Characterization of new cellulosic fiber: Dracaena reflexa as a reinforcement for polymer composite structures

The search for novel bio-fibers in the field of the green composite can rise the invention of natural fiber composite and applications. In this work, the physical, chemical, structural, thermal, tensile and surface morphology properties of Dracaena reflexa fiber (DRF) are investigated. The chemical analysis results authorized the higher cellulose (70.32%) and lesser hemicelluloses (11.02%) and lignin (11.35%) existing in DRF. XRD analysis proved that DRF has a relatively higher crystallinity index of 57.32%. The free chemical functional groups presented in DRFs were determined by FT-IR. The DRF is thermally stable up to 230 degrees C which is greater than the processing temperature of thermoplastics resin. The C2, C3, and C5 peaks intensity of CP/MAS C-13 NMR spectra once again confirmed that maximum cellulose present in DRFs. The lower density (790 kg/m(3)) and higher tensile properties of DRF show the DRF is a suitable alternative to the synthetic fibers. (C) 2019 Brazilian Metallurgical, Materials and Mining Association. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.