Extraction and characterization of cellulosic fibers from cattail leaves by aqueous sodium hydroxide/urea

As a source of natural plant fiber, cattail leaves have the advantages of a wide range of resources, being renewable and recyclable. In this work, cattail fibers were isolated from cattail leaves using chemical degumming process with NaOH and urea combined aqueous solution. The influence of alkali and urea concentration on fiber properties was investigated and the optimal process was obtained. SEM images indicated the surface of the obtained cattail fibers was relatively smooth though with some vertical lines and the cross-section was oval shape. The weight loss rate, fiber diameter, moisture regain and water contact angle of the obtained fibers decreased as the alkali concentration or urea concentration increased due to the partial removal of non-cellulose. Infrared spectra analysis demonstrated the cellulosic characteristic absorption peaks of the cattail fibers. The results showed that when the NaOH concentration was 15 g/L and the urea concentration was 5 g/L, the weight loss rate was 74.1%, and the strength of the obtained fiber was 59.9 cN, the fiber fineness was 43.4 um and the crystallinity index of the cattail fiber was 66.2%.

Automated summary

In this study, cattail fibers were successfully isolated from cattail leaves using a chemical degumming process. The surface of the obtained fibers was relatively smooth and had an oval shape. Infrared spectra analysis confirmed the presence of cellulose in the cattail fibers. The optimal process was achieved with a NaOH concentration of 15 g/L and a urea concentration of 5 g/L, resulting in a weight loss rate of 74.1%, a fiber strength of 59.9 cN, a fiber fineness of 43.4 um, and a crystallinity index of 66.2%.