article · Journal of Natural Fibers
This study investigated *Sida rhombifolia* fibres from the Center region of Cameroon, extracted using both cold water retting and a boiling water technique, to assess their potential for textiles and composites. It characterised their physico-chemical and mechanical properties, comparing them to other vegetable fibres. The research found that boiling water extraction is a viable method. Fibres extracted by cold water retting contained 70.16% cellulose, while boiling water extracted fibres had 68.71% cellulose. Physical properties like extraction yield, density, and water absorption were also detailed for both methods. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in mechanical properties based on the extraction method. The findings suggest *Sida rhombifolia* fibres are suitable for textile and composite applications.
This research contributes to developing sustainable alternatives to synthetic, non-biodegradable materials. By characterising natural fibres like *Sida rhombifolia*, it supports the creation of environmentally friendlier textiles and composites, potentially reducing reliance on petroleum-based products and promoting bio-based economies.
This foundational research identifies *Sida rhombifolia* fibres as a potential raw material for the textile and composite manufacturing industries. It provides critical material property data for engineers and product developers seeking sustainable alternatives. This work is at an early-stage research level, providing characterisation data rather than a ready-to-market product or process.
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To substitute synthetic fibers, which are non-biodegradable and environmentally unfriendly, studies have been carried out to exploit vegetable fibers. Within this concept, this work investigates Sida rhombifolia as a case study. Previous studies showed that the fibers could be extracted only by cold water retting, but this study seeks to show that the boiling water extraction technique can also be used. The objective of this study is to characterize Sida rhombifolia fibers from the Center region of Cameroon, extracted with cold and boiling water, and compare their physico-chemical and mechanical properties with those of other vegetable fibers. The standard tests for the different characterizations have been respected. This study showed that the fibers extracted with cold water retting contained 70.16% cellulose, 16.70% hemicellulose, 10.86% lignin, and 1.47% pectin, while the fibers extracted by boiling water technique contained 68.71% cellulose, 17.48% hemicellulose, 11.26% lignin, and 2.01% pectin. Finally, extraction of fibers from the cold water retting technique gave 38.83% extraction yield, 1.33 g.cm−3 density, 11.23 tex linear mass, 11.73% water content, 118.53% rate of water absorption, and 21.45% humidity at a relative humidity of 75%. While fibers extracted by the boiling water technique had 33.74% extraction yield, 1.35 g.cm−3 density, 13.57 tex linear mass, 13.28% water content, 225.12% rate of water absorption, and 22.06% humidity at a relative humidity of 75%, statistical analysis by Student’s t-test showed a significant difference in the mechanical properties of the fibers depending on the extraction method. Sida rhombifolia fibers can be used in textiles and composites and can be extracted by the boiling water technique.
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DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2023.2294478
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