Modification of Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber into Microfibrils as Composite Materials Reinforcement

Abstract

Sugarcane bagasse, an abundant agricultural waste, holds great potential as a composite reinforcement material due to its sustainability and low cost. This study investigates the surface modification of bagasse fibers into microfibrils as reinforcement in polymer matrices. Alkalization using NaOH 7% (w/v) was applied to modify the surface of bagasse fibers. During the alkalization process, bagasse fibers were stirred with a magnetic stirrer at 200 rpm at 70° C for 5 hours to obtain micro-sized bagasse fibers (microfibrils). The alkalized bagasse fibers were morphologically tested using an electron microscope to determine their surface structure and diameter, then characterized using the Chesson method to determine their chemical composition. Finally, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were performed to determine the functional groups of the bagasse fibers. The results showed that alkalization decreased bagasse fiber diameter, increased cellulose content, reduced the hemicellulose and lignin of the bagasse fibers, and reduced hydrophobic properties of bagasse fiber. Modified bagasse fiber has a diameter 0.35 μm, with a cellulose content 79.02%, hemicellulose 0.82%, and lignin 10.15%. The decrease in hydrophobic properties was shown by decreasing the number of hydroxyl functional groups (-OH). Based on the results obtained, modification of bagasse fiber using NaOH 7% (w/v) effectively produces microfibrils.
Keywords: Alkalization, Bagasse fibers, Microfibrils.