Characterization of new natural cellulosic fibre extracted from the barks of Trianthema Portulacastrum.

The growing demand for sustainable materials has driven research into natural fibres as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic counterparts. This study explores the potential of Trianthema portulacastrum fibre, an underutilised natural resource, for sustainable material applications by characterising its chemical, structural, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties. The fibres were meticulously characterised to evaluate these properties. Chemical analysis revealed cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, wax, and moisture as the principal components. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of cellulose and hemicellulose, consistent with the chemical composition findings. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated a crystallinity index of 69.74 % and a crystallite size of 2.82 nm, suggesting a semi-crystalline structure. Thermal stability was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis whereas mechanical testing showed a single fibre tension of 45.32 ± 2.13 MPa and a Young's modulus of 2.15 ± 0.88 GPa, indicating commendable mechanical performance. Scanning electron microscopy identified surface defects, including contaminants and fissures. These findings underscore the potential of Trianthema portulacastrum as a sustainable fibre with significant applications in the production of eco-friendly materials.