Characterization of a novel natural fiber extracted from Albizia julibrissin plant stem: Advancing sustainable product development
Thandavamoorthy Raja
Abstract
• Sustainable Material Potential: The study focuses on the characterization of natural fibers extracted from Albizia julibrissin plant stems, assessing their suitability for sustainable product development. • Structural and Chemical Composition: XRD analysis revealed a high crystallinity index of 61.6%, while FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, essential for mechanical strength and stability. • Mechanical Strength and Durability: Tensile testing demonstrated the fibers' impressive mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 12.9 MPa and a Young's modulus of 5.8 GPa, indicating resilience under stress. • Thermal Stability: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the fibers exhibit excellent thermal stability, with onset degradation at 348.77°C and peak degradation at 393.10°C, making them suitable for high-temperature applications. • Antimicrobial Properties: The fibers exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 13 mm against Providencia , demonstrating their potential for antimicrobial applications. This study characterizes natural fibers extracted from the stem of Albizia julibrissin , evaluating their potential for sustainable material applications. A series of analytical techniques were used to investigate the structural, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties of the fibers. XRD analysis revealed a crystallinity index of 61.6%, indicating strong structural integrity. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. SEM imaging showed fiber diameters of 92.41 µm with a rough surface, enhancing compatibility for composite materials. Mechanical testing revealed a tensile strength of 12.9 MPa and a Young's modulus of 5.8 GPa. TGA demonstrated high thermal stability, with onset degradation at 348.77°C and peak degradation at 393.10°C. Antibacterial testing showed a 13 mm inhibition zone against Providencia at a 50 µg concentration, suggesting potential for antimicrobial applications. These results position Albizia julibrissin fibers as potential materials for various eco-friendly applications.