Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of New Cellulosic Fiber Obtained from the Stem of Markhamia lutea

Abstract

This study deals with the extraction and characterization of novel cellulosic fiber extracted from the bark of Markhamia lutea tree. The chemical constituents of fibers such as 66.41 wt.% of cellulose, 6.36 wt.% of hemicellulose, 7.82 wt.% of lignin, 0.41 wt.% of wax and 9.06 wt.% of moisture were identified. The functional groups present in the fibers were examined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The crystallinity index and crystallite size of fibers determined using X-ray diffractogram are found to be 71.77% and 2.07 nm. Lower density (1050 kg/m3) and high tensile strength (835.72 ± 197.05 MPa) makes MLF reinforced polymer composites ideal for lightweight applications. Thermal degradation behavior of the fiber investigated through thermogravimetric, derivative thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry revealed the beginning of initial thermal degradation at 244°C, and this makes them suitable for making green composites.

Keywords

• markhamia lutea fiber
• cellulose
• chemical analysis
• crystallinity index
• thermal stability