Effect of Alkali Soaking Time on Physical and Morphological Properties of Agave Cantala Fiber

Abstract

Agave cantala is one of the potential lignocellulosic natural fibers. However, hydrophilic properties caused poor-bond to the polymer matrix (hydrophobic properties) when used as reinforcement in composite materials. Alkali treatment was used to degrade non-cellulosic material. This study aims to determine the Cantala fiber's physical and morphological properties by alkali treatment on different soaking times at room temperature. Physical test by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze molecular chemical bond and degree of crystallinity index (CI) of Cantala fiber. The morphology of the fiber was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR, XRD, and SEM test exhibited that fiber soaking 5 wt.% for 4 hours in NaOH (Sodium hydroxide) solution effectively removes the hemicellulose and lignin in the fiber causes smooth and clean surfaces and increases the CI from 64.4% to 76.6%.