Characterization of Chemically Treated Limonia Acidissima (Wood Apple) Shell Powder: Physicochemical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties

Abstract

The latest environmental legislations imposed by various governments across the globe have made exceptional utilization of biodegradable (green) materials in composite structures. The strengthening of natural based composites depends mainly on the properties of natural fiber reinforcement. Their incompatible hydrophilic nature which affects the bonding of the hydrophobic matrix is a major limitation in the use of natural fiber. Hence in the present work, to overcome the limitation, Limonia acidissima shell powder was subjected to alkali chemical treatment. Characterization of processed samples was evaluated through chemical analysis, proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), TGA (Thermo Gravimetric Analysis), and DTA (Differential Thermal Analysis). Also using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) the microstructures were analyzed. The alkaline treatment effect on Limonia acidissima shell powder showed that the removal of non-cellulose materials (lignin, hemicellulose, and wax) from the surface of fiber resulted in a drastic improvement in cellulose content. Also, the treatment enhanced the fixed carbon content, improved crystallinity index as well as crystal size, and delay in thermal degradation. The alkali-treated Limonia acidissima shell powder surface has become rough and allowing it to have stronger matrix bonding.

Keywords

• natural fibers
• characterization
• ftir
• xrd
• tga
• dta
• sem