Thermogravimetric Stability Behavior of Less Common Lignocellulosic Fibers - a Review

A review on the thermogravimetric behavior of some less-common natural lignocellulosic fibers is presented. The review was limited to works analyzing results on the weight loss variation with temperature by means of the thermogravimetric (TG) curve and its derivative (DTG) for uncommon fibers such as curaua, rice, wheat straw, henequen, piassava, fique, date palm, buriti, artichoke, grass, okra, sponge gourd, caroa and olive husk. Relevant parameters obtained from corresponding TG/DTG curves were discussed to highlight distinctions and similarities in the thermal stability of these fibers. The concept of fiber thermal degradation is critically examined in view of the decomposition stages associated with the main constituents: water, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose. The effect of fiber thermal degradation on possible application as polymer composite reinforced is remarked.