Recently, natural fibers have become prominent for their potential use as reinforcement in polymer composites owing to their renewable nature and biodegradable properties. In this work, efforts have been made to isolate and characterize the cellulosic fibers from the stem of Cayratia trifolia L. Fibers were processed using NaOH and a mechanical method, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to examine the chemical bonds and functional groups. Thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to evaluate the thermal stability of the fibers, while x-ray diffraction spectroscopy was employed to analyze their crystalline properties. Scanning electron microscopy examined the fibers’ surface morphology. The study revealed that Cayratia trifolia L. fibers contain 64.92% cellulose, 19.19% hemicellulose, and 15.3% lignin. The fibers showed a crystallinity index of 39.91% and a crystallite size of 15.8 nm, along with strong tensile properties. FTIR confirmed the presence of biopolymers, and the fibers demonstrated thermal stability up to 135°C. These findings suggest their potential for use as reinforcement in polymer composites for apparel and nonwoven textiles.
KuramE.Advances in development of green composites based on natural fibers: A review. Emerg Mater2022; 5(3): 811–831. DOI: 10.1007/s42247-021-00279-2.
2.
MushtaqBAhmadSAhmadF, et al. Alternative natural fibers for biocomposites, In: NawabY.SaouabA.ImadA.ShakerK. (eds) Natural fibers to composites: Engineering Materials. Springer, Cham. 2022; 1–18. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-20597-2.
3.
NarayanasamyPBalasundarPSenthilS, et al. Characterization of a novel natural cellulosic fiber from Calotropis gigantea fruit bunch for ecofriendly polymer composites. Int J Biol Macromol2020; 150: 793–801. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.134.
4.
KannanGThangarajuR.Recent progress on natural lignocellulosic fiber reinforced polymer composites: A review. J Nat Fibers2022; 19(13): 7100–7131. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2021.1944425.
5.
BaluSSampathPSBhuvaneshwaranM, et al. Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermal analysis of untreated Coccinia indica fiber composites. Polimery2020; 65(5): 357–362. DOI: 10.14314/polimery.2020.5.3.
6.
SenthamaraikannanPSanjayMRBhatKS, et al. Characterization of natural cellulosic fiber from bark of Albizia amara. J Nat Fibers2018; 16(8): 1124–1131. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2018.1453432.
7.
MohantyAKMisraMDrzalLT.Sustainable bio-composites from renewable resources: Opportunities and challenges in the green materials world. J Polym Environ2002; 10(1): 19–26. DOI: 10.1023/A:1021013921916.
8.
BhuvaneshwaranMSampathPSBaluS, et al. Physicochemical and mechanical properties of natural cellulosic fiber from Coccinia Indica and its epoxy composites. Polimery2019; 64(10): 656–6564. DOI: 10.14314/polimery.2019.10.2.
9.
MylsamyBPalaniappanSKSampathPS, et al. Impact of nanoclay on mechanical and structural properties of treated Coccinia indica fibre reinforced epoxy composites. J Mater Res Technol2019; 8(6): 6021-6028. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2019.09.076.
10.
NagappanSSubramaniSPPalaniappanSK, et al. Impact of alkali treatment and fiber length on mechanical properties of new agro waste Lagenaria Siceraria fiber reinforced epoxy composites. J Nat Fibers2021; 19(13): 6853–6864. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2021.1932681.
11.
MylsamyBAruchamyKSubramaniSP, et al. State of the art of advanced fiber materials: Future directions, opportunities, and challenges. In: JeenatAslamChandrabhanVerma (eds) Fiber Materials: Design, Fabrication and Applications, De Gruyter2023; 357–372. DOI: 10.1515/9783110992892-014.
12.
MylsamyBChinnasamyVPalaniappanSK, et al. Effect of surface treatment on the tribological properties of Coccinia Indica cellulosic fiber reinforced polymer composites. J Mater Res Technol2020; 9(6): 16423–16434. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.11.100.
13.
BhuvaneshwaranMSampathPSSagadevanS.Influence of fiber length, fiber content and alkali treatment on mechanical properties of natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Polimery2019; 64(2): 93–99. DOI: 10.14314/polimery.2019.2.2.
14.
KumarDGuptaJKumarS, et al. Pharmacognostic evaluation of Cayratia trifolia (Linn.) leaf. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed2012; 2(1): 6–10. DOI: 10.1016/S2221-1691(11)60180-9.
O’ConnorRTDuPreEFMitchamD.Applications of infrared absorption spectroscopy to investigations of cotton and modified cottons: Part I: Physical and crystalline modifications and oxidation. Text Res J1958; 28(5): 382–392. DOI: 10.1177/004051755802800503.
21.
SegalLCreelyJJMartinAE, et al. An empirical method for estimating the degree of crystallinity of native cellulose using the x-ray diffractometer. Text Res J1959; 29(10): 786–794. DOI: 10.1177/004051755902901003.
22.
WangYZhaiWLiJ, et al. Friction behavior of biodegradable electrospun polyester nanofibrous membranes. Tribol Int2023; 188: 108891. DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2023.108891.
23.
ManivelSPannirselvamNGopinathR, et al. Physico-mechanical, chemical composition and thermal properties of cellulose fiber from Hibiscus vitifolius plant stalk for polymer composites. J Nat Fibers2021; 19(13): 6961–6976. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2021.1941484.
24.
BantamlakBTekalgnM.Characterization of natural cellulosic fiber extracted from Grewia ferruginea plant stem. Int J Biol Macromol2024; 271(2): 132858. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132858.
25.
SelvarajM, Akash SMylsamyB.Characterization of new natural fiber from the stem of Tithonia diversifolia plant. J Nat Fibers2023; 20(1): 2167144. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2023.2167144.
26.
SelvarajMPannirselvamNRavichandranPT, et al. Extraction and characterization of a new natural cellulosic fiber from bark of Ficus carica plant as potential reinforcement for polymer composites. J Nat Fibers2023; 20(2): 2194699. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2023.2194699.
SelvarajaMChapagainaPMylsamyB.Characterization studies on new natural cellulosic fiber extracted from the stem of Ageratina adenophora plant. J Nat Fibers2023; 20(1): 2156019. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2022.2156019.
29.
MaranMKumarRSenthamaraikannanP, et al. Suitability evaluation of Sida mysorensis plant fiber as reinforcement in polymer composite. J Nat Fibers2022; 19(5): 1659–1669. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2020.1787920.
Ponnu KrishnanPSelwin RajaduraiJ. Microscopical, physico-chemical, mineralogical, and mechanical characterization of Sansevieria zeylanica fibers as potential reinforcement of composite structures. J Compos Mater2017; 51(6): 811–829. DOI: 10.1177/0021998316653461.
32.
JohnMJAnandjiwalaRD.Recent developments in chemical modification and characterization of natural fiber-reinforced composites. Polym Compos2008; 29(2): 187–207. DOI: 10.1002/pc.20461.
33.
RajanAAbrahamTE.Coir fiber process and opportunities, J Nat Fibers2007; 4(1): 1-11. DOI: 10.1300/J395v04n01_01.
34.
MahirFIKeyaKNSarkerB, et al. A brief review on natural fiber used as a replacement of synthetic fiber in polymer composites. Mater Eng Res2019; 1(2): 88–99. DOI: 10.25082/MER.2019.02.007.
35.
AzanawAKetemaA.Extraction and characterization of fibers from Ethiopian finger euphorbia (Euphorbia tirucalli) plants. J Nat Fibers2022; 19(15): 11885–11895. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2022.2046674.
36.
SekiYSarikanatMSeverK, et al. Extraction and properties of Ferula communis (chakshir) fibers as novel reinforcement for composites materials. Compos B Eng2013; 44: 517–523. DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.03.013.
37.
VenkatachalamNNavaneethakrishnanPSathishkumarT.Characterization of novel Passiflora foetida natural fibers for paper board industry. J Ind Text2023; 53: 1–24. DOI: 10.1177/1528083716682923.
38.
FioreVScaliciTValenzaA.Characterization of a new natural fiber from Arundo donax L. as potential reinforcement of polymer composites. Carbohydr Polym2014; 106: 77–83. DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.02.016.
39.
KumarRSivaganesanSSenthamaraikannanP, et al. Characterization of new cellulosic fiber from the bark of Acacia nilotica L. plant. J Nat Fibers2020; 19(1): 199–208. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2020.1738305.
40.
GeorgeSThomasSNandanan NedumpillilN, et al. Extraction and characterization of fibers from water hyacinth stem using a custom-made decorticator. J Nat Fibers2023; 20(2): 2212927. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2023.2212927.
41.
SheferawLGideonRKEjeguH, et al. Extraction and characterization of fiber from the stem of Cyperus papyrus plant. J Nat Fibers2022; 20(1): 2149661. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2022.2149661.
42.
FarukOBledzkiAKFinkHP, et al. Progress report on natural fiber reinforced composites. Macromol Mater Eng2014; 299(1): 9–26. DOI: 10.1002/mame.201300008
43.
GuruRFangueiroR.Cayratia trifolia L. fibre: Revolutionizing paper and pulp industry with a renewable resource. J Ind Text2025; 55: 1–19. DOI: 10.11.77/15280837251322126.
44.
AmuthaVSenthilkumarB.Physical, chemical, thermal, and surface morphological properties of the bark fiber extracted from Acacia concinna plant. J Nat Fibers2019; 18(11): 1661–1674. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2019.1697986.
45.
LiHHeGZhaoZ, et al. Abrasion performance and failure mechanism of fiber yarns based on molecular segmental differences. J Eng Fiber Fabr2024; 19: 1–14. DOI: 10.1177/15589250241228263.
46.
HeGLiHZhaoZ, et al. Antifouling coatings based on the synergistic action of biogenic antimicrobial agents and low surface energy silicone resins and their application to marine aquaculture nets. Prog Org Coat2024; 195: 108656. DOI: 10.1016/j.porgcoat.2024.108656.
47.
ShahzadA.A study in physical and mechanical properties of hemp fibres. Adv Mater Sci Eng2013; 2013: 325085, 1–9. DOI: 10.1155/2013/325085.
48.
SathishkumarTNavaneethakrishnanPShankarS, et al. Characterization of natural fiber and composites – A review. J Reinf Plast Compos2013; 32(19): 1457–1476. DOI: 10.1177/0731684413495322.
49.
DasBChakrabartiKTripathiS, et al. Review of some factors influencing jute fiber quality. J Nat Fibers2014; 11(3): 268–281. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2014.880103.
50.
NaveenJJawaidMAmuthakkannanP, et al. Mechanical and physical properties of sisal and hybrid sisal fiber-reinforced polymer composites. In: JawaidMohammadThariqMohamedSabaNaheed (eds) Mechanical and Physical Testing of Biocomposites, Fiber-Reinforced Composites and Hybrid Composites. Woodhead Publishing, 2019; 427–440. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-08-102292-4.00021-7.
51.
SoraishamLDGogoiNMishraL, et al. Extraction and evaluation of properties of Indian banana fiber (Musa domestica var. balbisiana, BB group) and its processing with ramie. J Nat Fibers2022; 19(13): 5839–5850. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2021.1897728.
52.
NtengaRSaidjoSWakataA, et al. Extraction, applications and characterization of plant fibers. In: JeonHan-Yong (eds) Natural Fiber. IntechOpen UK, 2022, 137–168. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.103093.
53.
MochaneMJMokhenaTCMokhothuTH, et al. Recent progress on natural fiber hybrid composites for advanced applications: A review. Express Polym Lett2019; 13(2): 159–198. DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2019.15.
54.
AshrafMZwawiMTaqi MehranM, et al. Jute based bio and hybrid composites and their applications. Fibers2019; 7(9): 77. DOI: 10.3390/fib7090077.
55.
ManimaranPSanjayMRSenthamaraikannanP, et al. A new study on characterization of Pithecellobium dulce fiber as composite reinforcement for lightweight applications. J Nat Fibers2018; 17(3): 359–370. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2018.1492491.
56.
MakhloufABelaadiAAmrouneS, et al. Elaboration and characterization of flax fiber reinforced high density polyethylene biocomposite: Effect of the heating rate on thermo-mechanical properties. J Nat Fibers2020; 19(10): 3928–3941. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2020.1848737.
57.
GuimarãesJLFrolliniEda SilvaCG, et al. Characterization of banana, sugarcane bagasse and sponge gourd fibers of Brazil. Ind Crops Prod2009; 30(3): 407-415. DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2009.07.013.
58.
Arul Marcel MoshiARavindranDSundara BharathiSR, et al. Characterization of surface-modified natural cellulosic fiber extracted from the root of Ficus religiosa tree. Int J Biol Macromol2020; 156: 997–1006. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.117.
59.
SamouhZCherkaouiOSoulatD, et al. Identification of the physical and mechanical properties of Moroccan sisal yarns used as reinforcements for composite materials. Fibers2021; 9(2): 13. DOI: 10.3390/fib9020013.
60.
JastiABiswasS. Characterization of elementary industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) fiber and its fabric. J Nat Fibers2023; 20(1): 2158982, DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2022.2158982.
61.
SunnyTPickeringKLLimSH.Alkali treatment of hemp fibers for the production of aligned hemp fiber mats for composite reinforcement. Cellulose2020; 27: 2569–2582. DOI: 10.1007/s10570-019-02939-3.
62.
VijayakkannanKRajendranI.Extraction and characterization of a new natural cellulosic fiber from the habara plant stem (HF) as potential reinforcement for polymer composites. Int J Biol Macromol2024; 269(1): 131818. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131818.
63.
Gopi KrishnaMKailasanathanCNagaraja GaneshB. Physico-chemical and morphological characterization of cellulose fibers extracted from Sansevieria roxburghiana Schult & Schult F. leaves. J Nat Fibers2020; 19(9): 3300–3316. DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2020.1843102.
64.
SunMQiuZChenQ, et al. A mechanical metamaterial for energy absorption using carbon fiber composite. Int J Mech Sci2025; 295: 110282. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2025.110282.
65.
WangYZhaiWChengS, et al. Surface-functionalized design of blood-contacting biomaterials for preventing coagulation and promoting hemostasis. Friction2023; 11(8): 1371–1394. DOI: 10.1007/s40544-022-0710-x.
66.
WangYNiuZHanH., et al. Observation of structural, mechanical, thermal and microwave dielectric properties of carbon black reinforced PA6/HDPE nanocomposites. J Mat Sci Mater Electron2023; 34: 1948. DOI: 10.1007/s10854-023-11360-3.
67.
Nagaraja GaneshBGaneshanPRamshankarP, et al. Assessment of natural cellulose fibers derived from Senna auriculata for making light weight industrial biocomposites. Ind Crops Prod2019; 139: 111546. DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.111546.
68.
JoharNAhmadIDufresneA.Extraction, preparation and characterization of cellulose fibres and nanocrystals from rice husk. Ind Crops Prod2012; 37(1): 93–99. DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2011.12.016.
69.
AmiorASathaHLaoutidF, et al. Natural cellulose from Ziziphus jujuba fibers: Extraction and characterization. Mater2022; 16(1): 385. DOI: 10.3390/ma16010385.
70.
YangHYanRChenH, et al. Characteristics of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin pyrolysis. Fuel2007; 86: 1781–1788. DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2006.12.013.
71.
SilverioHANetoWPFDantasNO, et al. Extraction and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from corncob for application as reinforcing agent in nanocomposites. Ind Crops Prod2013; 44: 427–436. DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2013.08.049.
72.
SirokyJBlackburnRSBechtoldT, et al. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis of crystallinity changes in lyocell following continuous treatment with sodium hydroxide. Cellulose2010; 17: 103–115. DOI: 10.1007/s10570-009-9378-x.
73.
CélinoAGoncalvesOJacqueminF, et al. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of water sorption in natural fibers using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Carbohydr Polym2014; 101: 163–170. DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.09.023.
