The demand of plant fibers is increasing day by day due to the worldwide acceptance of natural plant fibers for various applications in a variety of sectors. However, the identification of suitable plant fibers with superior properties is the need of the hour in the context of developing more eco-friendly, renewable, cost-effective, and fiber-based materials. This study was designed with the intention of identifying suitability of Ficus benjamina L. aerial root fiber (FBRF) as a potential reinforcement for composite structures. The fundamental physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological features were investigated to explore the potentiality of FBRF. This study was advantageous in finding the occurrence of fiber in aerial root, fiber position, and characteristics of fibrous cells. The density analysis proved that the fiber possessed a relatively low density (1175 ± 22.14 kg/m 3 ), which shows its lightweight applicability. High cellulose content (64.48%) and crystallinity index (55.17%) observed for tested fibers in turn enhanced the thermal and mechanical behavior of the fiber. The tensile strength of 292.66 ± 12.32 MPa and thermal stability of 330 C were worthy for considering it for high-temperature processing and applications. The investigation of surface properties revealed that FBRF partake good surface roughness, which offers good fiber-matrix interfacial bonding. Hence, this study endorses further use of FBRF as a good reinforcement for composite manufacturing.
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