INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS OF NEW FIBER FROM ALLIUM FISTULOSUM L. (SCALLION) PLANT'S TASSEL AND ITS SUITABILITY FOR FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITES.

Eco-friendly materials receive more attention due to the necessity of addressing pollution and resource depletion in the face of exponential industrial expansion. Natural fibers provide a sustainable substitution, especially in green composites. This study investigated the feasibility of Allium fistulosum L. (Scallion) as a fiber resource for composite applications by using its tassel. Allium fistulosum L. is derived from a widely available plant and its waste tassels of the plant provide fiber properties and have the potential to be a reinforcing component in composites. The investigation involves characterizing Allium fistulosum L. (AfL) fibers through various analyses. The density of the AfL was determined approximately 1.35 - 1.45 g/cm3. The percentages of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose were found to be 24.31%, 29.73%, and 38.36%, respectively. FTIR and XRD analysis affirm AfL's cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin presence. SEM images indicate a rough surface, necessitating modification for better matrix compatibility. TGA shows suitable thermal stability, majorly degrading beyond 267°C. Tensile testing demonstrates a tensile strength of 22.19 ±3.75 MPa and 0.87 ±0.16 GPa modulus, exceeding some natural fibers like aerial banyan tree roots and Cordia dichotoma. Results show promising features, indicating the viability of AfL fibers in composites with reduced environmental impact and economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]