Surface morphological, band and lattice structural studies of cellulosic fiber coir under mercerization by ESCA, IR and XRD techniques

Abstract

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The electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) studies show the increased binding energy (BE) of C_1s and O_1s on mercerization. The oxygen to carbon ratio increases. The cellulose I lattice structure is preserved, which is reflected in the XRD and IR spectra. These assume significance because these changes reflect in the structure-sensitive physical properties. The change in oxidation state is supported by 2929 cm^-1 band. The band at 1267 cm<b style="">^-</b>¹ gives depolymerization. The IR band at 1433 cm<b style="">^-</b>¹ gives idea of restriction of lattice transformation from cellulose I into cellulose II, which is confirmed by XRD pattern. The fiber undergoes disappearance of crystallinity, depolymerization and oxidation.</smarttagtype>