Thermal analysis of less common lignocellulose fibers

The thermal behavior of four unusual lignocellulose fibers - namely Caroa, Curaua, Piassava and Sponge gourd - is described. Caroa and Curaua fibers showed a more homogeneous thermal degradation, with a single peak dominating in the DTG curve. Piassava and Sponge gourd showed two separated peaks, revealing the more pronounced amounts of hemicellulose present at these fibers. All four fibers are, however, thermally stable up to temperatures of around 200 degrees C. The activation energies for the thermal degradation of the fibers were similar, except for the Caroa fiber. The lower activation energy associated to this fiber was attributed to its higher hemicellulose to cellulose ratio.