Characterization of Cellulosic Fibers from the Inflorescences of Echinops sphaerocephalus: An Unexplored Source of Eco-Friendly Sustainable Fibers
This study identifies Echinops sphaerocephalus inflorescences as a novel, sustainable fiber source that avoids deforestation. Comprehensive characterization of their chemical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties reveals their potential for diverse applications. Chemical analysis shows th...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Natural Fibers |
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| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15440478.2025.2546019 |
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| author | Kawthar Z. Alzarieni Abdel Rahman Bani Amer Hilkka I. Kenttämaa |
| author_facet | Kawthar Z. Alzarieni Abdel Rahman Bani Amer Hilkka I. Kenttämaa |
| author_sort | Kawthar Z. Alzarieni |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study identifies Echinops sphaerocephalus inflorescences as a novel, sustainable fiber source that avoids deforestation. Comprehensive characterization of their chemical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties reveals their potential for diverse applications. Chemical analysis shows that the fibers contain 39.5% cellulose, 36.5% hemicellulose, and 2.9% lignin, corroborated by FTIR spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction indicates a crystallite size of 2.25 nm and a crystallinity index of 47.5 ± 3.2%. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms the thermal stability up to 280°C. Morphological analysis by SEM reveals a hollow, microtubular structure with interconnected features and longitudinal microchannels, while AFM shows groove depths averaging 1.19 ± 0.49 μm. These structural traits contribute to a low density 0.51 ± 0.04 g/mL, tensile strength 34 ± 9 MPa, and thermal conductivity 0.049 ± 0.001 W/mK. A novel tea bag method, addressing a gap in assessing lightweight, hairy fibers, measured water absorption at 250 ± 33%. The combination of low density, high thermal stability, low thermal conductivity, and high water absorption positions these fibers as promising reinforcements for polymer composites, especially in biodegradable and lightweight applications. These findings highlight the untapped potential of this natural fiber for sustainable engineering and industrial uses. Such renewable fibers meet global demands for sustainable materials amid increasing environmental challenges. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a1a9f142b5fe455182b5a497f18d0884 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1544-0478 1544-046X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-12-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Natural Fibers |
| spelling | doaj-art-a1a9f142b5fe455182b5a497f18d08842025-08-25T10:58:48ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Natural Fibers1544-04781544-046X2025-12-0122110.1080/15440478.2025.2546019Characterization of Cellulosic Fibers from the Inflorescences of Echinops sphaerocephalus: An Unexplored Source of Eco-Friendly Sustainable FibersKawthar Z. Alzarieni0Abdel Rahman Bani Amer1Hilkka I. Kenttämaa2Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, JordanDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, JordanDepartment of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USAThis study identifies Echinops sphaerocephalus inflorescences as a novel, sustainable fiber source that avoids deforestation. Comprehensive characterization of their chemical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties reveals their potential for diverse applications. Chemical analysis shows that the fibers contain 39.5% cellulose, 36.5% hemicellulose, and 2.9% lignin, corroborated by FTIR spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction indicates a crystallite size of 2.25 nm and a crystallinity index of 47.5 ± 3.2%. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms the thermal stability up to 280°C. Morphological analysis by SEM reveals a hollow, microtubular structure with interconnected features and longitudinal microchannels, while AFM shows groove depths averaging 1.19 ± 0.49 μm. These structural traits contribute to a low density 0.51 ± 0.04 g/mL, tensile strength 34 ± 9 MPa, and thermal conductivity 0.049 ± 0.001 W/mK. A novel tea bag method, addressing a gap in assessing lightweight, hairy fibers, measured water absorption at 250 ± 33%. The combination of low density, high thermal stability, low thermal conductivity, and high water absorption positions these fibers as promising reinforcements for polymer composites, especially in biodegradable and lightweight applications. These findings highlight the untapped potential of this natural fiber for sustainable engineering and industrial uses. Such renewable fibers meet global demands for sustainable materials amid increasing environmental challenges.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15440478.2025.2546019Sustainable fiberscellulosematerial characterizationchemical analysisEchinops sphaerocephalusbiodegradable |
| spellingShingle | Kawthar Z. Alzarieni Abdel Rahman Bani Amer Hilkka I. Kenttämaa Characterization of Cellulosic Fibers from the Inflorescences of Echinops sphaerocephalus: An Unexplored Source of Eco-Friendly Sustainable Fibers Journal of Natural Fibers Sustainable fibers cellulose material characterization chemical analysis Echinops sphaerocephalus biodegradable |
| title | Characterization of Cellulosic Fibers from the Inflorescences of Echinops sphaerocephalus: An Unexplored Source of Eco-Friendly Sustainable Fibers |
| title_full | Characterization of Cellulosic Fibers from the Inflorescences of Echinops sphaerocephalus: An Unexplored Source of Eco-Friendly Sustainable Fibers |
| title_fullStr | Characterization of Cellulosic Fibers from the Inflorescences of Echinops sphaerocephalus: An Unexplored Source of Eco-Friendly Sustainable Fibers |
| title_full_unstemmed | Characterization of Cellulosic Fibers from the Inflorescences of Echinops sphaerocephalus: An Unexplored Source of Eco-Friendly Sustainable Fibers |
| title_short | Characterization of Cellulosic Fibers from the Inflorescences of Echinops sphaerocephalus: An Unexplored Source of Eco-Friendly Sustainable Fibers |
| title_sort | characterization of cellulosic fibers from the inflorescences of echinops sphaerocephalus an unexplored source of eco friendly sustainable fibers |
| topic | Sustainable fibers cellulose material characterization chemical analysis Echinops sphaerocephalus biodegradable |
| url | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15440478.2025.2546019 |
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