Study on the Characteristics of Novel Natural Fiber Extracted from Crescentia cujete Plant Fruits—An Alternate Reinforcement for Synthetic Materials

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of novel natural fibers extracted from Crescentia cujete plant fruits, exploring their potential as an alternative reinforcement to synthetic materials. Employing a range of characterization techniques, XRD analysis revealed a semi-crystalline structure with a significant crystallinity index of 0.81 and the crystal region of 53.8%, indicating potential for robust applications. FTIR spectroscopy identified key functional groups of the major peak observed at 1020 cm⁻¹ which is related to hemicellulose, C–O–C stretching vibrations in the glycosidic linkages of cellulose, essential for understanding the fibers' chemical composition. Tensile strength tests showed the fibers possess substantial strength of 8.9 MPa and flexibility, making them suitable for reinforcing materials. SEM analysis provided insights into the fibers' surface morphology, crucial for applications requiring strong interfacial bonding. EDX results confirmed the presence of essential elements, highlighting the fibers' natural composition. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of these fibers were evaluated, showing effectiveness against common bacterial strains, thus broadening their application scope in medical and hygiene products.