Characterization of a novel natural cellulosic fiber from Prosopis juliflora bark

Natural fibers from plants are ideal choice for producing polymer composites. Bark fibers of Prosopis juliflora (PJ), an evergreen plant have not been utilized for making polymer composites yet. Hence, a study was undertaken to evaluate their suitability as a novel reinforcement for composite structures. PJ fiber (PJF) was analyzed extensively to understand its chemical and physical properties. The PJF belonged to gelatinous or mucilaginous type. Its lignin content (17.11%) and density (580 kg/m(3)) were relatively higher and lower, respectively in comparison to bark fibers of other plants. The free chemical groups on it were studied by FTIR and XRD. It had a tensile strength of 558 +/- 13.4 MPa with an average strain rate of 1.77 +/- 0.04% and microfibril angle of 10.64 degrees +/- 0.45 degrees. Thermal analyses (TG and DTG) showed that it started degrading at a temperature of 217 degrees C with kinetic activation energy of 76.72 kJ/mol. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.