This study investigates the physio-mechanical properties of water hyacinth fibre harvested from two river sites in South-West Nigeria Igbokoda River (Ondo State) and Ejinrin River (Lagos State) and evaluates their suitability for the production of interior decoration items. The physio-mechanical characterization encompassed tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, ash content, moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content determination. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was employed to analyse fibre surface morphology and elemental composition. Results revealed significant inter-site variation in mechanical performance, attributable to differences in water chemistry, sediment characteristics, and anthropogenic activity. Fibres from Ejinrin exhibited higher tensile strength (mean UTS ~ 1.45 MPa), while those from Igbokoda recorded superior impact resistance (13.62 J) and higher flexural stress (0.19 MPa). Cellulose content ranged from 38 to 45%, with moisture content between 8.1% and 9.6%. SEM analysis revealed variably textured surfaces Ejinrin fibres were smooth and cohesive, while Igbokoda fibres showed a porous morphology with moderate impurity levels. The findings confirm that water hyacinth, particularly from Igbokoda and Ejinrin, presents viable physio-mechanical characteristics for eco-friendly textile fibre applications. The results support the valorisation of this invasive aquatic weed as a sustainable raw material for interior decoration items, contributing to environmental management and local economic development.
Keywords: SEM analysis, South West Nigeria, interior decoration, physio-mechanical properties, sustainable materials, water hyacinth fibre
