Extraction and characterization of novel natural fiber from Centaurea melitensis plant

In this work a new cellulosic fibers extracted from Centaurea Melitensis plant to the prospect of employing them as a source of reinforcement in composite materials. In this investigation, morphological, chemical, physical and mechanical features of Centaurea Melitensis fibers are investigated. The morphological characteristics using anatomical technique and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of a large percentage of fibroblasts in the fibers that allow adhesion with the matrix when manufacturing of composite materials. The fiber density is 1.269 +/- 0.018 g/cm(3) and the diameter is 187.11 +/- 60.41 mu m depending on the physical properties. The chemical properties revealed that the Centaurea Melitensis fiber has a crystalline size of 16.92 nm and a crystallinity index of 47.69% using XRD. The results of FTIR analysis proved on major components such as cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, by TGA the thermal stability was found up to 210 degrees C and the maximum temperature up to 317.86 degrees C. The mechanical properties have shown that the value of the tensile strength of the fibers is 336.87 +/- 59.94 MPa, Young's modulus is 23.87 +/- 5.21 GPa, and the strain at failure is 1.27 +/- 0.36%, and the interfacial shear strength is 9.82 +/- 2.35 MPa. The statistical approach, Weibull distribution was used with two and three parameters to examine the experimental data due to their dispersion. WEIBULL statistical analytical test was used with 2 and 3 parameters are used to examine the experimental data due to their dispersion. All the findings from this investigation reveal that Centaurea Melitensis fibers can be a qualified candidate to be used as reinforcement in low density composite materials.

Automated summary

This study examines the potential of a new cellulosic fiber extracted from Centaurea Melitensis plant as a reinforcement source in composite materials. The investigation reveals the presence of fibroblasts that allow adhesion with the matrix during composite material manufacturing. The fiber exhibits desirable physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics, making it a qualified candidate for low density composite materials reinforcement.