Alkaline Pretreatment of Chamaerops humilis L. Fibers: Effect of NaOH Concentration on Composition and Structure
Abstract
In this study, natural fibers extracted from the Moroccan doum plant (Chamaerops humilis L.) were subjected to alkaline treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions at varying concentrations (0%, 6%, 8%, 12%, and 20% w/w) for 24 hours. The objective was to evaluate the impact of alkaline concentration on the structural, chemical, and morphological characteristics of the fibers for potential reinforcement in polymer matrices. Alkaline treatment was selected for its simplicity, cost-efficiency, and environmentally benign nature. The treated fibers were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FT-IR analysis revealed progressive removal of hemicellulose and lignin, evidenced by the reduction of characteristic absorption bands. XRD results indicated increased crystallinity with moderate alkali concentrations, while SEM images showed enhanced surface roughness due to removal of non-cellulosic materials. However, at higher concentrations (≥ 12%), over-treatment led to fiber surface degradation and partial structural collapse. These findings highlight an optimal NaOH concentration range for improving fiber–matrix compatibility while avoiding damage to the cellulose backbone.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Ethical Statement
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Materials Science and Technologies, Powder and Particle Technology, Materials Engineering (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Hayat Sami
*
0009-0004-1437-4131
Morocco
Oumayma Oulidi
This is me
0000-0001-6596-7157
Morocco
Mostapha Karaoui
0000-0002-7331-4823
Morocco
Ibtissam Elaaraj
This is me
0000-0002-4765-6328
Morocco
Asmae Nakkabi
This is me
0000-0002-9845-243X
Morocco
Mohammed Alami
This is me
0000-0000-0000-0002
Morocco
Noureddine El Moualij
This is me
0000-0000-0000-0005
Morocco
Publication Date
May 9, 2026
Submission Date
October 14, 2025
Acceptance Date
January 30, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 2026
