Characterization of Alkali-Treated and Untreated Natural Fibers from the Stem of Parthenium Hysterophorus

In the current study, deals with the characterization of Parthenium hysterophorus fibers (PHF) extracted from its stem by manual retting process. Then, extracted fibers were alkali-treated, and its characteristics were compared with untreated one. The various behaviors of the alkali-treated and untreated PHF was studied using physical-chemical analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetric analysis, Tensile test, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Results showed that alkali-treated PHF showed an increase in cellulose content by 8.9% than untreated PHF while the char residue was 38.5%. It also showed a better crystalline index, surface characteristics, and good tensile strength.