Characterization of novel Annona reticulata fiber as a potential reinforcement for composite applications

With the rising demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, there is growing interest in alternative natural fibers for potential biocomposite applications. This study introduces a novel source of lignocellulosic fibers derived from the bark of Annona reticulata L., an abundant and underutilized bioresource. This novel fiber aims to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious textiles and biocomposite materials by preserving biodegradability and minimizing environmental impact. The fibers were extracted using a simple, chemical-free, short-duration water retting process, followed by drying. The dried fibers were characterized via chemical composition analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, density measurement, XRD, thermal analysis, morphological examination, and tensile testing. It was revealed that the fiber contains 56.26, 17.56, and 16.74% cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, respectively, while the density was found 1.33 g/cm³. XRD analysis indicates a crystalline index of 65% and a crystalline size of 3.34 nm, suggesting a moderately ordered cellulose structure. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed thermal stability up to 258 °C, with maximum degradation occurring at 373 °C. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups, including O-H stretching at 3309 cm⁻¹ and C-H stretching at 2928 cm⁻¹ in cellulose, as well as C = C stretching at 1514 cm⁻¹ in lignin, typical of lignocellulosic fibers. SEM imaging further revealed a fibrillar and bundled microstructure. Tensile testing showed an average tensile strength of 327 MPa and a Young's modulus of 4.3 GPa, supporting the potential of Annona reticulata fibers for load-bearing applications. The findings of this study are comparable to those of commonly employed and some other new lignocellulosic fibers exhibited the potential of Annona reticulata for bicomposite applications.