Monteiro AS, Leonardi B, Savastano Jr.

H and Green Materials

Baruque-Ramos J (2016) Tururi palm fibrous Volume 3 Issue GMAT4
material (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.) Themed Issue: NOCMAT 2014
Received 30/09/2015 Accepted 11/01/2016
characterization. Green Materials 3(4):
Published online 15/01/2016
120–131, Keywords: characterisation/composite materials/mechanical properties
http://dx.doi.org/10.1680/jgrma.15.00024

ice | science Published with permission by ICE under the CC-BY license.
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Tururi palm fibrous material

(Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.)
characterization
Amanda Sousa Monteiro MSc Holmer Savastano Jr. PhD
School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Titular Professor, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering,
São Paulo, Brazil Department of Engineering of Biosystems, University of São Paulo,
Barbara Leonardi MSc Pirassununga, Brazil
School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, Julia Baruque-Ramos PhD*
São Paulo, Brazil; Golden Technology, São José dos Campos, Brazil Assistant Professor, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of
São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Tururi (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.) is a non-woven sac, which protects the fruits of the Amazon Ubuçu palm tree.
The aim of this study was to use fibers withdrawn from these sacs and from sac strips – in the natural condition and
after discoloration – to determine tensile, weight and regain values; additionally, longitudinal and cross-sections
were studied using optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was carried out. The tensile
results of fibers withdrawn from the sacs were 10·5 ± 2% elongation, 18 ± 3·2 cN/tex (175 ± 31 MPa) tenacity and
3·4 ± 0·5 N/tex (33 ± 5 GPa) Young’s modulus. These values, in addition to regain (12·0 ± 0·5%) and cross-microscopy,
are compatible with those of other lignocellulosic fibers. The results related to the strips were 5·9 ± 1% elongation,
17·6 ± 7·8 MPa strength and 552 ± 288 MPa Young’s modulus. There was no significant statistical variation between
the tensile characteristics of the fibrous material in the natural condition and after discoloration. The determined
weight value was 182 ± 18 g/m2. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Finally,
considerations about sustainable extraction and technical applications (in handcrafts and composites) of tururi
fibrous material were made, presenting its potential to be employed in products, such as utensils, furniture, flooring
or construction.

1. Introduction about 3 cm in diameter. Each tree produces four fruit bunches

The Amazon forest biome has one of the greatest biodiversities in
the world.1 The Ubuçu palm tree (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.) is
a native of this region (Figure 1(a)). The palm tree fruit bunches
are protected by an enclosure (bag or sac) formed by a fibrous,
flexible and durable structure, known as tururi (Figure 1(b)).
The scientific name of the Ubuçu palm tree is Manicaria saccifera
Gaertn., and its scientific classification has the following order:
kingdom – Plantae; division – Magnoliophyta; class – Liliopsid;
order – Arecales; family – Arecaceae; genus – Manicaria; species –
Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.2,3
The Ubuçu palm is native to Central America, Venezuela,
Colombia, Guyana and Brazil (Amazon). In Brazil, it is found
mainly in the states of Amazonas, Para and Amapa. In these
states, the palm is abundant in lowland forests and islands. The
palm tree stipe is 3–4 m high, while the palm tree in its entirety
reaches 3–6 m. It grows vertically with a wavy surface and 30 cm
in dia.. The leaves are 4–8 m long by 1·5 m wide. The fruit is
covered with a spline outer coating (tururi). A ripe fruit weighs
about 38 g.4 The individual cores are dark in color and measure
per year, which is about 6–7 kg of fruits. Harvesting is done
seasonally from December to February.5
The fibrous extraction and processing of sacs (Figure 2(a)) is
carried out by local Amazon people using traditional methods
and without fertilizers or pesticides. After being collected in the
floodplains, the sacs are placed in bundles and transported to the
city of Belem (Para State, Brazil) by boat. Subsequently, the sacs
of tururi are classified and immersed in water. After a period of
about 3 h, the fibers are washed in water to remove impurities.
Next, the processes of washing, drying and softening are carried
out, in which the fibrous material is subsequently passed under a
steam iron and stretched according to its use in production. The
natural fiber is dark brown and can be discolored and dyed in
various hues. This color can be changed by sun exposure. There
are differences in the procedure of processing the fibrous material.
Most of the time, these differences are due to the purpose for
which the material is destined. The classification of tururi is made
according to its length, width, color and quality (integrity and
homogeneity). However, this fibrous material does not have a
standard pattern.6

*Corresponding author e-mail address: jbaruque@usp.br

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 Green Materials
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(a)
Figure 1. (a) Ubuçu palm tree (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.); (b) tururi
fibrous sac in the Ubuçu palm tree. Photographs taken by authors at
Muana (Para State, Brazil)
Tururi fibrous material is commonly employed in handcrafts.
In Figure 2(b), handcraft products made by A Flor do Marajo,
a local community of Muana City (Para State, Brazil), are shown.
There is an increasing interest in natural fibers, since they are
biodegradable and do not require chemical processes during
processing and production. In addition, they have low density
and their production involves low power consumption. Natural
fibers also carry social implications that have a great importance
to society, such as the strengthening of rural cultures where
the fibers are collected and processed; there is a possibility
of qualifying the products made from the material by these
communities.8,9 The objective of the present study is to present
a physicochemical characterization of the fibrous material that
composes the tururi sac in order to determine the values of
tensile strength (testing the fibers withdrawn from these sacs
and testing the strips from the sacs that form this material – in the
natural condition and after discoloration), weight and regain;
additionally, longitudinal and cross-sections were studied using
optical microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR) was carried out.
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Tururi palm fibrous material (Manicaria
saccifera Gaertn.) characterization
Monteiro, Leonardi, Savastano Jr. and Baruque-Ramos
(b)
2. Material and methods
The species of Manicaria saccifera Gaertn. were collected
from the surroundings of the cities of São Sebastião da Boa
Vista and Muana (Para State, Brazil), the Brazilian Amazon
forest biome. Their central global positioning system positions
were respectively 1°23¢53·4156″ S 49°38¢14·9928″ W and
1°20¢40·3506″ S 49°17¢45·3948″ S, and in both locations, the
prospection radius was 5000 m. It should be noted that obtaining
these specimens does not require authorization from Brazilian
Institute of Environment (IBAMA) or any other federal or state
environmental agency, since the material is usually collected and
marketed in the region of Para (Brazil) and its purchase and
possession has no legal restriction in any of the Brazilian states.
Other fibers employed in the present study originated from the
leaves of the following plants: (a) curaua (Ananas erectifolius)
provided by the Federal University of Amazonas, produced in that
Brazilian state, and (b) sisal (Agave sisalana) purchased in São
Paulo City, originating from Bahia State (both Brazilian regions).
The tururi fibrous material was tested in order to determine the
values of tensile strength (testing the fibers withdrawn from these
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Monteiro, Leonardi, Savastano Jr. and Baruque-Ramos

(a)

(b)

Figure 2. (a) The tururi fibrous sac coating the ripe fruits of the Ubuçu
palm tree; photograph taken by authors at Muana (Para State, Brazil).
(b) Products by A Flor do Marajo7

sacs and testing the strips from the sacs that form this material –
in the natural condition and after discoloration), weight and
regain, and studied using longitudinal, cross-microscopy and
FTIR. The assays were performed at 20°C and 65% relative
humidity (ABNT NBR ISO 139:2005).10–12
2.1 Tensile properties of the fibers
The tensile properties (rupture load, elongation, tenacity and Young’s
modulus) of the samples of the fibers withdrawn from tururi sacs
were determined according to the ASTM D3822:2001 standard13
by employing the tester machine Instron (model 5569, Norwood,
USA). Formerly, in order to determine the tenacity (strength value
shared by count number), the fiber fineness (linear density or count
number) was calculated in terms of tex, defined as the weight in
grams per 1000 m of the fiber, by weighing a known length of the
fiber. A gauge length of 25 mm, automatic pretension and cross-head
speed of 50 mm/min and a cell of 1000 N were employed. The jaws
of the rubberized grips with dimensions of 2·5 cm × 2·5 cm were
employed. The results are an average from at least 20 samples. The
total length of the sample was approximately 100 mm, sufficient to
allow a distance between the jaws of 25 mm.
The tenacity for fibers was determined by the formula presented
in Equation 1.11,12
F
g ¼
1. Tm
where g is the tenacity (cN/tex), F is the load (cN) and Tm is the
count number (tex).
The Young’s modulus (or textile initial modulus or module) of a
fiber is determined by the slope of the tenacity–elongation curve
in its initial linear part as presented in the following equation12
g1
Young’s modulus ¼
2. e1
where g1 is the tenacity in the initial part of the tenacity-
elongation curve (cN/tex) and e1 is the elongation in the initial
part of the tenacity–elongation curve (%).
2.2 Tensile properties of the surface fibrous material
The tensile properties (rupture load, elongation, strength and
Young’s modulus) of the samples obtained from the cut strips
of the fibrous material from the sacs were determined according to
the ABNT NBR 13041:1993 standard14 using an Instron (model

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 Green Materials
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5569, Norwood, USA) testing machine, employing a cross-head
speed of 100 mm/min and a cell of 1000 N. The results are an
average from at least 20 samples. The samples were 20 mm wide
and 300 mm long. The jaws of rubberized grips with dimensions
of 3·8 cm × 5 cm were employed. The distance between the grips
was 200 mm. The thickness of the samples was previously
determined using a portable analogical thickness gauge (model
188F, Mesdan, Italy). In order to perform a paired difference test,
another determination was performed employing sets of two strips
cut from the same fibrous sac: one of the strips maintained in the
natural condition and the other one discolored by mixing of
hydrogen peroxide 30% (v/v) (Beira Alta, Brazil) and exposing to
the sun for 4 h (2 d from 12 a.m. to 2 p.m.) in São Paulo City
(23°32¢52″ S 46°38¢09″ W) with an ultraviolet index (UVI) of 6·0
on both days. The colors in the natural condition and after
discoloration were compared by three watchers with normal vision
employing the Pantone scale15 in a light booth (Mathis, model
LBM-700, Brazil) with an illumination lamp (D65) artificial
daylight – with a color temperature of 6500 K. Thus, the two sets
of samples were obtained and tested, and the results compared.
In all tensile tests (applied to the fibers and to the surface of
fibrous material), averages, standard deviations and coefficients of
variation were calculated.
In order to define the weight of the surface of the fibrous material,
the ABNT NBR 12984:2000 standard16 was employed. A total of
20 samples of size 5·0 cm × 5·0 cm were tested. The samples
were weighed on an analytical balance (Sartorius, ED124S model,
Germany). The weight calculation was performed according to the
equation
m samples used in this study were obtained were in the following
W ¼
3. A
where W is the weight (g/m2), m is the mass (g) and A is the
surface area (m2).
2.3 Regain determinations
The regain determinations were performed according to the
method adapted from ISO/TR 6741-4:1987.17 The moisture regain
percentage (or regain) is defined as the weight of water calculated
as a percentage of dry weight. After acclimatization at 20°C and
65% relative humidity,10–12 the samples were weighed on an
analytical balance (Sartorius, ED124S model, Germany). The
drying was performed in an oven with forced air circulation
(Binder FD Model 115, Germany) at 70°C for 24 h or more until
constant weight, and the sample was again weighed. Five
repetitions of each group were analyzed. The regain calculation
was performed according to the equation12
original weight − bone dry weight
Regain ¼  100
4. bone dry weight
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Tururi palm fibrous material (Manicaria
saccifera Gaertn.) characterization
Monteiro, Leonardi, Savastano Jr. and Baruque-Ramos
2.4 Microscopy
Microscopic studies were performed according to ABNT NBR
13538-1995.18 The fibrous material was observed longitudinally in
samples fixed in a card frame employing in a stereo-microscope
(Leica MS5 model, Germany) coupled to a digital camcorder to
capture images (Vista, Protos IV, model VPC 122/CH, 1/2 in,
charge-coupled device, UK). The magnifications were ×20, ×32,
×51, ×80 and ×128. The cross-sectional microscopy was carried
out to obtain transversal images and determine cell diameters;
it was performed on cross-sections of resin-encapsulated fibers cut
in a rotational semiautomated microtome (Leica, RM 2245 model,
Germany). The materials were analyzed in a biological microscope
(Leica, BME model, Germany) coupled to a camera video digital
imaging (Sony color video camera ESWAVEHAD, 55C-DC93-P
model, China). The magnifications were ×128, ×320, ×640, ×1280
and ×2016. All the obtained images were captured and processed
by the Video Analyzer 2000 system (Mesdan, Italy).
2.5 Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
The tururi fibrous material (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.), curaua
(Ananas erectifolius) and sisal (Agave sisalana) were analyzed
by FTIR using Thermo equipment (model Avatar 370 FTIR)
employing a cell of attenuated total reflectance (ATR)/germanium
(Ge) (Nicolet, USA). The interval was from 4000 to 700 cm−1,
performing 32 scans with 2 cm−1 resolution. The data acquisition
was performed by Omnic software, version 4.1, 2011.19
3. Results and discussion
3.1 Tensile tests
Although the tururi fibrous material does not have a standard
pattern,6 the dimensions of almost all of the sacs from which the
ranges: 0·8–1·2 m long, 7–12 cm wide and 0·7–1·9 mm thick.
3.1.1 Tensile tests on tururi fiber
The values for the tensile tests on tururi fibers (obtained from tururi
sacs) are presented in Figure 3(a) (representative plot) and Table 1.
For fibers, the conversion of the units of the tenacity and Young’s
modulus can be performed according to the equations
Tensile strength ðMPaÞ ¼ 10  specific gravity
5.  tenacity in cN=tex
Young’s modulus ðGPaÞ ¼ 10  specific gravity
6.  modulus in N=tex
By employing Equations 5 and 6 and a specific gravity value of
0·97 for the tururi fiber,20 the values in Table 1 can be expressed
as tenacity = 175 ± 31 MPa and Young’s modulus = 33 ± 5 GPa.
A comparison between the determined values (Table 1) and the
properties of other vegetal fibers (Table 2) was performed. The
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30 400

300
Tenacity: cN/tex

20

Load: N
200

10
100

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Tensile strain: % Extension: mm
(a) (b)

Figure 3. Representative stress–strain plots: (a) tenacity (cN/tex)

against strain (%) for the tururi fiber tensile tests; (b) load (N) against
extension (mm) for the tururi strip tensile tests (blue line: in the natural
condition; pink line: paired discolored strip)

Count number: tex Rupture load: N Elongation: % Tenacity: cN/tex Young’s modulus: N/tex
98·4 ± 15·2 (15·5%) 17·7 ± 4·2 (23·5%) 10·5 ± 2 (20%) 18 ± 3·2 (18%) 3·4 ± 0·5 (14·4%)

Values expressed by average, standard coefficient and coefficient of variation

Table 1. Tensile tests on fibers withdrawn from tururi sacs

tenacity of the tururi fiber is comparable to the lower limit of this fibrous sac: one of the strips from the material maintained in the
parameter for cotton, flax and jute. The elongation of the tururi natural condition and another one discolored. The thickness was
fiber is greater than those presented in Table 2. However, the 1·45 ± 0·40 mm (27·5%). The results are presented in Table 4.
Young’s modulus of the tururi fiber is similar to those of hemp,
kenaf and sisal. The student’s t paired difference test, at a level of significance of
5%, indicates that the probability that the averages are not
3.1.2 Tensile tests on tururi fibrous material strips
The tests were performed with 20 samples (cut strips of the Natural Tenacity: Elongation: Young’s
fibrous material from the sacs of tururi) with dimensions of fiber cN/tex % modulus: GPa
20 mm × 200 mm and an average thickness of 0·71 mm. The Cotton 26·5–43·3 3–7 5·5–12·6
results of the tensile test are shown in Figure 3(b) (representative Flax 23·0–68·0 2·7–3·3 100
plot) and Table 3. Hemp 51·2–60·0 1·8 35
Jute 26·5–51·2 1·7–2·0 2·5–15
Enhancing the credibility of the obtained values in the present Kenaf 53·0–66·2 2–3 40
study (shown in Table 3) are similar (within the same order of Ramie 48·6 3–7 50–80
magnitude) to those reported by Porras et al.23 (averages of load Sisal 35·3–44·1 2–3 9·4–22·0
= 391 N and Young’s modulus = 1·8–2·4 GPa), Oliveira and
D’Almeida24 (averages of load = 432 N and elongation = 9·35%) The tenacity of tururi fiber (18 ± 3·2 cN/tex) is comparable to the
lower limit of this parameter for cotton, flax and jute. The
and Duarte25 (averages of load = 558·3 N and strength = elongation of the tururi fiber (10·5 ± 2%) is greater than that of
12·27 MPa). the other fibers. However, the Young’s modulus of the tururi
fiber (33 ± 5 GPa) is similar to those of hemp, kenaf and sisal

3.1.3 Tensile tests on tururi fibrous material strips in the Table 2. Tenacity, elongation, and Young’s modulus values for the
natural condition and when discolored species of recognized textile employability (values adapted from
In order to perform a paired difference test, another determination Kaswell12, Blackburn21 and Reed and Young22)
was performed employing the sets of two strips cut from the same

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 Green Materials Tururi palm fibrous material (Manicaria
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Monteiro, Leonardi, Savastano Jr. and Baruque-Ramos

Rupture load: N Elongation: % Strength: MPa Young’s modulus: Mpa

213 ± 93 (43%) 5·9 ± 1·0% (17%) 17·6 ± 7·8 (44%) 552 ± 288 (52%)

Values expressed by average, standard coefficient and coefficient of variation

Table 3. Tensile tests on cut strips of the tururi fibrous material

Rupture load: N Elongation: % Strength: MPa Young’s modulus: MPa

In natural condition 241·3 ± 97·6 (40·4%) 4·8 ± 2·1 (43·6%) 8·4 ± 3·8 (44·8%) 285·4 ± 34·6 (12·1%)
Discolored 185·9 ± 32·2 (17·3%) 6·6 ± 1·1 (16·3%) 9·2 ± 1·6 (17·5%) 265·4 ± 85·5 (32·2%)

Values expressed by average, standard coefficient and coefficient of variation

Table 4. Tensile tests on paired samples of cut strips of the tururi

fibrous material

different from each other is 24·3% for the values of rupture load,
15·0% for elongation, 77·2% for strength and 73·1% for Young’s
modulus. In this way, it can be concluded that there is no
significant statistical variation (probability inferior to 5%) between
the tensile characteristics of tururi fibrous material in the natural
condition and when discolored, indicating that the currently
employed discoloration process does not affect the mechanical
strength of the material.
The difference of color is worthy of mention; in the
present study, the Pantone15 qualitative/semiquantitative scale was
chosen instead of a quantitative colorimetric analysis (spectral
reflexion measurement – CIE L*a*b) because of (a) the physical
irregularities of the tururi fibrous material that make it unfeasible to
determine the correct measure; (b) the great difference in color
between different tururi sacs in the natural condition and distinct
sacs after discoloration; (c) the great difference in color between the
component fibers of the same sac of tururi in the natural condition
and after discoloration. However, it should be noted that these color
differences were more pronounced among the materials in the
natural condition than among the discolored tururi fibrous materials.
246·37 g/m2 and Oliveira and D’Almeida3 of 204·7 g/m2. It is
worth mentioning that for many tururi applications, it is stretched
and the weight decreases in the proportion of its non-woven
structure opening.
3.3 Regain
The obtained value of regain for the tururi fibrous material is 12·0
± 0·5% (CV = 4·3%). This value is consistent with other ones
of recognized textile employability lignocellulosic fibers, namely,
cotton – 8·5%, mercerized cotton – 10·3%, flax – 12%, hemp –
from 8 to 12%; and jute – 13·8%.11,12
The physical structure of a fiber describes the amount of
crystalline (ordered) and the amorphous (disordered) material,
their orientation to the fiber axis and the size of the crystals
present in a fiber. All celluloses, such as cotton, ramie and wood,
have the same polymer and unit cell structures, but the fibers have
vastly different properties.22 Thus, it is possible that the tururi
regain value could be associated with the presence of non-
cellulosic substances and/or the amount of amorphous in relation
to the crystalline material in its structure.

The natural-condition tururi fibrous material was found to be dark
brown, varying between Pantone patterns 469U (majority), 7517
and 4625U. The discolored tururi fibrous material was found to be
light beige, varying between Pantone patterns 7510U (majority)
and 7511U. It is worthy of mention that this grade of discoloration
was obtained only by exposure to the sun for 4 h in São Paulo
City (Tropic of Capricorn latitude) with a UVI of 6·0. Taking into
account that the city of Belem (Para State, Brazil) is near the
equator and presents a UVI of over 13, it is feasible to obtain the
same hue or even clearer hues with less sun exposure time.
3.2 Weight
The determined weight value for the tururi fibrous material was
182 ± 18 g/m2 (CV = 10·0%). The obtained values are similar to
that reported in literature, since Duarte25 reports the averages of
3.4 Microscopy
Microscopic cross- and longitudinal sections of the tururi are
presented in Figure 4. For comparison purposes, microscopic
cross-sections of jute, sisal, abaca and hemp are presented in
Figure 5. Comparing the images observed in Figures 4(a) and 5,
the microscopic cross-sections of the fibers in this study match
with other ones of recognized textile employability.
Despite of the similarities in the cross-sections of the studied
species here and those from fibers of recognized textile
employability, the possible application of a particular fibre cannot
be concluded through microscopic examination of their cross-
section alone. To do this requires a combined analysis of results
from other physical and chemical tests. However, the examination
of cross-sections by optical microscopy is useful for evaluating

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100 000 μm
(a)
Figure 4. Fibrous tururi material (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.):
(a) cross-microscopy: ×640 magnification and 100 µm scale inside;
(b) longitudinal microscopy: ×80 magnification and 500 µm scale
inside
the integrity of the fiber cellular structure and the adequacy of
procedures for processing of the fibers. The damage to the cellular
structures is visible, such as the deformation of cell shape.27 The
microscopic cross-sections and longitudinal sections of the tururi
fibrous material are presented in Figures 4(a) and 4(b) respectively.
The longitudinal section (Figure 4(b)) shows the non-woven net
pattern fiber organization of the tururi fibrous material. In the
present study, the cell pattern presented in Figure 4(a) is compatible
with those of lignocellulosic fibers (Figures 5(a)–5(d)). The
tururi cell diameter average value (from ten determinations),
corresponding to the analysis of the border of the microscopic
cross-section presented in Figure 4(a), is 8·7 ± 5·1 µm (CV =
58·6%). This value is compatible with the values of species of
recognized textile employability. According to Reddy and Yang,22
the unit cell size ranges from 12·0 to 25·0 µm for cotton, 5·0 to
76·0 µm for flax and 15·0 to 25·0 µm for jute.
3.5 FTIR
The FTIR from 4000 to 500 cm−1 in the Thermo equipment
(model Avatar 370 FT-IR) employing the cell of ATR/germanium
(Nicolet, USA) comparing the spectra of the tururi fibrous
material (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.) and the two leaf fibers –
curaua (Ananas erectifolius) and sisal (Agave sisalana) – is shown
in Figure 6.
Taking into account the information available from the study of
Stuart,28 an interpretation for the assignments of each fiber
correspondent peak is presented in Table 5.
According to Stuart,28 the midinfrared spectrum (4000–400 cm−1)
can be approximately divided into four regions and the nature of a
group frequency may generally be determined by the region in
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Tururi palm fibrous material (Manicaria
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Monteiro, Leonardi, Savastano Jr. and Baruque-Ramos
500 000 μm
(b)
which it is located. The regions are generalized as follows: the
X–H stretching region (4000–2500 cm−1), the triple-bond region
(2500–2000 cm−1), the double-bond region (2000–1500 cm−1) and
the fingerprint region (1500–600 cm−1). N–H stretching is usually
observed between 3400 and 3300 cm−1. C–H stretching bands
from aliphatic compounds occur in the range of 3000–2850 cm−1.
The principal bands in the 2000–1500 cm−1 region are due to
C=C and C=O stretching. C=C stretching is much weaker and
occurs at around 1650 cm−1, but this band is often absent for
symmetry or dipole moment reasons. C=N stretching also occurs
in this region and is usually stronger. However, many vibrations
are not so well behaved and may vary by hundreds of wave
numbers, even for similar molecules. This applies to most bending
and skeletal vibrations, which absorb in the 1500–650 cm−1
region, for which small steric or electronic effects in the molecule
lead to large shifts. A spectrum of a molecule may have a hundred
or more absorption bands present, but there is no need to assign
the vast majority. The spectrum can be regarded as a fingerprint of
the molecule, and so this region is referred to as the fingerprint
region. C–H stretching bands in aliphatic hydrocarbons appear in
the 3000–2800 cm−1 range, and the C–H stretching bands of
methyl groups and methylene groups are readily differentiated.
For methyl groups, asymmetric C–H stretching occurs at
2870 cm−1, while symmetric C–H stretching occurs at 2960 cm−1.
By comparison, methylene groups show asymmetric stretching at
2930 cm−1 and symmetric stretching at 2850 cm−1.
Analyzing the findings in Figure 6 and Table 5, it is possible to
notice the great similarity in two wave number regions, near
3000 cm−1 and near 3500 cm−1, indicating the presence of CH and
OH respectively.9,29 These are the major bands observed in the
graphic, which was expected, since all analyzed materials have a
 Green Materials
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(a)
(c)
Figure 5. Cross-sectional microscopies (×500 magnification): (a) jute,
(b) sisal, (c) abaca, (d) hemp26
vegetal origin. It is still possible to compare the bands obtained
around 1000 cm−1, in the region of the so-called fingerprint of the
FTIR spectrum.
According to Houck30, the characteristic absorption bands (cm−1)
for cotton are 3450–3250, 2900, 1630, 1430, 1370, 1100–970 and
550. These bands have similarity with the fibers analyzed in
present study. The major bands for the FTIR in the vegetal
materials are presented in Table 6.9,28
Near the 1750 cm−1 band, there is an area which indicates the
presence of a carbonyl group (C=O). The angular deformation
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Tururi palm fibrous material (Manicaria
saccifera Gaertn.) characterization
Monteiro, Leonardi, Savastano Jr. and Baruque-Ramos
(b)
(d)
between 3339 and 3564 cm−1 indicates the presence of hydroxyl
groups that, in the cellulose chain, are able to interact with each
other, forming hydrogen bonds of two types: intramolecular
(between the hydroxyl groups of the same chain), which are
responsible for the stiffness of the chains, and intermolecular
(between the hydroxyl groups of adjacent chains), which are
responsible for the formation of the supramolecular structure.9,31
Porras et al.23 reported the characterization of Manicaria
saccifera fiber. Their results for the tururi chemical composition
are 74·1% cellulose, 12% hemicellulose, 31·1% lignin, 2·5% ash
and 0·5% extractives.
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Volume 3 Issue GMAT4 saccifera Gaertn.) characterization
Monteiro, Leonardi, Savastano Jr. and Baruque-Ramos

99∙8
99∙6
99∙4
99∙2
99∙0
98∙8
98∙6
Transmittance: %

98∙4
98∙2
98∙0
97∙8
97∙6
97∙4
97∙2
97∙0
96∙8
96∙6
96∙4
3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000
Wave number: cm−1

Figure 6. FTIR from 4000 to 500 cm−1 in the Thermo equipment (Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.), (blue line) curaua (Ananas erectifolius)
(model Avatar 370 FTIR) employing a cell of ATR/germanium (Nicolet, and (red line) sisal (Agave sisalana)
USA) – transmittance from 96·4 to 99·8%: (green line) tururi

Wave number: cm−1

Assignment
Tururi Curaua Sisal
— 3358 3351 3700–3200 O–H stretching
3321 — — 3700–3200 O–H stretching
2921 2920 2921 —
2850 2850 2854 2850 methylene symmetric C–H stretching
— 1733 1736 1740–1720 aliphatic aldehyde C=O stretching
1645 (intense) 1649 — 1680–1660 primary amide C=O stretching
— — 1619 1680–1600 C=C stretching
1543 — — —
— — 1421 —
— 1371 1373 —
1323 — — —
1244 1243 1245 1240 C–O stretching
1300–1100 C–O stretching
— 1159 1154 1300–1100 C–O stretching
— 1103 1100 1100 C–O–C stretching
— 1053 1056 —
1034 1038 1033 —
— — 957 1000–600 =C–H out-of-plane bending
— 895 — 1000–600 =C–H out-of-plane bending

Table 5. Determined infrared bands for the tururi fibrous material

(Manicaria saccifera Gaertn.), curaua (Ananas erectifolius) and
sisal (Agave sisalana) and interpretation of corresponding
assignments

128
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 Green Materials
Volume 3 Issue GMAT4
Element Wave number: cm−1
a-D-glucose 915, 840
ß-D-glucose 915, 900
ß-D-fructose 873, 869
ß-D-cellulose 916, 908
Cellulose 1170–1150, 1050, 1030
Lignin 1590, 1510
Hemicellulose 1732, 1240
Pectin 1680–1600, 1260, 955
Table 6. FTIR (midinfrared) bands for vegetal elements9,28
Thus, FTIR analysis, considering the similarities and the differences
between the spectra (Figure 5 and Table 5), denoting the different
compositions and/or the molecular structures, confirmed the
presence of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in the three fibers
analyzed in the present study.
4. Technical applications of tururi fibrous
material
In recent years, a significant number of studies concerning tururi
in the development of composites and other applications have
been performed.
Porras et al.23 reported the characterization of the cellulose fabric
from the Manicaria saccifera palm as a possible reinforcement
of composite materials. According to their scanning electron
microscopy analysis, the globular protrusions that spread
uniformly over the fiber were identified, which could help the
mechanical interlocking with the resin. Also, the Manicaria fabric
showed good thermal stability, low density, low moisture content
and good tensile properties. Furthermore, their properties are
comparable to most natural cellulose fabrics and some synthetic
fabrics, such as fiberglass fabrics. In conclusion, these authors
stated that the Manicaria saccifera fabric was observed to be a
suitable candidate as a natural reinforcement material for the
development of biocomposites.
Oliveira and D’Almeida20 reported the mechanical behavior
(inflexion and compression) of composites made with thermoset
polymeric matrix and reinforced with tururi fiber. Their results
are comparable with the data from other polymer matrix
composites with lignocellulosic fibers, which demonstrates the
feasibility of using Manicaria saccifera fibers as reinforcement.
The composite’s wear behavior was also analyzed, and its use
as a parquet floor was identified as a possible application by
those authors.
Saraiva34 developed a wooden laminated matrix composite
reinforced with polyester and natural fibers, with tururi being one
of these fiber materials. The wood laminates were assessed at 90°
and 0° to the fiber orientation respectively. The laminates made
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Tururi palm fibrous material (Manicaria
saccifera Gaertn.) characterization
Monteiro, Leonardi, Savastano Jr. and Baruque-Ramos
of wood/tururi without stretching and 100% stretched presented
tensile strengths of 61·3 and 57·3 MPa, respectively.
Duarte25 presented a manufacturing and characterization of a
composite material with polyester resin reinforced with tururi fiber.
Porras et al.32 reported the development and the mechanical
characterization of a core sandwich panel fabricated from both
renewable resources and biodegradable materials: Manicaria fiber
(Manicaria saccifera) as the reinforcement and polylactic acid
(PLA) as the matrix material. The potential of the Manicaria/PLA
core sandwich panel for structural applications was evaluated by
subjecting the core to compressive loads according to ASTM
C365 standard33. It was found that the average compressive
strength and the elastic modulus of the Manicaria/PLA sandwich
core were 2·85 (±0·17) MPa and 32·68 (±3·68)MPa, respectively.
In contrast, the mechanical properties of unreinforced sandwich
core were 1·28 (±0·45) MPa and 12·49 (±4·7) MPa, respectively.
The results indicated that the mechanical properties of Manicaria
fiber-reinforced cores increased more than twice in comparison to
those of unreinforced ones.
The present paper contributes to this scientific literature, showing
and discussing original data about (a) the determination of
the tensile properties of the fiber that composes the reticular
nonwoven tururi structure; (b) the comparison of the tensile
strength of the reticular nonwoven material (in the natural
condition and discolored) in paired tests and a qualitative/
semiquantitative analysis of color variation; and (c) the analysis of
the specific FTIR spectrum curve of tururi fibrous material and
comparing it with those obtained from the fibers of leaves of two
other vegetal species of recognized textile employability: curaua
(Ananas erectifolious) and sisal (Agave sisalana).
However, until now the authors have no knowledge of effective
large-scale industrial processes or applications employing the tururi
fibrous material. Despite the fact that this material is a renewable
resource, it is important to take into account its limitations regarding
the environment and collection for industrial employment. No
specific study was found describing these limitations and
potentialities, with no evaluation of all enrolled system variables.
On the other hand, Almeida et al.35 have developed a floristic and
structural analysis of lowland forests in the Amazon estuary. Their
research included the southern part of the Amazon estuary, part of
the Marajo archipelago and the river mouths of the Para and
Xingu Rivers. According to them, the wetlands are fragile
environments and difficult to recover once altered by human
intervention. The degree of resilience of these forests is low, and
the removal of vegetation cover can simply lead to the loss of
habitat. So the vegetation plays a very important role in
maintaining this ecosystem. Conducting research to consider such
information becomes essential to the preservation of this type of
forest. The floodplain environment serves as a socioeconomic
support to a considerable human contingent. Most populations
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 Green Materials
Volume 3 Issue GMAT4
of the municipalities of Marajo archipelago, Para River and the
lower reaches of the Amazon, Acara, Moju and Tocantins live
on floodplains.
In this way, the work of the local communities and the craft co-
operatives, which employ tururi fibrous material, could be
stimulated respecting social and cultural aspects. Despite the
similarity between the properties of tururi and other materials of
recognized textile employability, on the basis of the presented
considerations, it is concluded that more studies are necessary in
order to determine the limits of sustainable extraction, taking into
account the advantages and the disadvantages, before industrial
scaling-up can be considered.
5. Conclusions
According to the obtained results, the tururi fibrous material has an
employment potential in different kind of products, handcrafts or
composites, which could generate articles such as utensils, furniture,
flooring or construction. On the other hand, it is very important to
preserve the Ubuçu palm species present in the Amazon forest
biome, from which tururi is extracted in a sustainable way by local
communities. Thus, more studies are necessary in order to
investigate the industrial-scale availability of this material. On the
other hand, the work of local communities and craft co-operatives,
which employ this material, could be stimulated respecting social
and cultural aspects. The employment of natural fibers, in a
sustainable context, brings implications of great importance to
society, such as environmental care, the incoming generation and
the possibility of qualifying the products produced by these
communities adding technical and design attributes.
Acknowledgements
The financial support and the grant from Brazilian Coordination
for the Improvement of Higher Level Personnel (CAPES) are
gratefully acknowledged.
Disclosure
All authors declare that there is no financial or no other
competing interest in relation to this paper.
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