis of the biochemical composition
was performed according to the analytical technique for the pulp and paper
industry (TAPPI). A TGA/DSC analysis was also performed. The results reveal
that the AC, NA and RC fibres have densities of 1.26 ± 1.06, 0.846 ± 0.13 and
0.757 ± 0.08 g·cm-3 respectively. They are also hydrophilic with a
water absorption rate of 188.64 ± 11.94%, 276.16% ± 8.07% and 198.17% ± 20%.
They have a moisture content of 12.21%, 10.36% and 9.37%. The studied fibres
exhibit functional groups that are related to the presence of hemicellulose,
pectin, lignin and cellulose. The cellulose crystallinity index was found to be
67.99%, 46.5% and 59.72% respectively. The fibres under study have the
following chemical composition: an extractive content of 3.07%, 14.77% and
8.74%; a pectin content of 4.15%, 7.69% and 3.45%; a hemicellulose content of
4.90%, 15.33% and 7.42%; a cellulose content of 68.11%, 36.08% and 65.15%; a
lignin content of 12.01%, 25.15% and 16.2%; and an ash content of 0.27%, 1.53%
and 0.47% respectively. The thermal transitions observed on the thermograms
correlate with the TAPPI chemical composition. It is observed that these fibres
are thermally stable up to temperatures of 200°C, 220°C and 285°C. These
results make it possible to envisage uses similar to those of sisal, hemp and
flax fibres.