X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) Studies on Kenaf Dust Filled Chitosan Bio-composites

Abstract

Kenaf dust filled chitosan bio‐composites with various compositions of kenaf dust (i.e. 7%, 14%, 21% and 28%) were prepared using solution casting technique. The degree of relative crystallinity of the bio‐composites was determined using XRD method. Two distinguishable crystalline peaks were observed in the 2θ range of 5 to 40 ° which indexed as 020 and 110 respectively. It was noted that the maximum peak of intensity at 020 crystalline peak increased with addition of kenaf dust as well as the second maximum peak of intensity at 110. Consequently, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis was done to investigate the interaction between kenaf dust and chitosan matrix. From FTIR analysis, corresponding peak of chitosan was detected at wavelength of 3233.2 cm−1 indicated that there exist intermolecular interactions between kenaf dust and chitosan matrix. These results highlighted that there are greater intermolecular forces formed in chitosan with addition of kenaf dust. Intermolecular forces were attributed to the formation of inter and intra hydrogen bonding between chitosan polymer and cellulosic kenaf dust filler.