Characterization of Wheat Straw Fiber Grown Around Jimma Zone, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

This specific study investigates the chemical and morphological properties of naturally treated wheat straw fiber growing around in Jimma zone. The chemical composition properties including cellulose 45.43%, hemicellulose 36.50%, and lignin 21.61% were determined. The physical properties of naturally treated wheat straw fibers, such as bulk density, particle density, moisture content, and ash content, are 0.037 g/cm3, 0.194 g/cm3, 10.04%, and 1.44%, respectively. The chemical functional group of naturally treated wheat straw fiber was established by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), crystallinity index is calculated by X-ray powder diffraction (×RD) analysis, and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result ensures that the naturally treated wheat straw has thermally withstood up to 314.35°C. A fiber’s surface morphology shows the presence of shallow pores, which increase the surface roughness of the fiber; this contributes to increased contact surface area, which ensures better fiber-matrix adherence in composite fabrication. We conclude that naturally treated wheat straw fiber has a significant value in fiber reinforced concrete technology as reinforcement materials in concrete composites formation by incorporating optimum percentage to reduce the limitation of concrete and to enhance the mechanical properties of concrete.