Many experiments were conducted based on the literature review. Finally, the leaves are treated in NaOH solution at the concentration of 0.25 M, and the soaking time is 12 h. Now onwards, the chemically treated fibers are called as IDL CT.

8.2.2 Fiber Characterization

The extracted and chemically treated IDL fiber is examined under JEOL JSM — 5350A SEM to understand the morphology of the fiber. Single fiber tensile test (SFTT) is also conducted on specimens as per ASTM C 1557-03Є1. An SFTT speci­men is carefully fixed in a wing-type fixture, and the tensile test is conducted on PC

2000 Electronic Tensometer which has a load cell of 20 kg. The density of the fiber is determined by the ASTM D 3800-99 Procedure A-Buoyancy (Archimedes) method and pycnometry procedure. Fiber density determined by both methods is nearly equal, but the Archimedes method is used in the present work.