Thermal and morphological properties of alkali-treated Alstonia macrophylla Fibres

Abstract

This study examines the thermal, wettability, and surface properties of the untreated and alkali-treated Alstoniamacrophylla (ASM) fibres extracted from the seed pods. Alkali treatment leads to an increase in cellulose content, enhancing the fibre’s thermal stability, crystallinity, and surface roughness. Dynamic contact angle measurements indicate improved wettability of treated ASM fibres, confirming their superior interaction in liquid-phase environments. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy analyses reveal a significant increase in surface roughness in treated fibres compared to untreated ones.