Physico-chemical properties of new cellulosic fibers from the bark of Acacia planifrons

ABSTRACT

Identification of new natural fibers is growing due to their superior properties and the impetus for researchers to develop high-performance composites. This investigation was aimed at understanding the physico-chemical properties of Acacia planifrons fibers (APFs). The crystalline structure of APFs was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, and the crystallinity index (65.38%) was calculated. The chemical functional group of APFs was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, the thermal stability measured by thermogravimetric analysis, and surface characterization established by atomic force microscopy. Taken together, all the properties of APFs can play a vital role in establishing APFs as new reinforcement in polymer composites.

KEYWORDS:

• Acacia planifrons fibers
• chemical analysis
• thermogravimetric analysis
• X-ray diffraction