Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Vegetable fibers can be considered as naturally occurring composites, consisting mainly of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose. Their properties are significantly affected by many factors such as variety, climate, harvesting and maturity, among others. Thus, prior to their application, the fibers should be properly characterized. In the present study, inverse gas chromatography was used to study the surface properties of several cellulosic fibers and the effect of an alkaline treatment. Dispersive surface energy ranged from 38.41mJ/m2 for piassava to 52.39mJ/m2 for assai. The studied fibers presented Lewis basic character with a Kb/Ka ratio between 1.27 and 4.00, corresponding to curaua and pita Mexicana, respectively. Based on the obtained linear adsorption isotherms, the surface area and monolayer capacity were higher for piassava. Pita Mexicana appeared to be the most heterogeneous one, with two energetic sites. The alkaline treatment of sisal increased the number of active sites for specific interactions, significantly increasing its basic character. It also increased its surface area, with a consequent decrease in the diffusion coefficient.
Highlights
The intrinsic characteristics of vegetable fibers are attracting much attention nowadays (Amico, Angrizani, & Drummond, 2010)
Vegetable fibers can be classified according to the part of the plant from where they are retrieved in leaf, bast, fruit, seed, grass and stalk fibers (Kalia et al, 2009)
Vegetable fibers can be considered as naturally occurring composites, consisting mainly of helically wound cellulose microfibrils bound together by lignin and hemicellulose
Summary
The intrinsic characteristics of vegetable fibers are attracting much attention nowadays (Amico, Angrizani, & Drummond, 2010) Their biodegradability can contribute to a healthier ecosystem, and their renewable character, low cost and reasonable performance when used to produce composite materials may find uses in various sectors, especially the automotive industry (Satyanarayana et al, 2005). Due to their natural origin, the properties of vegetable fibers are strongly affected by many factors such as variety, climate, maturity, harvesting, retting degree, decortication and disintegration (mechanical or steam explosion) (Kalia, Kaith, & Kaur, 2009). The crystal nature (monoclinic sphenodic) of naturally occurring cellulose is known as cellulose I (John & Thomas, 2008)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
