Poster

         Ethnobotany

Socio-Economic impacts of Threaten Rattan species and Conservation Approaches

Presenting Author
RONI SAHA
Description
Novel natural fibers in polymer-based composites will help to promote the invention of novel reinforcement and their possible applications. Rattan (Arecaceae) is an important forest product of India and South-East Asia because of the contribution of structural complexity, food, shelter, and medicine. Most species of rattans are IUCN-threatened species some are endangered and red-listed.  The current research explores the durability, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of untreated and various chemically modified rattan fibers. The rattan fibers were extracted from the rattan stem in two different ways by natural way decay and by chemical extraction. The extracted fibers were then characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), Tensile strength property, NMR, Water absorption property, Thermogravimetric analysis(TGA) and Chemical analysis (Cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and wax). The extracted rattan fibers by two different methods were gone through various chemical treatments like alkali (NaOH, KOH), Potassium permanganate treatment, Silane treatment, Sodium chloride treatment, benzoyl treatment, and acrylic acid. Then the treated fibers were examined through SEM, XRD, XPS, NMR, TGA, Tensile, water absorption, and Chemical analysis. After treatment with different modificant chemicals the fiber strength and durability were increased which will be used on an industrial basis. Mainly optic fibers are found in their bark and this fiber is used as a reinforcement of electrical wars. Destruction of their natural green forests and habitat has affected effect broad genetic base of rattan. This has a high economic value at the industrial level and due to extensive uses, it needed to be conserved. In this situation, various rattans are not available in the forests to meet the demands of the rattan industry. So it can be grown as a cultivated plant. In my research, I conserved the threatened rattan species by a new approach titled “Cultivation Cum Conservation of Palms”.