Characterization of Natural Cellulosic Fiber from Coccinia Grandis Root

Adapting a sustainable and ecofriendly material system needs strategic induction of viable natural material. Toward this mission, a potential plant fiber, Coccinia grandis root fiber (CGRF), was characterized extensively to utilize as reinforcement in composites. The polarized light microscopy and SEM micrograph images of CGRF revealed a porous xylem and a thin primary cell wall, whereas the secondary cell walls are thick and lumens are wide. The fiber density was low at 1.29 +/- .005 g/cm(3) with a cross-sectional area of .01408 +/- .00352 mm(2). The existence of I-beta cellulose with 54.31% crystallinity index (CI) in CGRF was exhibited through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies. Tensile tests revealed that tensile strength and Young's modulus of CGRF were around 710 MPa and 12 GPa respectively. The thermo-gravimetric inspection assured the thermal steadiness of CGRFs until 280 degrees C, which was sufficient enough to withstand the polymerization process, which is an intended application of this fiber.