Physicochemical and thermal properties of lignocellulosic fibers from wheat straw: Effect of seawater modification

Abstract

Lignocellulosic fibers have been widely used to reinforce polymer composites. Chemical modification of the fibers can improve the fiber properties and fiber-polymer interfacial compatibility. This study considered an eco-friendly process that can reduce environmental pollution by modifying lignocellulosic fibers using seawater rather than chemical reagents. The effects of seawater modification on the physical, chemical, and thermal properties of lignocellulosic fibers obtained from wheat straw were investigated. After seawater modification, the modified fibers had a lower number of hydrogen bonds, hemicellulose, lignin, and silicon content, and higher water absorption, crystallinity, surface roughness, and thermal stability. Considering the essential components of seawater, the contribution of NaCl during the modification process was the most significant, followed by that of the bivalent salts (MgCl2 + CaCl2 + SrCl2), Na2SO4, and trace-component (KCl + NaHCO3 + KBr + H3BO3 + NaF).