Characterization of a novel natural cellulosic fiber obtained from the fruit of Tipuana tipu

The herein study represents an attempt to find unexploited natural fiber sources, which do not necessitate deforestation, with the aim of understanding their chemical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties for use in various applications. Particularly, the properties of novel Tipuana tipu fruit-derived fibers (TTFF) were investigated. The fiber constituents were 42.0% cellulose, 28.8% hemicellulose, and 10.6% lignin. Therefore, the functional groups of the constituents, determined by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, were as expected for plant-based natural fibers. By utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), the crystallite size and the crystallinity index were 2.06 nm and 59 +/- 1%, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the fibers were stable up to 270 degrees C before starting to rapidly degrade above 310 degrees C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was implemented for morphological characterization of the fibers. The cross-sectional examination of the fibers revealed multiple interconnected hollow lumens. The hollowed nature contributed to the relatively low value of their density (1.29 +/- 0.04 g mL(-1)). Furthermore, the TTFF exhibited a tensile strength of 461 +/- 31 MPa and a water absorption capacity of 179 +/- 8%. In conclusion, the characteristics of TTFF position them as viable reinforcements in polymer matrices, offering potential applications in various industries.