Structural Evaluation on Sugarcane Bagasse Treated Using Sodium and Calcium Hydroxide

Greater interest in recent years to the increase
demand in using natural fiber reinforcement of polymers is to comply with the increasing stringent
international protocols related to climate change and environmental awareness. Many studies have reported
the development of renewable and biodegradable agricultural by-products as reinforcement fibers for
biocomposites. One of the essential factors in producing strong biocomposites is the properties prepared
from the natural fibers which results from the alkali treatment given. This research aims to evaluate the
effect of different treatment duration on structural changes on sugarcane after alkali treatment using sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solutions. Calcium hydroxide was used as comparative
solution in search for milder and more environmental friendly alkali solution as an alternative solution of
NaOH. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) confirmed the major removal of lignin and minor of hemicellulose.
It shows that the structure did not change considerably with the additional treatment time. The weight loss
measurement after each treatment shows a higher weight loss with the treatment with NaOH (40.5-57.75%)
than the weight loss after Ca(OH)2 treatment (25-46%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observed the
morphology changes on the fiber surface from both treatments.