Comparative effects of pretreatment on composition and structure of corn stalk for biocomposites

Abstract

The outer surface of corn stalk (CS) plays a key role in the interfacial compatibility of non-wood-based panel products. To improve the bonding performance of the stalk surface, changes to the outer surface before and after four pretreatments (oxalic acid, oxalic acid + ultrasound, NaOH, NaOH + ultrasound) were investigated. Changes in the chemical composition, surface elements, aggregation structure, and microstructure of CS before and after pretreatment were analyzed. The results revealed that the wax layer, benzene–alcohol extract, and ash content of the outer surface of CS were decreased under different pretreatment conditions. The degree of reduction decreased in the order of NaOH + ultrasound > oxalic acid + ultrasound > NaOH > oxalic acid. The crystallinity of CS was obvious after pretreatment, and it increased in the order of oxalic acid + ultrasound > oxalic acid > NaOH + ultrasound > NaOH. Considering the properties of CS after pretreatment and the lignin activation modification of the CS surface, the optimal pretreatment conditions of CS were determined as oxalic acid + ultrasound, i.e., 5% oxalic acid and ultrasonication at 50 °C for 1 h.