Properties of natural fabric Polyalthia cerasoides

Abstract

The ligno-cellulose natural fabric from the Polyalthia cerasoides tree was analyzed by FTIR, chemical, X-ray and thermo gravimetric methods. The morphology of the fibers was studied by scanning electron and polarized optical microscopic methods. The tensile properties were also studied. The effect of alkali treatment on the properties of the fabric was studied. The FTIR and chemical analyses indicated lowering of hemi-cellulose and lignin content on alkali treatment of the fabric. The tensile properties were found to increase on alkali treatment. The x-ray diffraction revealed an increase in crystallinity of the fabric on alkali treatment. The thermal stability of the fabric was also found to increase on alkali treatment. The properties of this fabric were compared with those of two natural fabrics reported in the literature. This uniaxial fabric has sufficient tensile modulus and can be used as reinforcement in the development of green composites.