Physical, Chemical, Thermal, and Surface Morphological Properties of the Bark Fiber Extracted from Acacia Concinna Plant

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research aimed to assess the fitness of fiber collected from the bark of Acacia concinna (AC) plant for composite reinforcement. Chemical analysis report exposed that ACF has the cellulose and hemicellulose content of 59.43 wt. % and 12.78 wt. %, respectively. Different chemical compositions and relevant functional groups existing in the ACF were identified thought the Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) Analysis. Crystallinity index (27.5%) and crystalline size (4.17 nm) of the ACF were calculated by the X-ray diffraction analysis. Surface of the ACF was investigated with the aid of Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Atomic force microscope (AFM). Comparatively higher thermal stability (225°C), kinetic activation energy (69.33 KJ/mol) and lower density (1365 kg/m3) of ACF are the required assets for reinforcement in the polymer matrix.