Areca nut husk lignocellulosic fibers: A sustainable alternative to synthetic textiles

Abstract

This review paper explores the potential of Areca nut husk fibers as a sustainable alternative to synthetic textiles, focusing on their composition, properties, extraction methods, and applications. Areca nut husk, a lignocellulosic material rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, is an abundant agricultural by-product in regions like India. Despite its current underutilization, it exhibits excellent mechanical and thermal properties, making it suitable for diverse applications, including biocomposites, biodegradable packaging, textiles, and construction materials. The review highlights the extraction and processing techniques for optimizing fiber quality, such as alkaline treatment, and discusses the fibers' advantages, such as renewability, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness. The environmental impact assessment underscores the ecological benefits of replacing synthetic fibers with Areca nut husk fibers, emphasizing their potential to reduce carbon emissions and waste. While the fibers show promise in multiple industries, the paper also addresses current challenges and the need for further research to fully realize their potential as a green alternative to synthetic fibers.