Physical and chemical characterization of Saccharum spontaneum flower fibre: potential applications in thermal insulation and microbial fuel cells

TL;DR

This study characterizes Saccharum spontaneum flower fibre, revealing its high holocellulose content, tensile strength, and hollow structure, suggesting its potential for thermal insulation and microbial fuel cell applications.

Contribution

It provides detailed physical, chemical, and structural analysis of Saccharum spontaneum flower fibre, highlighting its suitability for specific industrial applications.

Findings

High holocellulose content (90.9%)

Tensile strength of 63 cN/tex

Hollow structure suitable for insulation and fuel cells

Abstract

Saccharum spontaneum is a grass-type plant abundantly found in the Indian subcontinent, known for its beautiful, lustrous white flowers. Fibres were extracted from the flower and analyzed for their physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. The chemical composition of the fibre is 90.9% holocellulose, with a moisture content of 10.97%, and an average fibre length of 25 mm. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of functional groups similar to those found in other natural cellulosic fibres. Additionally, the fibre exhibits a tensile strength of approximately 63 cN/tex, which is significantly higher than that of cotton and jute fibres. However, its crystallinity is relatively high at about 75%, resulting in a low elongation at break of 1.9%. FESEM analysis revealed a hollow structure in the fibre, indicating its potential suitability for applications requiring high thermal insulation, excellent moisture management, vapor permeability, and microbial fuel cell development.