Characterization of Natural Cellulose Fiber from the Barks of Vachellia farnesiana

Abstract

The need for environmental friendly materials have stimulated researchers to carry out works in natural fibers, which are substitute for human-made synthetic fibers in many lightweight medium load applications. In the present work, Vachellia farnesiana fiber was selected as a natural fiber. The obtained Vachellia farnesiana fibers were characterized for physical and chemical properties, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and, tensile strength. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to capture its morphological characteristics. The outcome of the chemical analysis showed the weight percentage of ɑ-cellulose, hemicellulose, moisture content, wax, density and the same was confirmed by the output of the FTIR test. XRD test results showed that Vachellia farnesiana fiber had a crystallinity index of 13% and a crystal size of 31.89 nm. Thermal analysis showed a char residue of 28.71%.