Abstract

This paper focuses on the chemical modification of raw locust bean pod husk (LBPH) fibre using sodium hydroxide. The LBPH fibres were cleaned and reduced to a particle size range of (250-150µm). Sequential extraction method of biomass analysis was used to determine the chemical composition of the LBPH fibre. Analysis shows that the chemical composition consists of cellulose (59.3%), hemicellulose (20.2%), lignin (10.2%), extractive (9.1%) and ash (1.2%). 100 g of raw LBPH was mercerized at varying treatment concentration and contact time using NaOH to optimally improve the cellulose content, reduce the hydrophilic property of the LBPH fibre and improve the interfacial adhesion capacity of the LBPH fibre for polymer composite. Upon mercerization, a high optimum cellulose content of 80% was achieved using 1.5% NaOH at a contact time of 3 h. This indicates that the alkaline treatment process has a positive effect on the raw LBPH fibre. This is further confirmed by the FTIR spectrum of the treated LBPH fibre, recording minimal OH groups and aromatic lignin peaks. High NaOH treatment concentration weakens and denature the LBPH fibre. The LBPH treated fibre with the optimum cellulose content was preserved as a reinforcing material for polymer composite production.