Physico-Chemical Properties of Alkali Treated Cellulosic Fibers from Fragrant Screw Pine Prop Root

The purpose of this study is to characterize alkali-treated fibers from the prop root of fragrant screw pine (FSP) plant in order to determine their suitability as a substitute for man-made fiber in preparation of lightweight bio-based composite materials. The physical, chemical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of alkali-treated FSP fibers (AFSPF) were reported and compared to those of other natural fibers used as reinforcement in polymer composites. Cellulose content (80.53 wt.%), wax content (0.21 wt.%), density (1.41 g/cm3), tensile strength (619-1038 MPa), and young's modulus (23-41 GPa) of AFSPF were determined. Thermal analysis (TGA and DTG) confirms the thermal stability of these fibers up to 257 degrees C. The characterized properties demonstrate that AFSPF can be used as reinforcement in the preparation of polymer-based bio-composites for applications requiring low weight and high specific strength that meet technical and environmental requirements.