Suitability Evaluation of Mercerized Albizia Julibrissin Fiber as a Potential Reinforcement for Bio-composites

Abstract

Natural fibers are currently used as a replacement for synthetic fibers in all possible applications. To enhance the natural fiber’s application suitability, it is necessary to perform alternations on the fiber’s surface using a treatment. The present work deals with the enrichment of various characteristics of Albizia julibrissin fibers extracted from Albizia julibrissin plant stem using mercerization process using 5 (W/V)% of sodium hydroxide solution at four various soaking periods (15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes). The chemical analysis results showed that 45 minutes of the soaking period showed enhanced cellulose content of 60.30%, which was slightly higher than other soaking periods. Thermal analysis showed that char residue was 32% with a maximum degradation temperature of 350.5°C. X-ray diffraction results showed 45 minutes mercerized Albizia julibrissin fibers had a higher crystalline index of 36.36%, while the untreated Albizia julibrissin fibers had 27.77%. Scanning electron microscope elucidated that mercerization process removed the unwanted dirt’s from the surface of Albizia julibrissin fibers; this can aid in better mechanical interlocking with the matrix upon its usage in polymer composites. These desirable things make optimal mercerized Albizia julibrissin fibers as a suitable reinforcement.

Keywords

• albizia julibrissin
• natural fiber
• mercerization
• sodium hydroxide solution
• soaking period