Chiang Mai J. Sci. 2019; 46(3) : 579-591 http://epg.science.cmu.ac.th/ejournal/ Contributed Paper Extraction and Characterization of Natural Cellulosic Fiber From Jipijapa (Carludovica palmata) Víctor M. Moo-Huchin [a], Emilio Pérez-Pacheco [b], Carlos R. Ríos-Soberanis [c], Luis A. Bello-Pérez [d], José M. Cervantes-Uc [c], Mario A. A. Dzul-Cervantes [b] and Raciel J. Estrada-León * [b] [a] Tecnológico Nacional de México. Instituto Tecnológico de Mérida, km 5 Mérida-Progreso, C.P. 97118 Mérida, Yucatán, México. [b] Tecnológico Nacional de México. C.A. Bioprocesos. Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Calkiní, Av. Ah- Canul, C.P. 24900 Calkiní, Campeche, México. [c] Centro De Investigación Científca de Yucatán, A.C Unidad de Materiales, Calle 43, No. 130 x 32 y 34, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo. C.P 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, México. [d] Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos, Kilometro 8.5 Carretera Yautepec-Jojutla, Colonia San Isidro, C.P 62731, Yautepec, Morelos, México. *Author for correspondence; e-mail: rjestrada@itescam.edu.mx Received : 19 September 2018 Revised : 22 December 2018 Accepted : 28 December 2018 ABSTRACT Nowadays, natural fbers with their environmentally friendly qualities represent an important alternative to substitute the use of synthetic fbers in polymer matrix reinforcement. This study aimed to characterize cellulosic palmate fbers (CFE) extracted from the bundles of Jipijapa straw (BJS). The extraction of CFE was carried out by means of an acid hydrolysis, chlorination, alkaline extraction, and bleaching of the BJS. The physicochemical, thermal and mechanical properties of CFE were determined using techniques of FTIR, TGA, X-ray diffraction, AFM and SEM. The holocellulose content (55.70±3.00 %), lignin (23.71±1.01 %), ash (8.30±0.10 %), moisture (8.50±0.50 %) and extractives (10.10±0.50 %) of BJS, were comparable to those reported in the literature for other natural fbers. The spectroscopy FTIR, TGA and X-ray diffraction confrmed that CFE are rich in cellulose content and possess thermal stability, with a crystallinity index of 57 %. Based on the results of SEM, AFM, aspect ratio, mechanical properties, contact angle and surface energy, it was possible to determine and explain the potential application of CFE as reinforcement in the elaboration of biocomposite materials. Keywords: Carludovica palmata, cellulosic fber, characterization, renewable sources, natural fber 1. INTRODUCTION In recent years, due to the worldwide energy crisis resulting from the indiscriminate use of petroleum derived products and the alarming increase in environmental contamination, greater interest has been shown in the development of new, green or ecological materials from renewable sources for their use in the industry. In this respect, due to the fact that conventional