Extraction and Performance Characterization of the Carexmeyeriana Fiber

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this investigation, Carexmeyeriana fiber (CMF) was extracted by using the ultrasound alkali--oxygen technology in the research, and the performance characterization of CMF was revealed. Parameters such as ultrasonic and alkali--oxygen acting times, and the concentrations of NaOH and H2O2 were optimized by using the multi-target orthogonal method. The performance characteristics of CMF were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction and other basic testing methods. The result revealed that the optimal parameters in the extraction process were ultrasonic irradiating for 70 min, soaking in the alkali--oxygen bath for 100 min, and the concentrations of NaOH as 8 g/L and H2O2 as 12 g/L. After extraction, the characteristic absorb peaks for the non-cellulose of CMF in the FTIR spectra decreased significantly, and the crystallinity increased from 46.5 to 50.6%. Warmth retention and excellent antibacterial properties of the extracted CMF were observed. It was expected that CMF can be developed as a functional fiber in the future.