Physico-chemical properties of new cellulosic fibers from the bark of<i>Acacia planifrons</i>

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.