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Properties Characterization of Chemically Modified Hemp Hurds
Nadezda Stevulova1, Julia Cigasova2, Adriana Estokova3
1Department of Material Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, Vysokoskolska 4, Kosice 042 00, Slovakia. nadezda.stevulova@tuke.sk.
Chemical treatments like NaOH modified hemp hurds by removing non-cellulosic components, increasing cellulose crystallinity and thermal stability. Alkaline treatments, particularly with NaOH, yielded the most significant property enhancements in the natural material.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Hemp hurds are a natural lignocellulosic material with potential applications.
- Chemical modification can alter the properties of natural materials like hemp hurds.
- Understanding these modifications is crucial for optimizing their use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chemical treatments on hemp hurds.
- To analyze changes in morphology, chemical composition, structure, and thermal stability.
- To compare the efficacy of EDTA, NaOH, and Ca(OH)₂ treatments.
Main Methods:
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical structure.
- X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD) for crystallinity.
- Thermogravimetry (TG)/Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal stability.
- Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for cellulose polymerization.
Main Results:
- Chemical treatments partially removed lignin, hemicellulose, pectin, and waxes.
- Increased cellulose crystallinity index observed via FTIR and XRD.
- Decreased degree of cellulose polymerization and polydispersity index.
- Enhanced thermal stability of treated hemp hurds.
- NaOH treatment induced the most significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Chemical treatments effectively modify hemp hurds, enhancing cellulose crystallinity and thermal stability.
- NaOH treatment is particularly effective for modifying hemp hurd properties.
- Modified hemp hurds show potential for advanced material applications.
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