Morphological and crystalline characterization of NaOH and NaOCl treated Agave americana L. fiber

This study investigates the effect of NaOH and NaOCl treatments on chemical composition, morphology and crystalline structure of Agave americana L fibers. These fibers have been subjected to NaOCl and NaOH alkali treatments at different concentrations. The percentages of lignin and hemicellulose show a decrease with alkaline treatments which, in turn, induces a modification of both morphological and crystalline structures. Unit cell dimensions and crystallite size were more affected with NaOH treatment than NaOCl one. This may result from the mercerisation process which occurs with caustic soda treatment. The observed defibrillization on the treated fiber surface proves the dissolution of the non-cellulosic components present in the fiber cell wall by NaOH and NaOCl treatments. These morphological changes may improve the interaction between matrix and fiber in composites. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.