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Abstract

In the present work, fibers were extracted from the bark of terminalia bellirica tree and were investigated for their properties in detail. Fibers were treated with 5% Sodium hydroxide solution for 30 minutes and the effect of this alkali treatment on the fiber properties was studied. FT-IR studies and chemical analysis of the terminalia bellirica fibers showed the reduction of hemicellulose on alkali treatment. X Ray diffraction studies proved the increase in the crystallinity of the fibers after alkali treatment. Increase in thermal stability and tensile properties of terminalia bellirica fibers after alkali treatment was observed. Scanning electron micrographs showed the roughened surface of the fibers on alkali treatment.