Cellulose fiber extracted from Napier grass in PVA composites

Abstract

Cellulose fiber is extracted from Napier grass (<em>Pennisetum Purpureum Schum</em>) and used as reinforcement for poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix. The extraction of cellulose fibers is carried out with a combination of chemical and mechanical treatment. The effect of amount of fiber in the PVA matrix on the morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of the composite films has been analyzed. Fourier transform spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy have been performed on the specimen at different stages during the processing of composite films to evaluate their structural properties. The tensile strength of the composite films is improved with an increase in the fiber content, however, fiber content greater than 8 wt% exhibit problems of aggregation and subsequent decline in the mechanical strength of the composite films. Thermal analysis demonstrate that the presence of Napier fibers do not have a significant effect on the degradation temperature of the composite films.