Physicochemical properties of alkali-treated new cellulosic fiber from cotton shell

The aim of this present investigation was to identify a new natural fiber from one of the cotton plant's byproducts, which is chemically modified by alkaline treatment. Its characteristics were examined for the preparation of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The cotton shell fibers (CSFs) were extracted from the cotton shell and its degree of crystallinity, crystallite size, chemical constituents group, and thermal stability were determined by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The alkali treatment of CSFs is optimized at 5% (w/v) NaOH aqueous solution with 45min soaking time.