FTIR AND WAXS STUDIES ON SIX VEGETAL FIBERS

The microstructural parameters of various vegetal fibers and their respective native cellulose have been studied using wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The crystal imperfection parameters, such as crystal size , lattice strain (g) and enthalpy (alpha*), have been determined by profile analysis using Warren's method. The results were cross-checked with those obtained by matching the stimulated intensity profile obtained from one-dimensional Hosemann's paracrystalline model. In all this computation, we have used (110) and (200) reflection observed in these varieties of vegetal fibers and their native cellulose. We have also computed volume weighted and surface weighted crystal size, and compared the values of these parameters. Details of the microstructural parameters were obtained using an analytical function considering asymmetric functions, and the variations found in crystallite shape and size were attributed to differences in the chemical composition of lignin and cellulose among the fibers