Extraction and characterization of Martynia annua stem fiber as reinforcement for prospective application

In this research work, Martynia annua stem was subjected to extraction and investigation of the physiochemical, thermal stability, as well as surface characteristics to ensure its suitability as a reinforcement for composites. The extraction process involves breaking down the cellulose-hemicellulose-lignin complex, causing the isolation of cellulose fibers. Higher cellulose content (52.56 +/- 10.34 wt.%), lower hemi-cellulose (12.34 +/- 3.86 wt.%), lignin (11.56 +/- 3.56 wt.%), and wax (0.45 +/- 0.07 wt.%) were identified with the help of chemical analysis. The authors then subjected the extracted sample to various characterization studies, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The findings from the XRD provide information on a crystallinity index of 33.83% while FTIR analysis helps identify functional groups present in the cellulose, and FESEM provides insights into the morphology. Simultaneously, images obtained from the atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the extracted microcellulose possesses the requisite average roughness (6.167 nm). Overall, the study suggests that Martynia annua stem fiber (MASF) could be a valuable material in polymer composites to strengthen as an effective reinforcement agent due to its special features and characteristics.