Comprehensive Characterization of New Natural Fiber Extracted from the Stem of Grewia flavescens Plant.

The physical, chemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of Grewia flavescens are reported in this article. The G. Flavescens fiber is found to have a satisfactory cellulose content and can be useful for lightweight applications due to its lower density. The fiber was analyzed using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopic test, and atomic force microscopy. While XRD analysis confirms a comparable crystallinity index for this natural fiber, the thermal characteristics confirm the fiber's stability behavior when subjected to temperatures up to 165°C. Results of the morphological study of the fiber with a rough surface suggest its suitability for use in making composites. The comparatively less amount of wax and moisture content observed are again advantageous as the fiber bonding with the matrix will be improved in the composites. It is recommended that the present G. flavescens fiber can be efficiently utilized for making biocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]