Abstract

NARANJO, Cuauhtémoc De Dios et al. Isolation and characterization of cellulose obtained from Agave salmiana fibers using two acid-alkali extraction methods. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2016, vol.7, n.1, pp.31-43. ISSN 2007-0934.

Fibers were obtained in order to make use of the agave leaves (A. salmiana) once the heart of the plant was removed. The leaves were treated with acid hydrolysis (HCl) and alkaline hydrolysis (NaOH), using a pressure of 1.1 kg/ cm2 (acid-alkali TAF with pressure). The percentage of cellulose and lignin was determined, as well as the physicochemical changes through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM). The highest cellulose content (79.95%) was obtained from the acid-alkali TAF treatment without pressure, presenting a higher crystallinity as well (50.07). The microstructure showed that the acid-alkali TAF treatment with pressure presented more empty spaces, this due to the degradation of the fibers which is associated with cellulose loss. Both treatments affected the structure and composition of the agave fibers.

Keywords : acid-base treatment with pressure; acid-base treatment without pressure; agave fibers; cellulose; lignin.

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