In-depth study of agave fiber structure using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

FTIR spectroscopy is a powerful method to analyse materials and especially fiber structure. This technique is largely used to obtain quick information on the fiber composition and to detect possible transformations after physical and chemical treatments. Unlike other techniques, FTIR is a quick method which demands a reduced amount of fibers. Furthermore, it is a non destructive method especially for Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR), and Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy which are nowadays widely used.In this work, FTIR spectrum of agave fiber has been thoroughly investigated. Because of its complexity, the spectrum was separated into two regions: CH and hydrogen bond stretching (>2500cm−1) and “fingerprint” region (<2000cm−1). A detailed study of intermolecular and intramolecular chains was made.Infrared ratios (Lateral Order Index, Total Crystallinity Index, and Hydrogen Bond Intensity) were used to study the crystallinity and the degree of regularity of agave fiber.