Delignification and characterization of Tule (Typha Dominguensis) for its potential use in the production of green concrete.

Abstract

In the search to mitigate the ecological footprint originated by the construction industry, the elaboration of green concrete is an alternative. However, it is necessary to study the material and determine if it requires a treatment prior to its incorporation into the concrete mixture. Natural fibers of Typha Dominguensis were extracted and analyzed in winter and summer seasons. A process of de-lignification with H2O2 was carried out to observe transformations in the morphological, chemical and structural properties. It was found that the physicochemical properties vary according to the extraction season even when the extraction site is the same. As an example, the percentage of ash obtained doubled in winter season. By means of an optical microscope an increase in roughness was observed without showing damage to the fibers, as for the chemical and structural properties a considerable decrease in the signals attributed to non-cellulosic material is appreciated. Additionally, the crystallinity is favoured by 13.58%, the humidity and hydrophilicity of the fiber remain similar considering the extraction season, although after de-lignification this percentage tends to decrease. Finally, the research has shown that it is necessary to previously perform a de-lignification process to favour the interaction of Tule as a material that can be incorporated into a new green concrete.