Author : Mangesh D. Teli and Akshay C. Jadhav

Abelmoschus manihot (AM) fibre species were treated with varied concentrations (2 – 20%) NaOH at room temperature for 1 hr and physical properties were evaluated. Chemical composition of the treated fibres showed that hemicellulose was removed to a varied extent by the alkali treatment. Tensile strength of the treated fibres, their moisture content, surface morphology (by Scanning electron microscope), crystallinity index by XRD analysis and thermal degradation (TGA) were analysed. The alkali between 2 to 15% treated fibres showed all round improvement in the properties when compared with those of untreated raw fibres.

Keywords: Chemical composition, hemicellulose, NaOH, SEM, tensile strength, TGA, XRD.

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.5, No.6 (Dec-2015)