Effect of Functionalization of Lignocellulosic Fibers on Their Physico-Chemical and Thermal Properties

Abstract

In this paper Agave fiber has been functionalized through graft copolymerization and physico-chemical and thermal properties have been investigated. The graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile onto Agave americana fibers was carried out under pressure using ceric ammonium nitrate as redox initiator. The chemical resistance studies were carried out in hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Water absorption studies were also carried out by exposing grafted fibers to accelerated weathering under different humidity levels ranging from 40 to 95%. Characterization of functionalized fibers was done through Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques.

Keywords:

• Agave
• graft copolymerization
• methyl methacrylate
• redox initiator
• thermal

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Director, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur (H.P.), for providing the necessary laboratory facilities to complete this work, and to MHRD New Delhi for providing financial assistance.

Notes

I_C and I_A are the crystalline and amorphous peak intensities at 2θ scale close to 22° and 18°.