Characterization of Untreated and Alkaline-Treated Salago Fibers (Genus Wikstroemia Spp.)

Salago fiber (genus wikstroemia spp.) is a bast natural fiber native of the Philippines. This fiber is found all over this country and has various applications, e.g. as handmade paper, currency paper, or bank notes. In this study, untreated and 5 wt% NaOH-treated Salago fibers was characterized chemically, physically, thermally, and morphologically for the first time. It was found that the treatment increases density and improves the mechanical properties of the fiber. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed stretching O-H and C-H alkane groups at 3330 cm(-1) and 2918 cm(-1) respectively and confirmed lignin reduction for the treated fiber. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that treated fibers possessed greater thermal stability. Scanning electron micrographs used to measure fiber diameters showed the rugged surfaces of untreated fibers and the glossier but more distorted surfaces of the treated ones.