Characterization of new natural cellulosic fabric Grewia tilifolia

The new natural fabric Grewia tiliflia was extracted from its tree. This uniaxial fabric was analyzed by chemical, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and polarized optical micro-scopic techniques. The effect of alkali treatment on the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of the fabric was examined. The tensile strength, modulus, and the thermal stability of the fabric were found to improve on alkali treatment. From the mechanical and thermal degradation studies of this fabric, it was concluded that the fabric can be used as reinforcement in the preparation of green composites and for other high-value fabric applications. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.