Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Behaviour of Prosopis juliflora Bark Reinforced Epoxy Polymer Composite

This research was aimed at investigating the physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of newly identified cellulosic fiber extracted from the bark of Erythrina variegata (EV) tree. The chemical analysis of EVFs revealed the existence of high cellulose (50.64 wt.%) and lignin content (17.44 wt.%), which in turn makes the fiber rigid and strong. Crystallinity index and crystallite size of EVFs determined through X-ray diffraction analysis were found to be 51.80% and 300 nm. High onset temperature for hemicellulose degradation (227.99 degrees C) and high activation energy (74.05 kJ/mol) confirms the thermal stability of EVFs. The tensile strength and Young's modulus of EVF were found to be 503.2315 +/- 202.23 MPa and 7.62 +/- 2.91 GPa. The FESEM micrographs of EVFs revealed the existence of a rough fiber surface which facilitate better interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix.

Automated summary

The newly identified cellulosic fiber extracted from the bark of Erythrina variegata tree was found to have high cellulose and lignin content, high crystallinity, thermal stability, tensile strength, and Young's modulus, along with a rough fiber surface for better interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix.