Effects of chemical treatments and degumming methods on physical and mechanical properties of okra bast and corn husk fibers

In this study, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) bast fibers and corn (Zea mays L.) husk fibers were extracted via different degumming methods and subjected to different chemical treatments including alkalization, bleaching, maleic anhydrite and vinyl acetate treatments. Alkalization resulted in decrease of tensile stiffness and tenacity of the fibers while increasing elongation rate. Corn husk fibers were found to be more vulnerable to chemical treatments. Bleaching and vinyl acetate treatments led to the highest mechanical strength for okra bast and corn husk fibers, respectively. Okra fibers were found to be superior in terms of fineness and mechanical performance compared to corn husk fibers. The performance characteristics exhibited by the okra bast fibers are comparable to that of conventional bast fibers. Thus, okra bast fibers are promising for use in biocomposites as reinforcement elements, whereas cornhusk fibers may find use in non-load bearing applications like thermal insulation or noise control.