Effect of Thermal and Alkali Treatment on Morphological Analysis of Natural Bamboo Fibre

Abstract

This paper presents the physical and morphological properties of bamboo fibre derived from Schizostachyum brachycladum. The bamboo fibre was prepared through chemical treatment by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and went through thermal treatment at 500ᴼC. The changes and modifications of the surface of the fibre were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface of the fibre was rough and uneven at samples BF-0 and BF-1. This contributes to their amorphous portions. Sample BF-2, BF-3 and BF-4 showed smooth surface texture and firmness. This proved the fibre was in the transition to a crystalline state. The changes in internal structure changes during the process were successfully determined by Fourier to transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Samples BF- 3 and BF-4 were a sample that underwent a high concentration of NaOH and was fired at 500ᴼC during the fired process. The spectra show the high broad peak at 1436.95 cm^-1 and 1435.59 cm^-1 where the absorption of C-H bending took place. This proved the increase in the fibre content and a broken layer of hemicellulose and impurities components. The pattern performed by using x-ray diffraction (XRD) showed naturally bamboo properties at an amorphous state. The property behaviour could change by applying the alkali and thermal treatment.