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<p>This study delivers the first in-depth characterization of <i>Encephalartos ituriensis</i> (E. i.) leaf stalk (petiole) fibers, revealing their potential as a previously untapped natural reinforcement for biocomposites. A multi-technique analysis—including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TGA, XPS, tensile testing, density measurement, and a novel approach to dynamically assess fiber wettability via contact angle hysteresis—was used to assess their chemical, structural, mechanical, thermal, and interfacial properties. E. i. fibers exhibited a balanced composition (47.67% cellulose, 22.89% hemicellulose, 22.85% lignin), directional crystallite sizes between 3.28 and 4.18&#xa0;nm, and a Crystallinity Index of 64.9%. The fibers showed a tensile strength of 33.17 ± 7.83&#xa0;MPa, Young’s modulus of 2.6 GPa, and thermal stability up to 295.8&#xa0;°C, along with low water uptake and moderately rough surfaces favoring matrix adhesion. This study expands the range of available natural fibers by highlighting the novel potential of the underutilized and less cultivated E. i. fiber, positioning it as an eco-friendly material for moderate-performance applications. It lays the foundation for future research on composite integration and large-scale cultivation, reinforcing its sustainability and contribution to material innovation and conservation efforts.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Extraction and comprehensive characterization of novel Encephalartos ituriensis fiber for biocomposite reinforcement

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月3日

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  • Alif Ngimbi Diambu,
  • Mehmet Çevik

摘要

This study delivers the first in-depth characterization of Encephalartos ituriensis (E. i.) leaf stalk (petiole) fibers, revealing their potential as a previously untapped natural reinforcement for biocomposites. A multi-technique analysis—including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TGA, XPS, tensile testing, density measurement, and a novel approach to dynamically assess fiber wettability via contact angle hysteresis—was used to assess their chemical, structural, mechanical, thermal, and interfacial properties. E. i. fibers exhibited a balanced composition (47.67% cellulose, 22.89% hemicellulose, 22.85% lignin), directional crystallite sizes between 3.28 and 4.18 nm, and a Crystallinity Index of 64.9%. The fibers showed a tensile strength of 33.17 ± 7.83 MPa, Young’s modulus of 2.6 GPa, and thermal stability up to 295.8 °C, along with low water uptake and moderately rough surfaces favoring matrix adhesion. This study expands the range of available natural fibers by highlighting the novel potential of the underutilized and less cultivated E. i. fiber, positioning it as an eco-friendly material for moderate-performance applications. It lays the foundation for future research on composite integration and large-scale cultivation, reinforcing its sustainability and contribution to material innovation and conservation efforts.

Graphical abstract