Abstract:
This study investigates the extraction and
characterisation of natural fibre from Alocasia
macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don, locally known as Habarala in
Sri Lanka, with an emphasis on its potential as a
lignocellulosic reinforcement for composite applications.
Fibres were mechanically extracted from the stems using
a decorticator, yielding an average fibre yield of 6.06%.
The extracted fibres exhibited an average linear density
of 11.57 Tex, fibre diameter of 31.19 μm, breaking force
of 3.28 N, elongation at break of 1.74%, tenacity of 0.24
N/Tex, and moisture content of 14.83%. The
mechanically extracted fibres were then subjected to
three chemical treatment conditions (A1, B2, and C3) to
evaluate changes in their physical, mechanical, and
chemical characteristics. C3 produced the greatest
reduction in linear density (26.53%) but also decreased
breaking force and elongation at break, indicating
deterioration of fibre structure. By comparison, B2
showed the best mechanical properties after treatment.
FTIR analysis showed that the treatment removed
hemicellulose and reduced lignin-related functional
groups, while cellulose peaks became more prominent.
The results suggest that mechanically extracted Habarala
stem fibre is a promising lignocellulosic reinforcement for
further evaluation in composite development.
