Effects of alkali treatment duration on properties of Khlum fiber for application as a reinforcement material

• Published in: International journal of environmental science and technology (Tehran) 2022-04, Vol.19 (4), p.2337-2344
• Main Authors: Sarak, S., Boonsuk, P., Sukolrat, A., Mayakun, J., Kaewtatip, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic Pollution; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Science and Engineering; Original Paper; Soil Science & Conservation; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control
• ISSN: 1735-1472; 1735-2630
• DOI: 10.1007/s13762-021-03302-5

A novel reinforcement material for polymer composites was prepared from Khlum fiber waste. However, the covering materials on the surface of Khlum fiber could hinder the interfacial adhesion reaction between the Khlum fiber and the polymer matrix. To eliminate these covering materials, the Khlum fiber waste was modified with a commonly used alkali treatment. Alkali treatments for 1 h and 2 h were investigated for their respective effects on the color, crystallinity, morphology, thermal behavior and chemical composition of the Khlum fiber. Alkali treatment with 2.5 M NaOH for 1 h at 80 °C was the optimum condition, producing fibers that were light cream in color with clean, homogeneous surfaces and a diameter of about 12.40 μm. The fibers exhibited high thermal stability (358 °C) and a high degree of crystallinity (43.18%). Alkali treatment for 2 h exposed more of the fiber surface to the alkali solution and the secondary acid treatment, which destroyed the cellulose structure. Therefore, after alkali treatment for 1 h at 80 °C using 2.5 M NaOH, Khlum fiber had excellent properties for an efficient reinforcement material to improve the properties of polymer composites.