Extraction of new natural cellulosic fiber from Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine) and its characterization for textile and composite uses

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to introduce a new sustainable natural cellulosic raw material source to the benefits of the textile and composite industry. For this purpose, natural cellulosic fibers were extracted from Trachelospennum jasminoides (TJ) plant and the characterization of the fibers were carried out. Detailed physical, chemical, and instrumental tests were applied for better understanding of the fiber properties. The chemical bonds of the TJ fibers were determined with FTIR. Crystallographic properties were analyzed with XRD. Surface morphology was monitored with SEM and optic microscope images, cotton-like ribbon shape of the TJ elemental fibers was observed. TGA, DTA and DSC were utilized to understand the thermal degradation behavior, the maximum degradation temperature of TJ fiber was determined as 338.2 degrees C. Chemical tests were applied for the determination of the chemical composition of the TJ fibers. The cellulose content of the fiber was determined as 62.7%. Mechanical characteristics of the fibers were investigated with tensile tests which supplied information about strength, Young's modulus and elongation. The tensile strength of TJ fibers was 404 MPa. Pull-out tests were applied to both raw and NaOH treated fibers for evaluation of the surface interaction of TJ fibers with polymer matrix in epoxy composites. NaOH treatment 31% increased the interfacial shear strength. [GRAPHICS] .