Characterization of New Cellulosic Fiber from the Bark of Acacia nilotica L. Plant

ABSTRACT

The present work is planned to investigate the fundamental properties of the novel plant fiber extracted from the bark of Acacia nilotica L. tree. The various chemical compositions of the Acacia nilotica L. fiber (ANF) such as cellulose (56.46 wt. %), hemicelluloses (14.14 wt. %), lignin (8.33 wt. %) and ash content (4.95 wt. %) were identified through the chemical analysis. The maximum degradation temperature of ANF (339°C) was determined by the thermogravimetric analysis. The crystallinity index (44.82%) and crystalline size (3.21 nm) of the ANF were calculated by the X-ray diffraction analysis. The surface topography of ANF was estimated through the atomic force microscope. The density of ANF was identified as a value of 1165 kg/m³ which is comparatively lower than the other renowned fibers such as Acacia leucophloea (1385 kg/m³) and Jute (1460 kg/m³); this would be confirmed with all above characterization results that is an appropriate material to fabricate the green composites.

摘要

本研究旨在探讨从金合欢树皮中提取的新型植物纤维的基本性质. 通过化学分析，确定了Acacia nilotica L.（ANF）的纤维素（56.46 wt.%）、半纤维素（14.14 wt.%）、木质素（8.33 wt.%）和灰分（4.95 wt.%）等多种化学成分. 用热重分析法测定了ANF的最高降解温度（339°C）. 通过X射线衍射分析计算了ANF的结晶度指数（44.82%）和晶粒尺寸（3.21nm）. 利用原子力显微镜对ANF的表面形貌进行了表征. ANF的密度为1165kg/m3，比其它著名纤维如相思树（1385kg/m3）和黄麻（1460kg/m3）的密度要低，这与上述表征结果一致，是一种合适的绿色复合材料.

KEYWORDS:

• Acacia nilotica L.
• chemical analysis
• thermogravimetric Analysis
• Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy
• x-ray diffraction and Atomic Force Microscopy

关键词:

• 化学分析
• 热重分析
• 傅里叶变换红外光谱法
• X射线衍射和原子力显微镜

Acknowledgments

This project was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, under grant No. (D-551-130-1441). The authors, therefore, gratefully acknowledge DSR technical and financial support.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah [D-551-130-1441].