Properties of ligno-cellulose ficus religiosa leaf fibers

Abstract

The native (untreated) and alkali treated fibers from the ficus leaves were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Chemical, X-ray and Thermo gravimetric methods. The morphology of the fibers before and after alkali treatment was studied by scanning electron microscopic method. The FTIR and chemical analyses indicated lowering of hemi-cellulose content by alkali treatment of the fibers. The X-ray diffraction revealed an increase in crystallinity of the fibers on alkali treatment. The thermal stability of the fibers was found to increase slightly by alkali treatment. In order to assess the suitability of these fibers as reinforcement, their composites with styrenated polyester as matrix were prepared and their tensile and flexural moduli were deermined. Though not much improvement in tensile modulus was detected, however flexural modulus of the composites weas found to be enhanced more when alkali treated fibers were incorporated as reinforcement.