Suitability Evaluation of Sida mysorensis Plant Fiber as Reinforcement in Polymer Composite

Abstract

The physicochemical, thermal, and surface morphological properties of the Sida mysorensis fiber (SMF) were investigated first time in this article. From the chemical compositional analysis, higher cellulose (53.36 wt. %) and lower hemicelluloses (15.23 wt. %), lignin (9.46 wt. %), wax (0.86 wt), and ash content of (3.33 wt. %) SMF were acknowledged. The different functional groups of SMF were determined through the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The Crystallinity index (41.17%) and crystalline size (13.06 nm) of SMF were evidenced through the X-ray diffraction analysis. Atomic force microscopy investigation was used to study the surface morphology of SMF. Thermal stability (220°C) and kinetic activation energy (65.486 KJ/mol) of the SMF were determined through the thermogravimetric analysis. All the above findings ensured that SMF can be used as reinforcement in polymer composite.

Keywords

• sida mysorensis
• chemical analysis
• thermogravimetric analysis
• fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy
• x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy