Amazonian tucum (Astrocaryum chambira Burret) leaf fiber and handcrafted yarn characterization

Research Article Amazonian tucum (Astrocaryum chambira Burret) leaf fiber and handcrafted yarn characterization Lais Goncalves de Andrade Pennas1 · Barbara Leonardi2 Holmer Savastano Jr.3 · Julia Baruque‑Ramos1 · Patricia das Neves3 · Lia Souza Coelho3 · Received: 14 June 2019 / Accepted: 10 January 2020 / Published online: 18 January 2020 © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020 Abstract Astrocaryum chambira is an important palm tree employed for many people along the Amazonian region in handcrafts and other products, by traditional manipulation techniques. The aim of this study is to perform a physical and chemical characterization of A. chambira Burret (Tucum) fibers, comparing the obtained parameters with others from commonly employed textile fibers, and to perform the characterization of the handcrafted yarn manufactured by this traditional Amazonian community in Brazil. Reflections about the relation between this fiber and traditional communities were also made. Main characteristics were determined, namely: 90 ± 12 cm fiber length; 1.510 ± 0.007 g/cm3 density; 10.0 ± 0.34% regain; 80.3% index of crystallinity; TGA; DTG and DSC profiles with estimated values of holocellulose (68.4%) and lignin (21.7%); and tensile tests resulting in: 37.4 ± 5.6 cN/Tex tenacity; 6.6 ± 0.4% elongation; 8.3 ± 1.0 N/Tex Young’s Modulus. Siliceous bodies (phytoliths) are found along the longitudinal surfaces of A. chambira Burret fibers. The results obtained may be a database of A. chambira fibers, helping future research that will addresses its application potential as an alternative textile fiber. Keywords Textile · Natural fiber · Astrocaryum chambira · Tucum · Palm fibers 1 Introduction The leaves of the palm Astrocaryum chambira are a potential source of vegetal fiber. Studies report the use of this palm fibers by traditional communities located throughout Amazon region. Traditional knowledge of extraction, spinning and the handcraft manufacturing, as well as the economic and emotional importance of this fiber for such communities are the most exploited points by the authors [1–7]. In Brazil A. chambira palm is known as “Tucum”. It is also named as “corombolo” or “palm-coconut” (Colombia), “chambira” or “coconut” (Ecuador) and “chambira” (Peru) [8]. The Astrocaryum genus comprises 40 species with main distribution in South and Central America. Like other genus of the Arecaceae, it presents economic importance in the regions in which it occurs [9]. Many species of Astrocaryum have edible fruits and fibers that can be extracted from the leaves (Fig. 1a). The genus ranges from large palms to smaller palm trees, all containing spines in their trunk (Fig. 1b) [8]. Botanically, it is characterized by having a solitary, erect stipe, up to 15 m long and 30 cm in diameter, internodes densely covered by black spines up to 20 cm long [13]. Astrocaryum chambira has its fibers extracted from its leaves, more specifically from its leaflets (Fig. 1c), * Lais Goncalves de Andrade Pennas, | 1School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Arlindo Bettio, 1000, Sao Paulo, SP 03828‑000, Brazil. 2Golden Technology, R. Ambrosio Molina, 1100 ‑ Eugenio de Melo, Sao Jose dos Campos, SP 12247‑902, Brazil. 3College of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, R. Duque de Caxias, 225 ‑ Jardim Elite, Pirassununga, SP 13635‑900, Brazil. SN Applied Sciences (2020) 2:228 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-2031-x Vol.:(0123456789) Research Article SN Applied Sciences (2020) 2:228 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-2031-x Fig. 1  Tucum palm (Astrocaryum chambira Burret): a leaves and fruits [10] [11]; b trunk with spines [11]; c Palm leaf anatomy [12] which are employed often by forest people for manufacturing nets, bags and other handcrafts [4]. In Brazil, more specifically in the community “Ceu do Jurua”, located in the state of Amazonas, the palm A. chambira is known as “Tucum” and therefore its fibers as “Tucum fibers”. The people of that region have a traditional knowledge passed from generation to generation of fiber extraction and handmade spinning, resulting in a yarn known locally as “Tucum Yarn”, with which they develop many handcraft products [14]. The aim of this study is to perform a physical and chemical characterization of Astrocaryum chambira Burret (Tucum) fibers, comparing the obtained parameters with others from commonly employed textile fibers, and to perform the characterization of the handcrafted yarn manufactured by this traditional Amazonian community in Brazil. Reflections about the relation between this fiber and traditional communities were also made. 2 Experimental 2.1 Materials To carry out the experimental stage of the study, fibers from Tucum palm (Astrocaryum chambira Burret) grown leaflets (Fig. 1c) were provided by the Community “Vila Ecologica Ceu do Jurua”, in the municipality of Ipixuna, Southwest of the state of Amazonas, Brazil, near the border with Acre state, GPS 07° 03′ 04″ S and 71° 41′ 43″ W. This location is comprised in Brazilian Amazon Forest biome, but it should be noted that obtaining these materials does not require authorization from IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of Environment) or any other federal or state environmental agency, since the material is usually collected and marketed and its purchase and possession has no legal restriction in any of the Brazilian states. Vol:.(1234567890) 2.2 Length and linear density The length of the fibers was measured in 100 fibers, using a stainless-steel manual ruler. Linear density was estimated according standard ISO 1973-1995 [15] weighing the fibers in analytical balance (Sartorius, ED124S model, Germany). 2.3 SEM and surface morphology The Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) Quanta 650 FEG (FEI) as well as the energy dispersive EDX system Quantax (Bruker) were employed. The magnifications of 250; 1000; 2000 and 6000 times for SEM images were used. 2.4 Density Density values were determinate employing a gas pycnometer Ultrapycnometer 1000 (Quantachrome Instruments). Before starting the analysis, itself, the sample, placed in the respective chamber, is subjected to a degassing process consisting of repeated purges with helium to remove impurities and moisture that may be present. After the entire system is brought to atmospheric pressure, the expansion chamber is isolated, the expansion valve is closed and the chamber containing the sample is pressurized to a pressure P1. Thereafter, the expansion valve is opened and, as a consequence, a pressure lowering for P2 occurs. Assuming ideal helium behavior, the volume of the solid and density can be calculated [16], through the relationship between the mass of the solid (entered as input data) and the volume derived from Eq. 1. Vr Vp = Vc − P1 −1 P2 (1) Research Article SN Applied Sciences (2020) 2:228 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-020-2031-x Vp = Volume of the sample (cm3); Vc = Volume of t (...truncated)