Crystallographic, macromolecular, thermal, and mechanical properties of Bambusa balcooa fibers: effect of two-step chemical modification

Natural fibers (NFs) are becoming more and more interesting to research, because of their numerous benefits, sensitivity, biodegradability, and capacity to provide sustainable products that encourage technological innovation and a variety of industrial applications. In this study, a two-step treatment approach was adopted to chemically modify NF obtained from Bambusa balcooa. First ethanol (C₂H₆O) was utilized for pre-treatment, followed by potassium permanganate (KMnO₄)-acetone solution at different concentration and treatment durations. The influence of this modification on the crystallographic, thermal, macromolecular, morphological, and mechanical properties of the B. balcooa fibers (BFs) were assessed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical characterization using both treated and untreated BF. The XRD analysis revealed notable alterations in the crystalline properties of the fiber. FTIR analysis confirmed that wax, hemicellulose, and lignin had been partially eliminated. The findings of the TGA investigation showed that the modified BF could be processed with polymers at low temperatures. Under ideal circumstances, the treated single BF tensile strength increased, and SEM morphology indicated that uniform surface roughness had been attained. This study demonstrated that two-step treatment of BF has the prospective of been used as reinforcement in a range of bio-composites for certain industrial and innovative uses under the right treatment conditions.