Characterization of Taquara-Lixa (Merostachys skvortzovii Sendulsky) fibers With and Without Alkali Treatment for Their Possible Use in Polymer Composites

Neto CB, Flores-Sahagun THS, Satyanarayana KG, Andrade AS and Mazzaro I

Published on: 2024-07-25

Abstract

Efforts to find new resources to replace the synthetic fibers such as glass and carbon fibers in the development of polymeric and cementiceous matrices based composites have been made to take care of growing environmental concerns. Bamboo is one such lignocellulosic material, which is abundantly grown in most developing countries and is sustainable and strong. Of the various varieties of bamboo grown in Brazil, Taquara-lixa stands out due to its large availability and low cost besides its physical and mechanical characteristics. However, not many studies have been reported on its use in the development of composites probably due to very little reports on various properties of this fiber. Accordingly, this paper presents extraction of fibers from the stem of taquara-lixa bamboo, their characterization in respect of chemical composition, pH, crystallinity index and thermal stability. Further, effect of alkali treatment of fibers on the chemical composition, thermal stability and crystallinity index has also been presented. While the alkali treatment has reduced the moisture and lignin contents as well as solubility in cold and hot water, holocellulose content increased slightly. There was no change in the values pH, crystallinity index and thermal stability of the fibers with the alkali treatment.