Author(s)

S. Zannen, L. Ghali, M. T. Halimi, M. Ben Hssen

Textile Engineering Laboratory, University of Monatir, Monatir, Tunisia.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of chemical extraction method on the properties of doum palm fibres. The method of extraction which is carried out is a soda treatment. First, an investigation of the extraction processes was undertaken. Secondly, the physical properties (surface morphology, density, linear density and diameter), the mechanical properties (tenacity, strain) and chemical properties (FT-IR spectra) of doum palm fibres were inspected. Finally, a comparison between properties of doum palm fibres and other vegetal ones has been included. Results indicates an influence of soda treatment on properties of Doum palm fibers. In fact, there is an improvement on fibers diameter and linear density while increasing soda concentration, temperature and treatment duration. Moreover, the studied fibers have a low density which does not exceed 1. The fibers tenacity achieved the maximum value of 20.86 cN/Tex when precessing in the following combination (0.75 N, 100°C and 180 mn). In the end, the FTIR spectra reveals a change in structure after this alkali treatment while increasing the cellulose amount exposed on the fiber surface and consequently the number of possible reaction sites (OH groups).

Doum Palm Fibres, Leaf Sheath, Extraction, Soda Treatment, Physical Properties, Mechanical Properties, Chemical Properties

Zannen, S. , Ghali, L. , Halimi, M. and Hssen, M. (2014) Effect of Chemical Extraction on Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Doum Palm Fibres. Advances in Materials Physics and Chemistry, 4, 203-216. doi: 10.4236/ampc.2014.410024.