Extraction and Characterization of Sri Lankan Habarala (Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don) Fibre for Potential Composite Applications

Abstract

This study investigates the extraction and characterisation of natural fibre from Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don, locally known as Habarala in Sri Lanka, with an emphasis on its potential as a lignocellulosic reinforcement for composite applications. Fibres were mechanically extracted from the stems using a decorticator, yielding an average fibre yield of 6.06%. The extracted fibres exhibited an average linear density of 11.57 Tex, fibre diameter of 31.19 μm, breaking force of 3.28 N, elongation at break of 1.74%, tenacity of 0.24 N/Tex, and moisture content of 14.83%. The mechanically extracted fibres were then subjected to three chemical treatment conditions (A1, B2, and C3) to evaluate changes in their physical, mechanical, and chemical characteristics. C3 produced the greatest reduction in linear density (26.53%) but also decreased breaking force and elongation at break, indicating deterioration of fibre structure. By comparison, B2 showed the best mechanical properties after treatment. FTIR analysis showed that the treatment removed hemicellulose and reduced lignin-related functional groups, while cellulose peaks became more prominent. The results suggest that mechanically extracted Habarala stem fibre is a promising lignocellulosic reinforcement for further evaluation in composite development.