Utilization of Saline Solutions in the Modification of Lignocellulose from Champaca Wood

Abstract

Objective of this work is to study the effects of a saline solution used to pretreat lignocellulosic material derived from champak timber. The native lignocellulosic solids, in powder form, were mixed with saline water solutions of three different concentrations and maintained for 2 weeks without stirring. The treated solids were washed, recovered, and then dried under sunlight. The substrates were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystallinity (CrI), lateral order index (LOI), total crystallinity index (TCI), and surface morphologies of all the samples were determined. The treated biomass structures were compared with controls. The data show that the structures of all the treated substrates changed, as indicated by CrI. CrI of the treated substrates decreased significantly compared with that of the original wood, as did LOI and TCI quantities, whereas the HBI parameter increased. The results indicate that the saline water pretreatment modified the wood samples.