Abstract
Effects of different extraction methods of the Spanish Broom shoots were measured and compared with the purpose of obtaining composite material The content of cellulose, lignin, pentosan, ashes in the Spanish Broom fibers was determined. SEM analyses and FTIR were performed.
Highlights
IntroductionThe use of Spanish Broom and its diverse application has been known in the entire Mediterranean since the ancient times
The IR spectra of the fiber sample obtained after alkaline extraction was recorded on the ATR-FTIR spectrometer (Spectrum 100, Perkin Elmer), while cotton, flax and hemp fibers were taken as reference samples
The intensity of the signal at 1734 cm-1 corresponding to the C=C esther band related to pectin is higher in flax than in hemp fibers, while this band is not found in Spanish broom fiber sample
Summary
The use of Spanish Broom and its diverse application has been known in the entire Mediterranean since the ancient times. Already in the ancient Rome, where Spanish Broom fields (genestium – or ager in later Latin) were cultivated as any other field, and the plant or sprouts were sown in ploughed up furrows, as the Roman agronomist Columella describes. According to Vergil, hedges of Spanish Broom were planted in addition to willow, hazel, elder and other plants. Pliny writes that the sowing and planting of Spanish Broom is crucial for peasants. Its branches provide excellent material for tying vine and young trees. The Greeks, Romans and Carthagians used Spanish Broom as raw material for manufacturing ropes, nets, bags, sails, clothing and for covering roofs, whilst the flower of Spanish Broom produces exquisite honey
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