Characterization of New Cellulose Fiber from the Molina (Lagenaria Siceraria) Plant

Abstract

This research explores the extraction and characterization of natural fiber from the agro-waste of Lagenaria siceraria (LS) plant stem (commonly known as bottle guard). The extracted fiber from the waste stems has high cellulose content (79.91 %) with good tensile strength (257–717 MPa) and thermal stability (withstand up to 339.1°C). The huge percentage of crystalline index (92.4%) with the crystalline size (7.2 nm) as well as low density (1.216 g/cm3) of the LS fiber renders their possibility to use as an effective reinforcement material in lightweight eco-friendly composites for various industrial applications.