Characterization of novel fibers extracted from <i>Rumex obtusifolius</i> L. plant for potential composite applications

Abstract In this study novel natural fibers were extracted from Rumex obtusifolius L. Extracted fibers were dried for further analysis. The chemical composition was analyzed, revealing the following fiber contents: cellulose at 63.52 ± 1.51 %, hemicellulose at 27.15 ± 0.72 %, and lignin at 9.35 ± 0.57 %. Thermal behavior of the fibers was investigated by using thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric analyses (TG and DTG) and it was found that fibers were thermally stable up to 237.55 °C (T onset ) and maximum degradation temperature (T max ) was determined as 354.67 °C. Fiber diameter was varied in range of 226–539 µm and density was measured as 1.12 ± 0.74 g cm −3 . The crystalline structure of the fibers was examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the crystallinity index (CI) and crystallite size (CS) were determined based on the corresponding diffraction patterns. CI and CS values were determined as 69.81 % and 3.08 nm, respectively. The mechanical properties of the fibers were evaluated using a single fiber tensile testing method. The measured values for tensile strength, elastic modulus, and strain at break were 192.81 ± 43.33 MPa, 14.56 ± 3.27 GPa, and 1.45 ± 0.43 %, respectively. Result showed that the R. obtusifolius L. fibers are suitable for composite applications as reinforcement material.