Extraction and Characterization of Natural Cellulosic Fiber from Taraxacum Sect. Ruderalia

Abstract

The aim is to explore the utilization of cellulosic fibers extracted from the Taraxacum Sect. Ruderalia, which is also known as dandelion, introduces a potential reinforcement for the green composite industry. This research is focused on the analysis of chemical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties of the Taraxacum Sect. Ruderalia fibers. Its lightweight (1.397 g/cm3) with the presence of an acceptable cellulose ratio (52.7%) and high crystallinity (69.59%) provide comparable tensile strength (57.36 MPa) and Young’s modulus (2.96 GPa) for Taraxacum Sect. Ruderalia fibers. The fibers are experimentally thermal resistant to 272°C according to TGA that may be profitable in extrusion processes in polymeric composite manufacturing. The average fiber diameter and wall thickness were optically 233 µm and 1.5 µm, respectively. Taraxacum Sect. Ruderalia fibers have a rough surface character with some irregularities such as porosities, particles, indentations, protrusions, and also the microfibrillar structure which can support mechanical interlocking with polymer in a composite system. With all these encouraging properties, Taraxacum Sect. Ruderalia fibers can be good alternative reinforcement for common cellulosic bast fibers in the development of ecologically friendly and sustainable polymeric-based materials.

Keywords

• natural fiber
• green composites
• characterization
• sustainability
• taraxacum sect. ruderalia