Aerial Root Fibres of Ficus amplissima as a Possible Reinforcement in Fibre-Reinforced Plastics for Lightweight Applications: Physicochemical, Thermal, Crystallographic, and Surface Morphological Behaviours

Abstract

The chemical, physical, thermal, and surface morphological properties of aerial root Ficus amplissima fiber (ARFAF) were studied. Chemical composition analysis of ARFAF quantified the cellulose (52.64 wt.%) and hemicellulose (10.64 wt.%) contents. The results of X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the crystallinity index of ARFAF was 39% and the crystallite size was 8.15 nm. Thermal stability and cellulose degradation temperature of ARFAF were estimated to be 200 and 335°C, respectively. The surface topography was studied by scanning electron microscopy. All the above outcomes confirmed that ARFAF is a suitable material to use as reinforcement in the polymer composite.

Keywords

• aerial root ficus amplissima fibre
• physical analysis
• chemical composition analysis
• crystallinity index
• cellulose degradation temperature
• surface morphology