Valorization of cellulosic fiber derived from waste biomass of constructed wetland as a potential reinforcement in polymeric composites: A technological approach to achieve circular economy

Abstract

This study establishes the suitability of cellulosic fibers derived from Canna indica waste biomass for utilization as a reinforcement in natural fiber polymeric composites. The waste biomass was harvested from constructed wetlands engaged in the treatment of municipal wastewater from a gated community. The extracted Canna indica (CI) fibers were studied for their physicochemical, mechanical, structural, crystallographic, and thermal characteristics and proposed as a potential alternative to synthetic fiber. The CI fibers contained a relatively higher amount of cellulose (60 wt%) and a low wax fraction (0.5 wt%) - which is advantageous for its gainful utilization as a reinforcement. The CI fibers were thermally stable up to 237 °C and have an average fiber length, diameter, and density of 4.3 mm, 842 μm, and 0.75 g/cm³, respectively. The mean maximum tensile strength and Young's modulus were found to be 113 ± 6.82 MPa and 0.8 ± 7.91 GPa, respectively. The nano-indentation test displayed the nano hardness and modulus as 0.3 ± 0.6 GPa and 1.62 ± 0.2 GPa, respectively. The crystallographic properties of CI fibers consisted of an 87.45% crystallinity index and 3.2 nm crystallite size. The morphological attributes of CI fibers showed rough surfaces and shallow cavities on the surfaces of the fibers suggesting the suitability for its utilization as a reinforcement. It is argued that this technological approach can potentially achieve circular economy through valorization of Canna indica biomass harvested from natural wastewater treatment plants.

Keywords: Biomass valorization; Canna indica; Circular economy; Lignocellulosic fibers; Natural fibers reinforced composites; Polymeric composites.