Biomass Valorization Of <i>Sansevieria Trifasciata</i> Leaves: Multifunctional Fiber Characterization for Sustainable Industrial Composites

The sustainable utilization of underexplored plant biomass is essential for developing eco-friendly and multifunctional composite materials. This study investigated the valorization of Sansevieria trifasciata leaves through fiber extraction and comprehensive characterization to evaluate their suitability as reinforcement in polymer composites. Mechanical, thermal, morphological, and antibacterial properties were systematically analyzed using tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), agar diffusion assay, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The fibers exhibited a tensile strength of 17.29 MPa, strain at break of 0.19, indicating a balanced combination of stiffness and ductility suitable for semi-structural composite applications. TGA revealed an initial degradation onset at 271.03°C and a peak degradation temperature at 308.47°C, with stable char residue at elevated temperatures, confirming compatibility with thermoplastic processing below 250°C. SEM micrographs showed intact cellulose microfibrillar structures with surface roughness and residual non-cellulosic components, features favorable for improved interfacial adhesion within polymer matrices. Antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli demonstrated inhibition zones of 17 mm at 50 µg and 31 mm at 200 µg, streptomycin control (29 mm). CLSM analysis further revealed reduction in biofilm viability compared to untreated controls.