Effect of Chemical Treatment on the Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of <i>Sansevieria ehrenbergii</i> (SE) Leaf Fibers and Their Utilization in Textiles

Abstract

Natural fibers are gaining significant attention in minimizing the usage of non-ecofriendly fibers in various industrial applications. In the present study, fibers extracted from the leaves of the Sansevieria ehrenbergii (SE) plant were investigated as potential sources of cellulosic fibers for textile applications. The water-extracted fibers were alkali-treated using varying treatment parameters, and their properties were then characterized using X-ray diffractometry, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric analyzer. The optimal treatment parameters were found to be 15 g/L NaOH, 90°C temperature, and 60 min. The obtained average length (980 mm), fineness (31.3 Tex), moisture regain (10.6%), and moisture content (9.6%) values were comparable to other fibers. Tensile strength values for untreated and treated fibers were 470.7 MPa and 582 MPa, respectively, while the elongations at break were 5.8% and 6.3%, respectively. The treated SE fibers contained 75.3%, 8.6%, and 5.8% of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin, respectively. In addition, the crystallinity index and crystal size of the treated SE fiber were 74.6% and 0.79 nm, respectively. Moreover, alkali treatment was found to enhance the thermal stabilities of the fibers. These findings suggest that the SE plant is a potential source of cellulosic fibers for various textile products.