Surface modification of new cellulose fiber extracted from Conium maculatum plant: a comparative study

This study addresses the modification and characterization of Conium maculatum fiber to enhance its usability as reinforcement in polymeric composite materials. The fibers were treated with alkali, silane, potassium permanganate, potassium dichromate and silicone oil, then surface chemistry (fourier transform spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), thermal stability (thermogravimetric analysis) and morpho-structure (X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy) of the fibers were characterized by instrumentally. It was determined that the treatments increased hydrogen bond index and oxygen/carbon atomic ratio of the fibers. Alkali treatment had a positive impact on crystallinity index of the fiber by improving crystallite packing order following partial removal of non-cellulosic agents. The oxidation agents and the silane coupling agent reduced the crystallinity index of the fiber as a result of opening of glucopyranose rings and the increments in the distance between the cellulose macromolecular chains, respectively. Thermal degradation temperatures of the fiber were improved after treatment and the fiber presented rougher surface after treatments that can be an advantage when used as reinforcement to enhance mechanical strength of the final composite.