Extraction and Characterization of Fibres from the Bark of Ficus Nekbudu Tree

Abstract

This paper investigates the extraction and characterization of fibres from the bark of the ficus nekbudu tree. The Ficus Nekbudu Fibres (FNF) was extracted from the bark by retting in water and then treatment with sodium hydroxide solution. The extracted FNF was analysed for chemical composition, physical, tensile, surface, structural and thermal stability properties. Findings on the chemical composition indicated that FNF has cellulose (49.9 %), lignin (13.4%), ash (7.1%) and water content (8.1%). From the physical investigation it was found that FNF has density (1.42 ± 0.005 g/cm3 ) and moisture regain (9.2 ±0.3%). From mechanical investigation it was found that FNF has tenacity (2.56 ± 0.75 cN/dtex) and extension at break (9.23 ± 2.85%). SEM analysis indicated that FNF has rough surface with some surface impurities. The ATR- FTIR analysis indicates that the FNF has Total Crystallinity Index (TCI) and Lateral Order Index (LOI) of 0.52 and 0.41, respectively. Thermal analysis indicates that the FNF are stable up to 250°C.