Characterization of Thermal Properties of Highland Bamboo Fibers

Abstract

Characterization of thermal properties of different ages highland bamboo fiber attributes extracted chemically and mechanically is the focus of this study. Samples of length 25–30 cm were harvested at various ages from the middle of the stem, which was then soaked in different NaOH weight-by-volume concentrations and soaked in water for different days. Using a rolling machine that has three rollers, the fiber is mechanically extracted. The sample was subjected to different analyses for each corresponding age (1, 2, and 3 years) and NaOH concentration (untreated, 1%, 2%, and 3%) levels using thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, derivative thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis for thermal property characterization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for morphological studies, whereas Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for the identification of functional groups of the fibers. The surface appearance of the cell wall and microfibril aggregates were changed by alkali treatment. From the SEM results, 3% NaOH-treated fiber resulted in more wrinkles on the surface of bamboo fibers when compared with the 1% and 2% NaOH bamboo fibers. Using thermal analysis measurements, this study investigated that weight loss increased as alkali concentration increased, but the scenario functioned for proper concentration. The first degradation stage is responsible for the biggest weight loss since it includes the disintegration of all of the fiber’s primary components (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin).