The Effect of Strong Alkali Treatment on the Cell-Wall Structure of Ramie Fiber

Abstract

Transverse sections of degummed ramie fiber, after treatment with 24% w/w sodium hydroxide solution at room temperature and the boiling condition, have been examined by light microscopy. The peripheral S1 layer of the secondary wall is not distinctly visible in most of the transverse sections of the fibers after sodium hydroxide treatment at boil. X-ray diagrams of the fibers showed that the conversion to cellulose II was complete in both the conditions of treatment. The microfibrillar orientation and mechanical properties of the fibers were in harmony with the change in the structure of the cell wall.