Characterization Studies on New Natural Cellulosic Fiber Extracted from the Stem of Ageratina Adenophora Plant

Abstract

The present study focuses on the possibility of using Ageratina Adenophora (AA) fiber as reinforcement in structural polymer composite materials because of its eco-friendly nature as well as lightweight. Due to high specific strength and modulus of fiber, reinforced polymer composites tend to be a viable option replace many metallic structures. By nature, synthetic fibers become a risk for health as it leads to cancer. Suitable applications replace conventional and synthetic materials, in cases where energy conservation and very little weight is required. Ageratina Adenophora stem fiber undergoes comprehensive characterization analysis such as Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Physico-chemical analysis. The fibers were extracted from Ageratina Adenophora plant stem. Ageratina Adenophora Stem Fiber (AASF) contains high cellulose content of 65.7% and very little wax. Good thermal stability of the fiber up to 244°C was obtained from thermogravimetric analysis, which is indicated within its polymerization process temperature. The results of this investigation encourage its applications to be used in industries for manufacturing fiber reinforced composites.