Investigation of Optimal Alkali-treated Perotis indica Plant Fibers on Physical, Chemical, and Morphological Properties

Abstract

The main objective of this investigation is to study the physical, chemical, and morphological analysis of the optimal alkali-treated Perotis indica fiber (PIF). The PIF is treated with 5% (w/v) NaOH in different soaking times (i.e., 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, and 75 min). Through thermogravimetric analysis, treatment is optimized at 5% NaOH in a soaking time of 60 min. That optimized alkali – treated PIF is used for further study. Fourier Infrared spectrum (FT-IR) analysis revealed that treatment has leached hemicellulose, lignin, and wax in the fiber. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) showed improvement in Crystalline size (15.12 nm to 18.51 nm) and Crystalline index (48.3% to 55.43%). Morphological analysis was compared between untreated PIF and treated PIF by atomic force microscopic (AFM) analysis which exposed surface improvements after treatment.

Keywords

• perotis indica fiber
• optimal alkali treatment
• atomic force microscopy