Extraction and characterization of novel ultrastrong and tough natural cellulosic fiber bundles from manau rattan (Calamus manan)

Abstract Natural fibers are an ideal choice for fabricating advanced functional materials. In this study, novel ultrastrong and tough natural cellulosic fiber bundles (RFs) extracted from vascular tissues of manau rattan stems were obtained. The physical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, crystallographic, and morphological characteristics of RFs with different diameters were analyzed. The chemical composition analysis showed that more cellulose and less lignin existed in thinner RFs. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that manau rattan was mainly composed of vascular bundles, consisting of xylem, parenchyma, and run-through thicker tracheids. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the RFS had higher crystallinity (51.7 %) than RFM (49.7 %) and RFL (47.7 %). The rattan fiber bundles showed simultaneously enhanced tensile strength (170.2 for RFS vs. 65.6 MPa for RFL) and toughness (31.6 for RFS vs. 16.7 MJ/m3 for RFL) as diameter decreased. Tensile strength and toughness were 482.6 MPa and 79.9 MJ/m3 when RF diameter decreased to 0.15 mm. These findings suggested that these RFs will play a promising role in the field of nano-advanced functional materials.