Extraction and characterization of Ethiopian violet tree bast fiber as sustainable industrial applications

Abstract

Recently, there has been growing interest in sustainable consumption, mainly due to its eco-friendliness and potential as raw materials for the textile and fashion industries. The aim of this study is to extract the characteristics of Ethiopian violet tree fiber for industry for sustainability purposes. The chemical composition, the morphological characteristics were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The functional groups of Ethiopian violet tree fibers were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy FTIR, which assess the elemental composition, and surface functional groups. The thermal behavior of Ethiopian violet tree was assessed through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Chemical composition analysis revealed that the Ethiopian violet tree fiber composed of 63.35 ± 6.12% cellulose, 20 ± 1.5% hemicellulose, and 6.25 ± 0.24% lignin. The FTIR spectra of the extracted fibers also confirmed the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The dimensional characteristics of the fiber show fineness 6.5 ± 0.75 tex, density of 1.24 ± 0.05 g/cm3 and fiber length of 165 ± 5 mm. moisture content and moisture regain are 10.75 ± 0.35% and 12.05 ± 0.44%, respectively. The tensile properties of the fiber show a elastic’s modulus, tenacity and elongation at break for Ethiopia violet tree were measured at 685.5 ± 21 MPa, 1932.7 ± 58 cN/tex, 55.4 ± 1.8 cN/tex and 2.59 ± 0.19%, respectively., Furthermore, the fiber was thermally stabilized up to 600 °C with thermogravimetric analysis. These physic-chemical behaviors confirm that Ethiopian violet tree fiber recognized as a favorable fiber in non-conventional applications in sustainable industries.