Effects of steam-treatment on the chemical component and thermal resistance of bagasse particle for natural-bonded composites product

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of steam-treated bagasse particle by using autoclave. Fine size particle was obtained from the milling process of steam-treated bagasse. Before testing, the particle was pre-treated for 5, 10 and 15 minutes. The determination of extractives, lignin, α-cellulose, holocellulose and ash-content were conducted in accordance with the standard outline in the Technical Association Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) test methods. Overall results show that the chemical properties have been diminished over time. The chemical properties with the highest percentage of extractive, lignin, ash and holocellulose contents (which was 3.9%, 39.15%, 1.45% and 73% respectively, was extracted at 121°C for 5 minutes). The lowest percentage of extractive, lignin, ash and holocellulose contents (which was 0.8%, 25.30%, 0.88% and 51% respectively, was extracted at 121°C for 15 minutes). It is concluded that longer steam treatment time (beyond 15 minutes) may degrade the chemical properties of bagasse. In addition, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) was also carried out to investigate the thermal resistance of bagasse particle. Based on the results, the 10 minutes steamed samples have the highest peak degradation temperature, which was 286.8 °C, while the 15 minutes steamed samples have the lowest peak degradation, which was 246.4 °C. This shows that longer steaming period (more than 10 minutes) will decrease the thermal resistance of the bagasse particle.