Morphological, structural and thermal characterization of acetic acid modified and unmodified napier grass fiber strands

Native African grown Napier grass fibers are treated with acetic acid and subjected to instrumental analysis to characterize these natural fibers. The impact of acetic acid treatment on the composition and structure of Napier grass fibers was evaluated and reported in this study. X-Ray diffraction, FTIR spectral analysis and Thermo gravimetric method was used to assess their typical properties. The X-ray diffraction revealed an increase in crystallinity of the fibers on acetic acid treatment. The morphology of the fibers before and after acetic acid treatment was studied by scanning electron microscopy method. Significant increase in thermal stability of these fibers was also found afteracid treatment. The acid treated fibers are likely to be a better reinforcement for possible use in natural fiber composites.