Characterization and Optimization Techniques for the Extraction of Fibers from Ficus Thonningii

The investigation of natural fibers as viable substitutes for synthetic materials has intensified due to environmental and financial considerations. It has been acknowledged that Ficus thonningii is a viable source of natural fibers due to its resistance and capabilities. The current study aimed to extract and characterize F. thonningii fibers from F. thonningii plant found in Ethiopia. The extraction methods used included water and chemical retting with sodium hydroxide. The extraction was optimized by DOE. Mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the extracted fibers, such as tensile strength, elongation, fiber length and diameter, fiber fineness, moisture content, moisture regain, fiber’s cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash contents were characterized. Results showed that F. thonningii fibers have comparable fiber strength (39.65cN by chemical extraction and 37.83cN by water extraction), elongation (3.02% by water extraction and 2.6% by chemical extraction), fiber length (101.5mm by both methods), moisture content (10.35% by water extraction and 10.78% by chemical extraction), and moisture regain (11.02% by water extraction and 11.98% by chemical extraction) with jute, sisal, and flax. The chemical composition was found to be 52.35% of cellulose, 19.2% of hemicellulose, 17.2% of lignin, and 1.2% of ash for water extraction and 63.57% of cellulose, 16.1% of hemicellulose, 12.1% of lignin, and 0.83% of ash for chemical extraction. This proves that F. thonningii plant found in Ethiopia is a source of coarse fibers, thus, can be utilized for technical textiles application.