Sorption studies of few selected raw and nanoclay infused lignocellulosic fibres

Abstract

Effect of lumen morphologies of selected raw untreated and nanoclay infused lignocellulosic fibres on the sorption characteristics have been studied. Sisal, kenaf, banana and coir fibres have been selected, and the sorption characteristics, such as adsorption, desorption and absorption properties are evaluated. Nanoclay particles are effectively impregnated into the fibres, and the particles serve as a barrier medium by modifying the fibre-gas/liquid interface. The result indicates that the nanoclay treated fibres result in reduced moisture adsorption with increased fibre surface area. The adsorption-desorption characteristics of untreated and nanoclay treated fibres show sigmoidal isotherm sorption behavior, and the sorption hysteresis depends on crystallinity and nanoclay infusion. It is observed that the absorption characteristics of untreated and nanoclay treated fibres depend upon the nanoclay treatment and lumen phase morphology.