Parthenium Hysterophorus as a Sustainable Reinforcement Material for Polymer Composites

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus, an invasive weed, is rapidly spreading across tropical and subtropical regions, causing significant ecological and health issues. Despite its negative impact, recent research highlights its potential as a sustainable, low-cost lignocellulosic material for polymer composites. This paper explores the chemical composition, physical properties, and processing techniques of parthenium, focusing on its use as a reinforcement in thermoset and thermoplastic matrices. Parthenium biomass is primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which make it suitable for composite applications. Surface treatments, such as alkali treatment, enhance the bonding between parthenium fibers and polymer matrices, improving mechanical interlocking. The resulting composites show enhanced mechanical properties, including increased tensile strength and flexural stiffness, with potential applications in automotive and engineering sectors. Additionally, parthenium-derived lignin has been explored for use in nanocomposites, offering UV-blocking and antioxidant properties. The paper discusses the environmental benefits of utilizing parthenium, such as reduced reliance on synthetic fibers, and highlights the challenges in ensuring consistent fiber quality and moisture sensitivity. Future research should focus on standardizing fiber extraction methods and developing hybrid composites to further enhance the performance of parthenium-based materials. In conclusion, parthenium presents a promising, eco-friendly alternative for polymer composites, contributing to the development of sustainable and biodegradable materials.

Introduction

Parthenium hysterophorus, commonly known as Congress grass or fool’s weed, is a highly invasive species that threatens biodiversity, agriculture, and public health, especially in tropical and subtropical regions like India. It reduces crop yields, degrades soil quality, and causes allergic reactions such as asthma and dermatitis.

Despite its harmful ecological impact, recent research highlights its potential as a low-cost, sustainable reinforcement material in polymer composites due to its lignocellulosic composition (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin).

Chemical Composition and Suitability

Parthenium biomass contains:

• ~78% holocellulose (cellulose + hemicellulose)

• ~17% lignin

• Secondary metabolites (e.g., parthenin), which can be removed during processing

Cellulose provides strength and stiffness, hemicellulose enhances flexibility and bonding, and lignin contributes rigidity and thermal stability. Alkali treatment improves fiber–matrix adhesion by removing surface impurities.

Physical Characteristics

• Low density → suitable for lightweight composites

• Roughened surface (after chemical treatment) → better mechanical interlocking

• Hydrophilic nature → moisture absorption challenges

Surface treatments are required to improve dimensional stability and durability.

Processing and Fabrication

Parthenium fibers are incorporated into:

• Thermoset composites (Epoxy): Improved tensile strength and modulus using hand lay-up and compression molding.

• Thermoplastic composites (PLA, ABS): Enhanced tensile and flexural properties, including 3D printing applications.

• Lignin-based nanocomposites: Parthenium lignin used in ZnO nanocomposites for UV-blocking and weather resistance.

Preprocessing steps include drying, alkali treatment (NaOH), washing, and oven drying to ensure fiber quality.

Mechanical Performance

1. Epoxy-Based Composites

• Increased tensile strength and stiffness at optimal fiber loading

• Improved flexural and impact properties

• Excess fiber content may reduce performance due to agglomeration

2. Thermoplastic Composites (PLA, ABS)

• Enhanced strength and load-bearing capacity

• Fiber alignment in 3D printing significantly affects performance

3. Lignin-Based Nanocomposites

• Improved UV resistance and weathering performance

• Potential multifunctional additive properties

Structure–Property Relationships

Mechanical performance depends on:

• Cellulose content and fiber orientation

• Interfacial bonding between fiber and matrix

• Surface treatment (e.g., NaOH) for improved adhesion

Effective stress transfer between fiber and polymer matrix is critical.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

• Converts invasive weed into valuable material

• Reduces environmental damage and seed spread

• Low-cost, renewable, and biodegradable resource

• Decreases reliance on synthetic fibers (glass/carbon)

• Supports sustainable composite production

Challenges and Future Prospects

Key limitations include:

• Variability in fiber quality (location, season, plant part)

• Moisture sensitivity

• Limited thermal stability compared to synthetic fibers

Future research should focus on:

• Standardized extraction and treatment methods

• Hybrid composites with natural/synthetic fibers

• Compatibilizer development

• Life-cycle sustainability assessment

Conclusion

In conclusion, parthenium hysterophorus holds significant potential as a low-cost, sustainable reinforcement material for polymer composites. Despite the challenges, such as variability in fiber quality and moisture sensitivity, its abundant availability and eco-friendly characteristics make it a viable alternative to traditional synthetic fibers. With continued research and development, parthenium-based composites could play a vital role in creating lightweight, high-performance, and environmentally responsible materials for a wide range of industrial applications.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Monika S., Dr. E. Devaki, Karthika B., Narmathavarsa V., Srinithi A.. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.