From plant to product: investigation of a cellulosic fiber from Xanthium strumarium L. subsp. strumarium stem for its potential use in composite applications

Abstract In this study, cellulosic fibers obtained from the Xanthium strumarium L. subsp. strumarium (XSL) plant’s stem were characterized. The aim of this study is to compare the characteristics of XSL fiber with different stem fibers such as flax, hemp, and jute that are commonly used in the composite industry for sustainability purposes. The XSL plant is abundant in nature and keeps growing throughout the year. Since it does not require too much water to grow, the XSL plant can be considered as both sustainable and environmentally friendly. No chemical process was used to obtain fiber from the plant; only water retting, which is a natural method, was applied. After the fiber extraction, morphological, thermal, chemical, and physical properties of the XSL fiber were investigated. Consequently, the XSL fiber’s properties are determined as 49% cellulose content, 403 μm in average diameter, and as 1.57 g/cm 3 density. It was discovered through a single fiber strength test that the XSL fiber’s mechanical characteristics make it appropriate to be used as a reinforcing fiber in composites. Additionally, thermal characterization revealed that the XSL fiber has a maximum decomposition temperature of 371.14 °C, indicating good thermal resistance. Characterization procedures concluded that XSL fiber can be an economic and environment-friendly reinforcement fiber alternative for composites.