Characterization of morphological changes on modified sugarcane bagasse with potassium hydroxide

Abstract In-depth research is needed to determine the characteristics of sugarcane bagasse as biosorbent. The aims of present work to determine the morphological changes of modified sugarcane bagasse. Modified sugarcane bagasse (MSB) is made by soaking it in a KOH 0.1 N solution overnight, filtered and rinsed with distilled water and neutralized with CH3COOH 1%. After drying and sieving with a size of 60 mesh, MSB is interacted with Fe solution. The change in MSB morphology was analyzed by comparing IR spectra and SEM images of sugarcane bagasse SB, MSB and MSB samples that have adsorbed Fe. The SEM image and IR spectra of products showed that the addition of KOH and adsorption of Fe on MSB did not cause damage to cellulose and hemicellulose structures. Significant changes in absorption bands occur at 1,725 cm−1 wave number which shows changes in the carboxylic group and is thought to bind Fe. Other changes occurred at wave number 1,247 cm−1, 1,604 cm−1, 1,515 cm−1 and 1,458 cm−1 which are typical for lignin. The SEM image also supports the partial dissolution of lignin.