Extraction and Characterization of Corn Leaf Fiber

Corn leaves were collected after harvesting corn and the fibers were extracted by water retting. The fibers were subjected to alkali treatment in order to enhance the mechanical as well as handle properties. The physicomechanical properties of the retted and alkali-treated corn leaf fibers were analyzed using various analytical and statistical methods. The change in chemical composition due to alkali treatment was determined using Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy and chemical composition analysis. Results inferred that 15 days retting gives better quality of fibers. The alkali treatment resulted in the removal of lignin, fats, and waxes as well as the disintegration of individual fibers from the retted fiber bunch. Bundle strength, elongation, and moisture properties were found to improve after chemical treatment. The study shows that corn leaf fiber has good potential in technical textile applications.

Automated summary

Corn leaves were collected and the fibers were extracted using water retting. Alkali treatment was applied to enhance the mechanical and handle properties of the fibers. The study found that 15 days of retting resulted in higher quality fibers. The alkali treatment removed lignin, fats, and waxes and improved bundle strength, elongation, and moisture properties. The research suggests that corn leaf fibers have potential in technical textile applications.