Maize–Natural Fiber as Reinforcement with Polymers for Structural Applications - Natural Polymers, Biopolymers, Biomaterials, and Their Composites, Blends, and IPNs - page 40

Figure 6. TG/ DTG curve of maize fiber (alkali treated).
Thermal analysis of the fiber was carried out using Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer
(TGA). Thermo gravimetric (TG) curves and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG)
curves of the fibers were obtained by heating the samples under a nitrogen atmosphere
at a heating rate of 10°C/min. The TG/DTG curves of maize fiber (alkali treated) is
shown in Figure 6. It confirms the increase of thermal stability of the fibers. The TGA
curve shows two stages of decomposition, initial stage can be due to the decomposi-
tion of cellulose and hemicellulose segments and the later stage due to the degradation
of lignin and other alkali segments on the fiber surface. The DTGA curves show a
single peak at 272°C which may be due to decomposition of some flexible segments.
CoNClusioN
Vacuum bagging of maize natural fibers reinforced with polymers proved out to be
a successful technique for initiating in small structural works. This kind of natural
fiber composite reinforced polymers can be used in small existing low cost-structural
applications. It can be potential substitutes for synthetic fibers in many applications
where high strength and modulus are not preferred. Composite materials made from
such natural fibers are in much demand in the present era since they are environment
friendly green materials.