The Mercerization Process and Its Impact on Rice Straw Surface Topography

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Hurtado-Figueroa, O (Author) Other; Escamilla, AC (Author) Other; Humberto Varum (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Buildings

Vol. 13

ISSN: 0007-3725

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Structural engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-VFR

DOI: 10.3390/buildings13071573

Abstract (EN): The present study shows the mercerization process (NaOH) and its effect on the physicochemical characteristics of rice straw. In total, 12 samples were analyzed, 3 as a comparative basis and 9 that were exposed to different concentrations of NaOH (1%, 2%, and 3%) and times, in hours, of exposure in an alkaline environment (1 h, 2 h, and 3 h). The loss of silica and reduction in lignin and hemicellulose contents identified in the chemical characterization allowed for a visualization of the surface topography and cross-section of the treated samples, making it possible to contrast them with the three untreated samples by comparing their roughness, the appearance of their pores, and the contractions of vascular bundles in their conductive tissue. An analysis of the data showed that the results between some treatments were similar, suggesting a reduction in resources in future research. The mechanical resistance allowed for identifying that the NaOH-1%-1 h treatment obtained a better mechanical resistance in the treated samples. However, NaOH-3%-1 h, with the third lowest resistance, obtained the highest % elongation compared to the other samples. These physicochemical changes with NaOH facilitate the selection of the treatment concerning the fiber-matrix interaction and final performance of the composite material that intends to use rice straw as a reinforcing fiber.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 29