CELLULOSIC FIBER EXTRACTED FROM ALSTONIA MACROPHYLLA SEED PODS AS A POTENTIAL REINFORCEMENT FOR POLYMER COMPOSITES

The prime objective of the present work has been to investigate a novel natural fiber extracted from the seed pods of the Alstonia macrophylla (AM) tree. Chemical, physico-mechanical, and surface properties of untreated and alkali treated AM fibers were analysed. Chemical analysis confirmed that cellulose composition (78.31 wt%) of the AM treated fiber was improved as a result of alkali treatment, whereas other constituents, such as hemicelluloses, lignin and wax were decreased. This was supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Single fiber pull test showed that alkali treated AM fiber exhibited higher strength than untreated AM fiber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed that surface roughness of the treated AM fiber was higher than in untreated AM fiber. Owing to an upsurge in the cellulose content, the tensile properties, crystallinity, and surface roughness of the AM treated fiber got enhanced, demonstrating that AM fiber could be potentially used as reinforcement for producing polymer composites for light weight applications.