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Abstract Cellulose, a major proportion of all plant resources are not utilized at its best. Hence, this investigation explores the potential of cellulose fraction in bark fibers of Thespesia populnea for real time use by evaluating its anatomical, physicochemical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Anatomical studies confirm two types of phloem fiber cells based on dimensions of secondary cell wall and lumen. Significant concentration of cellulose (70.12%) helps to attain favorable outcomes in tensile strength (557.82 ± 56.29 MPa). FTIR spectra confirm the presence of cellulosic compound in fiber structure and the size of crystalline cellulose is estimated as 35.76 Å using XRD results. Thermal profile of TGA and DSC validates that fiber is steady up to 245.4 °C and cellulose degradation befalling between 250 °C and 370 °C accounts for major weight loss in fiber. Images acquired through SEM and AFM depict that the fiber surface is smooth with average roughness of 3.002 nm. Highlights • Cellulose content in bark fibers of Thespesia populnea tree was assessed and characterized. • Cellulose fiber diameters were in the range of 87–256 μm with 1412 kg/m3 density. • FTIR and XRD spectra confirm the presence of cellulose compounds. • Thermal analysis reveals that fiber was stable up to 245.4 °C. • SEM and AFM images illustrate that the surface of fiber was smooth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Bark fibers of Thespesia populnea stem at different maturity was characterized. • Fiber diameters increased from 150 μm to 200 μm with stem growth. • Cellulose crystallinity ranges between 44% and 49% with ˜29.625 Å crystal size. • Fibers tensile strength (557 ± 56.29 MPa for TPF20) declines by 39.4% on maturity. • SEM and AFM micrographs illustrates that fiber surface becomes rough on maturity. Abstract Cellulose is the key constituent of natural fibers and its proportion significantly varies with the growth of the plant. Hence, a study on the influence of plant maturity on fiber properties is essential to recognize optimal fiber source. In this investigation, cellulose fibers were successfully extracted from Thespesia populnea tree barks of approximately 10 mm–80 mm diameter stem and the influence of stem growth on physiochemical, thermal, mechanical and morphological characteristics of the fiber were investigated. The diameter of fiber increased from 150 μm to 200 μm with stem growth meanwhile its water uptake capability decreases by 13.8%. FTIR spectra and thermal analysis confirm the presence of cellulose compound in fiber structure, also the fiber can be stable up to 318 °C. The XRD outcome estimates 44–49% crystallinity index with an average crystallite size of 29.625 Å. Under the tensile load, fiber fails primarily by brittle fracture and its tensile strength ranges from 559 MPa to 329 MPa with an average elongation between 2.9% and 1.7%. Morphology analysis illustrates that fiber surface is becoming rough on maturity and can offer good interfacial strength when reinforced with composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]