Characterization of Honckenya (Clappertonia ficifolia) Fibre as a Potential Natural Fibre Reinforcement for Polymeric Composites

Authors: Mbada NI, Aponbiede O, Shehu U, Isa MT

DOI Info: N/A

ABSTRACT

Lignocellulose based natural fibres are gaining more acceptance because they are renewable, eco-friendly, cheap and possess good specific mechanical properties. These attributes have necessitated an increase in search for new vegetal natural fibres as reinforcement in polymer-based composites. Honckenya lignocellulose natural fibre was characterized to determine its physical, chemical, mechanical and thermal properties to establish its suitability in composites development. From the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) investigations conducted, it was observed that the onset of thermal degradation was at 280 ^oC at 3% weight loss. The cellulose content was 63.48 ±1.1414wt% while lignin and hemicellulose contents were 7.91±0.12wt%, and 10.20±0.59wt% respectively. The density of the fibre was 1.22 g/cm³, while the tensile failure strength was 677±36MPa, and the tensile modulus was 25.80±0.48 GPa. The Weibull distribution modulus, (m) was 2.66 and the characteristics strength, (?_o) was 683.66 MPa. Furthermore, from the Weibull distribution, the Honckenya fibre has a reliability of 581 MPa at 50% survival probability. From the results obtained, it could be reasonably concluded that the Honckenya fibre is suitable as reinforcement in polymer- based composites development.

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