Serious environmental threat water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) plant natural fibress: Different extraction methods and morphological properties for polymer composite applications

• Published in: Materials today : proceedings 2023-03
• Main Authors: Ajithram, A., Winowlin Jappes, J.T, Chithra, G.K, Daphne, Reena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic weed; Aquatic Weed Extraction; Water hyacinth plant; Water Hyacinth Plant Fiber
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2023.03.431

The objective of this research is to study various methods of extracting fibress from water hyacinth plants and to examine the impact of different extraction methods on the quality of the fibress obtained. We initially experimented with several extraction techniques including conventional retting, manual extraction, hot water extraction, and chemical hot water boiling, however, all of these methods resulted in low fiber yield and compromised the quality of the fiber surface. To overcome these limitations, we utilized an automated machine powered by a bare motor to perform the extraction process mechanically. The ultimate goal of the fiber production process is to produce a higher quantity of high-quality fibress, which can only be achieved through mechanical extraction. The mechanical extraction process results in fibress with a cellulose content of 65–68%, hemicellulose content of 35%, lignin content of 2.56%, and moisture content of 0.215%. The water hyacinth fibress have a length of 45–65 cm, width of 150 mm, and density of 1.226 g per cubic centimeter. The findings showed that the conditions of the fiber surface have a significant impact on the ideal length of water hyacinth fibress.