Extensive characterization of pretreated/enzyme treated cellulosic Areca catechu L. peduncle fiber for polymer composite applications

This paper investigates thermo-mechanical, chemical, and morphological characteristics of alkali pretreated and enzyme treated Areca catechu tree peduncle fibers (ACTPFs) for probable reinforcement in polymer composites. ACTPFs were pre-treated with 0.4 M NaOH solution and treated with enzymes such as xylanase, laccase, and pectinase before investigations. Alkali pre-treated ACTPF (AACTPF) cum pectinase treated AACTPF (PAACTPF) exhibited maximum cellulose content 57.28 wt% and single fiber tensile strength 203.5 +/- 22.12 MPa. Further, the crystallinity index and crystal size of PAACTPF was determined as 55% and 12.9 nm by x-ray diffraction analysis. Also, the prevalence of chemical bonds and thermal stability up to 233 degrees C in PAACTPF was exposed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and thermogravimetric analysis respectively. Moreover, the coarse surface of PAACTPF viewed through scanning electron microscope owing to removal of amorphous contents makes it a considerable counterpart for substitutional reinforcement to artificial fibers in polymer composites.