FTIR spectroscopic analysis of delignified Sesbania aculeata (Dhaincha) Fibres

Abstract

The natural fibres offer sustainable option to textile industry in terms of reduced impact on environment as well as social acceptance due to improved health and safety aspects and economic perspectives. The bast fibres obtained from the stalks of Sesbania aculeata (dhaincha) comprise of tissue involving biomaterials like lignin. Dhaincha fibres are long, brittle and rough which limit their consumption to coarse end uses like yarns and cordage. Therefore, the study was conducted to soften fibres through the process of delignification and analyze the effect of delignification on dhaincha fibres using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The IR spectra indicated change in vibrational bands at 3685.51 cm-1, 2855.90 cm-1, 2380.64 cm-1, 1729.73 cm-1, 1510.31 cm-1, 1363.08 cm-1, 1239.34 cm-1, 1101.58 cm-1, 1101.58 cm-1 and 898.50 cm-1 and were mainly attributed to C-H stretching, C-O stretching and C=O stretching in the vibrational bands 1200-3000 cm-1 which depicted change in composition of biomaterials like lignin and hemicellulose after delignification process. These changes would ultimately help to widen scope of application of dhaincha fibres especially in yarn and fabric manufacturing.