Volume 46, No. 03, Month MAY, Year 2019, Pages 579 - 591
Extraction and characterization of natural cellulosic fiber from jipijapa (carludovica palmata)
V?ctor M. Moo-Huchin, Emilio P?rez-Pacheco, Carlos R. R?os-Soberanis, Luis A. Bello-P?rez, Jos? M. Cervantes-Uc, Mario A. A. Dzul-Cervantes and Raciel J. Estrada-Le?n
Nowadays, natural fibers with their environmentally friendly qualities represent an
important alternative to substitute the use of synthetic fibers in polymer matrix reinforcement.
This study aimed to characterize cellulosic palmate fibers (CFE) extracted from the bundles
of Jipijapa straw (BJS). The extraction of CFE was carried out by means of an acid hydrolysis,
chlorination, alkaline extraction, and bleaching of the BJS. The physicochemical, thermal
and mechanical properties of CFE were determined using techniques of FTIR, TGA, X-ray
diffraction, AFM and SEM. The holocellulose content (55.70±3.00 %), lignin (23.71±1.01 %),
ash (8.30±0.10 %), moisture (8.50±0.50 %) and extractives (10.10±0.50 %) of BJS, were
comparable to those reported in the literature for other natural fibers. The spectroscopy FTIR,
TGA and X-ray diffraction confirmed that CFE are rich in cellulose content and possess
thermal stability, with a crystallinity index of 57 %. Based on the results of SEM, AFM, aspect
ratio, mechanical properties, contact angle and surface energy, it was possible to determine and
explain the potential application of CFE as reinforcement in the elaboration of biocomposite
materials.