Extraction and Characterization of Algerian Alfa Grass Short Fibers (Stipa Tenacissima)

Alfa fibers are cellulose-based fibers extracted from esparto grass leaves using alkaline procedure to remove noncellulosic substances such as pectin, lignin, and hemicelluloses. Morphological characterizations (length, width) of esparto fibers are analyzed. The cellulose fiber extracted was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, thermal analysis TG and DSC, optical and scanning electron micrographs (SEM). In this study, we attempted to characterize the esparto fiber obtained from a chemical extraction using sodium hydroxide then sodium hypochlorite as a bleaching agent. The characterization was based on the measurement of the morphological structure.