Structure and properties of high quality natural cellulose fibers from cornstalks

We have developed a fiber extraction method that produces fibers from cornstalks with mechanical properties similar to that of the common textile fibers. The fiber extraction method developed results in partial delignification and produces fibers from cornstalks that are suitable for textile and other industrial applications. The structure of the fibers obtained was investigated using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The structure and composition of the natural cellulose fibers obtained from cornstalks are different than that of the common bast fibers such as flax and kenaf. Tensile properties of the fibers were studied using an Instron tensile tester. This study found that cornstalk fibers have relatively lower percent crystallinity but similar microfibrillar angle as that of the common bast fibers. The structure and properties of cornstalk fibers indicate that the fibers are suitable for producing various textile products. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.