Thermal characterization of chemically treated coconut husk fibre

Abstract

Effect of chemical treatments using sodium chlorite, sodium hydroxide and acrylamide monomer on thermal behavior of coconut husk (coir) fibre has been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analyses (TG, DTG, DTA). A significant variation in fibre surface occurred by chemical treatments is clearly observed in SEM images. The TG and DTA curves show two-stages of decomposition for all the fibres; first below 100°C indicating the moisture loss and the second between 320°C and 360°C due to major degradation of fibre. Chemical treatment increases the thermal stability of fibre through physical and chemical changes. It is found that the temperature below 180°C marginally affects fibre properties, whereas temperature at 180°C significantly decreases tensile strength and degree of polymerization.