A new study on characterization of Pithecellobium dulce fiber as composite reinforcement for light-weight applications

A bio-fiber, Pithecellobium dulce is abundantly available in all over the world. It has a higher cellulose content (75.15 +/- 0.26 wt.%) and low density (865 +/- 26 kg/m(3)). To acquire fundamental knowledge about Pithecellobium dulce Fibers (PDFs), its physicochemical, crystalline, tensile, and morphological properties were examined and compared with other plant fibers. The chemical functional groups and crystallinity index (49.2 +/- 2.45%) of the PDFs were obtained via Fourier transform-infrared analysis and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The Thermogravimetric analysis results of PDFs exhibit thermal stability up to 170 degrees C. The surface morphology of PDF was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The attained results conclude that PDFs are appropriate fibers for acting as reinforcement in manufacturing of green composite product.