Natural fiber characterization from stems of Calamus arborescens Giff. as sustainable industrial applications

The investigation of natural fibers as substitutes for traditional synthetic reinforcements in polymer composites has been driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials. In this work, a unique cellulosic fiber that was isolated from the stem of Calamus arborescens Giff. is thoroughly characterized, and its potential for industrial and composite applications is assessed. After the fibers were extracted and submerged in water, their mechanical, chemical, thermal, and crystalline characteristics were evaluated. Tensile tests demonstrated a high elongation at break and a strength of 33.82 ± 11.10 MPa, indicating ductile behavior suitable for flexible load-bearing applications. A semi-crystalline cellulose I structure with a crystallinity index of 52.9% and an average crystallite size of 3.1 nm was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA–DTA) showed multi-stage thermal degradation, with the fibers remaining stable up to about 295 °C. Chemical research revealed a significant cellulose content (50.1 ± 0.8% by weight), supplemented by hemicellulose and lignin, which contributed to the fibers’ thermal stability and mechanical resilience. By combining these characteristics, C. arborescens Giff. fibers (CAFs) are positioned as viable options for environmentally friendly polymer composites, providing a sustainable substitute for traditional synthetic fibers in engineering and bio-composite applications.