FTIR and Raman Studies of Cellulose Fibers of Luffa cylindrica

Abstract

In view of biomedical applications of cellulose fibers in orthopedics, dentistry and reconstructive surgery, Luffa cylindrica (LC), a local forest product of Orissa, India, has been used for preparation of alkali treated LC fiber modified with calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate separately by following standard procedures. FTIR and Raman spectra were obtained for these samples at wavelength range 500 - 4000 cm−1 and 300 - 3000 cm−1 respectively. Lattice structures of cellulose i.e., crystalline cellulose and amorphous cellulose were detected using Raman spectroscopy and discussed. The property of cellulose such as its degree of crystallinity was determined from intensity of FT IR peaks and was found to be 74.12%. The presence of calcite and hydroxy apatite, polymorphs of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate respectively were confirmed in the treated modified LC fibers which can be used as bioactive materials.