A comprehensive characterization of chemically treated Brazilian sponge-gourds ( Luffa cylindrica)

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 24; no. 4; pp. 474 - 482
• Main Authors: Tanobe, Valcineide O.A., Sydenstricker, Thais H.D., Munaro, Marilda, Amico, Sandro C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Characterization and composites; Chemical treatment; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Luffa cylindrica; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Luffa cylindrica; Characterization and composites; Chemical treatment; Fibers; Methacrylamide; Reinforcing filler; Use; Cucurbitaceae; Plant fiber; Mechanical properties; Crystallinity; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Composite material; Thermal stability; Surface treatment; Sodium hydroxide; Thermal properties; Structure processing relationship; Dicotyledones; Natural fiber; Angiospermae; Spermatophyta
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymertesting.2004.12.004

Sponge-gourds, the fruit of
Luffa cylindrica, are widely used throughout the world. Despite that, there is lack of scientific data concerning thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of these fibers. Sponge-gourds biocomposites are a novel use of these fibers, but a better understanding of their surface characteristics is necessary to maximize their potential use. In this work, different chemical treatments were conducted on the fibers with aqueous solutions of NaOH 2%, or methacrylamide (1–3%) at distinct treatment times.
L. cylindrica was characterized via chemical analysis and analytic techniques such as FTIR, XPS/ESCA, X-Ray, TGA and SEM. Methacrylamide 3% treatment for all times (60, 120 or 180
min) severely damaged the fibers. NaOH, on the other hand, showed the same beneficial effect regarding enhancement of surface area and thermal stability together with similar levels of lignin and hemicellulose extraction, without causing exaggerated harm to fiber integrity.