The present work aims to analyze the influence of chemical treatment on thermal, morphological, mechanical, and water absorption characteristics of a new natural Bauhinia Vahlii (BV) stem fiber. In this research study, the BV fiber surface was modified through different chemical treatments such as alkalization, bleaching, and benzoylation. The effect of these chemical treatments on the fiber are visualized through the scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs. SEM ensures the presence of voids and rough surfaces with the removal of deleterious substances from the fiber. The results obtained from Fourier transform infrared ensure the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin compounds in the case of untreated and treated BV fiber. Also, X‐ray diffraction analysis gives a higher crystallinity index for treated BV fiber. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms there is an increase in the thermal stability of the fiber after chemical treatment. The increase in tensile strength and young's modulus confirms improvement in the mechanical properties of the BV fiber after chemical treatment. The water absorptivity test ensures there is a reduction in the hydrophilic nature of the BV fiber after chemical treatment, which promotes better adhesion between fiber and matrix.

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Nowadays, the natural fibers reinforced thermoplastic polymers have been increasingly used in various automotive, construction, and packaging industries because of their high modulus, strength, and renewability. In this work, the thermoplastic polymer is reinforced by surface‐modified Bauhinia Vahlii (BV) fiber. The fabrication of composite at 10, 20, and 30 wt% BV fiber loading is done by compression molding technique and characterization of the composite is carried out. The tensile and flexural strength is found to be maximum at 10 wt% BV fiber content, indicating a strong interfacial bond between fiber and matrix as supported by scanning electron microscope of fracture surfaces of the composite. The impact strength and hardness of the BV/polypropylene (PP) composite increases with BV fiber loading. According to the dynamic mechanical analysis results, with rise in BV fiber content in the composite, the storage and loss modulus improved, but tan delta reduced. The thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetry inferred that the composite's thermal stability lies between modified BV fiber and PP matrix. The differential scanning calorimetry curve studies the melting and crystallization behavior of the composite. The higher crystallinity index of composite is obtained at 10 wt% BV fiber content supported by tensile strength result. Both hot and cold‐water immersion processes studied the water absorption behavior of the composite. The composite with a higher percentage of fiber absorbs more water and takes less time to reach saturation. Compared to other produced composites and neat PP, it is observed that composites fabricated with 10% BV fiber content have superior characteristics.

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