Traditional and Advance Characterization Techniques for Natural Fibers

Abstract

Accurate characterization of natural fibers has become very important as their use in polymer composites is increasing day by day. Being lignocellulosic in nature their main components are cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Properties of natural fibers depend largely on this composition. Apart from that mechanical strength, thermal degradation behavior, morphology, and wettability are the key properties that need to be evaluated properly. Thermal degradation kinetics and activation energy of decomposition also play an important role when these novel materials are utilized as a reinforcement in polymer matrix. Along with traditional characterization techniques like FTIR, SEM, tensile testing, and XRD advance characterization techniques including atomic force micrsoscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and contact angle wettability are also discussed in compilation. Theory behind isoconversional methods (FWO/KAS) to calculate activation energy is also derived.