Characterisation of Luffa cylindrica Fibre from Cameroon for Use in Composites: Effect of Alkaline Treatment

Abstract

The study of Luffa cylindrica is seen as an alternative solution for the development of green materials. However, a lack of knowledge about some of their characteristics can slow down these applications. The present study focuses on the characterisation of the fibre derived from the Luffa cylindrica sponge. In this study, the fibre was extracted using a manual technique, followed by a treatment cycle with 5%, 7.5%, and 10% NaOH at a temperature of 28°C for 60 min. The results obtained show the lightness of the fibre through its low density (0.233-0.419 g·cm-3), and a hydrophilic nature of the fibre is observed through its water absorption capacity (106.86-180.53%), its relative humidity (9.86-15.33%), and its capacity to diffuse water (2.03×10−14 m2·s-1 to 4.61×10−14 m2·s-1), which is close to that of other plant fibres, which means that it can be classified as porous, with possible applications in insulating and lightweight materials. Its diameter (418.61-554.42 μm) and linear mass (34-58 g·km-1) are high, in contrast to other fibres used in the textile industry to produce yarns. The mechanical results, namely, stress at break (9.744-27.45 MPa), Young’s modulus (307.56-582.41 MPa), and elongation at break (3.45%-8.11%), are close to those of other plant fibres used as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites for applications in the automotive, insulation, furniture, and construction industries. Luffa cylindrica fibre could have applications in the same direction. Fibres treated with 5% NaOH effectively improve the properties of raw fibres.