Comprehensive characterization of natural cellulosic fiber from Coccinia grandis stem.

The anatomical, physico-chemical, mechanical, thermal and surface characteristics of Coccinia grandis fiber (CGF) were studied for a potential substitute to the harmful synthetic fibers. The anatomical analysis of Coccinia grandis stem reveals the presence of high strength xylem fibers. Polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of CGF shows a hierarchical cell structure composed of a primary and a secondary cell wall, cell lumen and the middle lamellae. The average cross-sectional area and density of the CGF were 0.0111 mm2 and 1.5175 ± 0.005 g/cm3 respectively. The x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared analyses of the fiber indicates the presence of cellulose Iß with a crystallinity index of 46.09%. The mean Young's modulus and tensile strength of the CGF were 124 GPa and 775 MPa respectively, which is sufficient enough for the reinforcement in polymer composites. The thermogravimetric analysis confirms the thermal stability of CGF up to 250 °C, which is well within the polymerization process temperature.

Growth studies on microalgae Euglena sanguinea in various natural eco-friendly composite media to optimize the lipid productivity.

The environmental and culture conditions of a potential microalgae Euglena sanguinea were optimized for maximizing the biomass productivity. It was found that the organic macronutrient from poultry litter and organic micronutrient of seaweed extract are very effective to enhance the lipid production. Complementing, these organic nutrients with commercial NPK fertilizer, boost up the lipid productivity by 30.9% in comparison with the established standard Euglena medium. The fatty acid profile of the extracted oil by GC-MS reveals its conformity with commercial diesel.

Characterization of new natural cellulosic fiber from Cissus quadrangularis stem.

Polymer composite has contributed tremendously for energy efficient technologies in automotive and aero industries. Environmental and health concerns related to the carcinogenic nature of artificial fiber in polymer composite needs a retrofit. Eco friendly natural cellulosic fiber extract from the stem of Cissus quadrangularis plant is extensively characterized to consider as a viable alternative for man-made hazardous fibers. Anatomical study, chemical analysis, physical analysis, FTIR, XRD, SEM analysis and thermo gravimetric analysis were done to establish the certainty of using them as reinforcement fiber. Its light weight and the presence of high cellulose content (82.73%) with very little wax (0.18%) provide high specific strength and good bonding properties in composite manufacturing. The flaky honeycomb outer surface revealed through electron microscopy contributes for high modulus in CQ stem fiber and thermo gravimetric analysis ensures thermal stability up to 270 °C, which is within the polymerization process temperature.

Characterization of new natural cellulosic fiber from Cissus quadrangularis root.

Fiber reinforced polymer composites are replacing many metallic structures due to its high specific strength and modulus. However commonly used man-made E-glass fibers are hazardous for health and carcinogenic by nature. Comprehensive characterization of Cissus quadrangularis root fiber such as anatomical study, chemical analysis, physical analysis, FTIR, XRD, SEM analysis and thermo gravimetric analysis are done. The results are very encouraging for its application in fiber industries, composite manufacturing, etc. Due to its light weight and the presence of high cellulose content (77.17%) with very little wax (0.14%) provide high specific strength and good bonding properties. The flaky honeycomb outer surface and low microfibril angle revealed through electron microscopy contributes for its high modulus. The thermo gravimetric analysis indicates better thermal stability of the fiber up to 230°C, which is well within the polymerization process temperature.