Physico-chemical, Thermal and Tensile Properties of Alkali-treated Acacia Concinna Fiber

The fundamental properties (diameter, density, chemical composition, crystalline nature, thermal behaviors, tensile properties and Surface topography) of the raw and alkalized Acacia Concinna fiber (ACF) were investigated in this article with the intension verify the fitness of Acacia Concinna fiber as reinforcement in green composites. Outcomes of the chemical analysis established that 5% (w/v) NaoH with 45 min treatment time was produced the optimistic transform in the chemical composition than other treatment timings (15, 30,60,75 min). The diminution in the lignin and hemi-cellulose content of the alkalized ACF was established through the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrograms. Improvements in the crystallographic parameters (Crystallinity index (27.5% to 35.6%) and crystalline size (4.17 nm to 6.43 nm) of optimally alkalized ACF were demonstrated through the X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The mass degradation pattern (TG and DTG profile) of the untreated and optimally alkalized ACF were generated with the help of a thermal analyzer. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope were used to record the impact of alkalization in surface topography of the ACF.

Automated summary

This study investigated the fundamental properties of raw and alkalized Acacia Concinna fiber (ACF), including diameter, density, chemical composition, crystalline nature, thermal behaviors, tensile properties, and surface topography. The results showed that the optimal treatment of ACF with 5% NaOH for 45 minutes resulted in favorable changes in chemical composition. Alkalization also led to reductions in lignin and hemi-cellulose content, improvement in crystallinity index and crystalline size, and alteration in surface topography. Overall, alkalization enhanced the suitability of ACF as reinforcement in green composites.