Thermal and mechanical characteristics of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fibers obtained via water- and dew-retting

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Stawski D., Çalişkan E., YILMAZ N. D., Krucináska I.

Applied Sciences (Switzerland), vol.10, no.15, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 10 Issue: 15
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/app10155113
  • Journal Name: Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Communication Abstracts, INSPEC, Metadex, Directory of Open Access Journals, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Agro-residual fibers, Mechanical properties, Okra bast fibers, Thermal properties
  • Uşak University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this research, fibers were extracted from different parts of the okra plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) via water- and dew-retting methods. The fibers were subjected to physical and thermal analyses. The fibers obtained from the upper part of the okra plant showed higher breaking strength and lower linear density. Fibers obtained via water-retting exhibited higher breaking strength, higher elongation at break rates, and lower linear density values. The paper also presents the results of thermogravimetric analysis of the okra fibers. Tests were carried out in oxygen and inert gas atmospheres. Slight differences were found in the thermal resistance of the tested fibers, which was confirmed by an analysis using the αs-αr methodology. The calculated activation energy showed a widespread range of values.