Natural Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Fibers: Distinctly Different Extraction Methods and Morphological Properties
摘要
The objective of this research is to examine the various methods of extracting fibers from water hyacinth plants and also to discuss the effects of the same. Several extraction methods were tested during this study, including the conventional retting process, manual extraction, hot water extraction, and chemical hot water boiling. However, these methods produce low amounts of fibers and negatively impact the fiber surface quality. Therefore, the extraction process is best performed mechanically using an automated machine with a bare motor. The quantity of fibers produced from hyacinths is significantly higher, resulting in a superior quality of fibers. This outcome can only be achieved through mechanical extraction. A mechanically extracted fiber contains 65–68% cellulose, 35% hemicellulose, 2.56% lignin, and 0.21% moisture. A water hyacinth fiber has a diameter of 150 mm, a length of 45–65 cm, and a density of 1.226 g per cubic centimeter. The results demonstrate that the surface condition of the hyacinth fiber affects its optimal length.