Cyperus platystylis in its natural habitat (left), and its fibres (right). Credit: Mondal, A.K. et al.
The stem of Cyperus platystylis, a plant which grows extensively in wetland areas of the Indian subcontinent, can be used to extract natural fibres1.
These fibres could replace expensive and non-biodegradable synthetic polymers currently used as raw materials in the packaging, textile, aerospace and sports appliance industries.
Scientists at Vidyasagar University in West Bengal collected stem parts from the plant and submerged these in water for three weeks. Microbes degraded the submerged parts and separated the fibres, which were then washed with double-distilled water and dried in sunlight.
Analysis revealed that the fibres contained cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Their cellulose content was more or less similar to jute and banana fibres, and their hemicellulose was also comparable to other natural fibres. The amount of lignin, which influences the structure, morphology and rigidity of fibres, was remarkably high.
Cyperus platystylis belongs to a family that includes grass-like plants. The length and diameter of its stem fibres are comparable to hemp, flax and jute. Thermal experiments demonstrated that its fibres remain stable in temperatures up to 279°C.
The researchers say that combining the stem-derived fibres with nanoparticles such as nanocellulose could yield a new smart material with improved properties. This could potentially be used to make a reinforcing agent for various industrial applications, they add.
