%0 Journal Article
%T Morphology, Thermal, and Mechanical Characterization of Bark Cloth from Ficus natalensis
%A Samson Rwawiire
%A George William Luggya
%A Blanka Tomkova
%J ISRN Textiles
%D 2013
%R 10.1155/2013/925198
%X The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed in 2005 that Ugandan bark cloth is largely produced from mutuba tree (Ficus natalensis) as a ˇ°Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.ˇ± An exploratory investigation of bark cloth a nonwoven material produced through a series of pummeling processes from mutuba tree in Uganda is fronted as a prospective engineering natural fabric. Bark cloth was obtained from Ficus natalensis trees in Nsangwa village, Buyijja parish in Mpigi district, Central Uganda. The morphology of the fabric was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM). thermal behavior of the fabric was studied using thermagravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the surface functional groups. The fabric was subjected to alkaline treatment for six hours at room temperature in order to study the change in fabric thermal properties so as to set a base for applications in biodegradable composites. Findings show that the natural nonwoven fleece is stable below 200ˇăC; alkaline treatment positively influences the thermal behavior by increasing the onset of cellulose degradation temperature. The fabric morphology showed that it is made up of fairly ordered microfibers which can be beneficial for nanocomposites. 1. Introduction Worldwide, researchers are embroiled in a race for niche products whereby industries can boost production processes as well as putting into consideration the laws of sustainability. The quest for structural materials, which are environmentally friendly, to mitigate global warming effects is on the agenda of industrialized nations and recommendations are put forward for production of recyclable, biodegradable products or materials with zero emissions. Transition to a more sustainable biobased economy, as a political consequence of the Kyoto protocol on global climate change, includes a shift from petrochemical to renewable sources. The ecological ˇ°greenˇ± image of cellulosic fibers is the leading argument for innovation and development of products which are biodegradable and can be applied to automotive industries [1¨C3], building and construction [4], geotextiles, and agricultural products [5, 6]. Plant-based fibers like flax, hemp, nettle, and kenaf which have been used to provide fiber in the Western world have attracted renewed interest in textile and industrial composite applications [6¨C9]. The need for lightness of materials with superb performance characteristics has
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.textiles/2013/925198/