Changes in Properties of Tropical Kapok Fibers by the Pretreatments

Abstract

The effets of the pretreatments of tropical kapok fibers were evaluated in this study in terms of water sorption capacity and oil sorption capacity. The alkali treatments with NaOH resulted in the reduction of lignin, oil and hemicellulose, which were detected with FT-IR spectrum. The reduction of the lyphophilic components such as fat on kapok fiber by the ozone treatments were also measured with FT-IR spectrum. The oil sorption capacity of kapok fiber was decreased by the alkali treatments and the ozone treatments, while the water sorption capacity was increased. The liquid sorption capacity were greatly affected by the mechanical cutting of kapok fiber which exposed the big lumen of kapok fiber. The hydrophilic property of kapok fiber could be controlled by the pretreatments, which would increase the applicability of kapok fiber for preparation of various functional paper products.