Thermal and Chemical Characterization of Bleached Cellulose From Horse Grass (Andropogon Tectorum)

Abstract Horse grass fibers were pretreated with 10% (w/v) sulfuric acid solution to eliminate hemicelluloses and obtained cellulose fibers. Cellulose fibers obtained were then de-lignified with 25% methanol, 60 min cooking time at 1210C, and later subjected to hydrogen peroxide–acetic acid (HPAC) bleaching process. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), analysis was applied to analyze treated cellulose fibers obtained from horse grass. The chemical analysis showed cellulose yields of 48.10%, 82.74%, and, 92.59% for raw horse grass fibers, methanol-treated fibers, and hydrogen peroxide acetic acid treated fibers respectively. The FT-IR spectral characterization has established the elimination of hemicelluloses and lignin. TGA analysis results showed that treated fibers have high thermal stability. XRD results show diffraction peaks that are comparable to cellulose pulp. It was, therefore, concluded that horse grass fibers can serve as alternative raw materials for cellulose production.