Surface morphological, band and lattice structural studies of cellulosic fiber coir under mercerization by ESCA, IR and XRD techniques

The electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) studies show the increased binding energy (BE) of C 1s and O 1s on mercerization. The oxygen to carbon ratio increases. The cellulose I lattice structure is preserved, which is reflected in the XRD and IR spectra. These assume significance because these changes reflect in the structure-sensitive physical properties. The change in oxidation state is supported by 2929 cm -1 band. The band at 1267 cm -1 gives depolymerization. The IR band at 1433 cm -1 gives idea of restriction of lattice transformation from cellulose I into cellulose II, which is confirmed by XRD pattern. The fiber undergoes disappearance of crystallinity, depolymerization and oxidation.