Characterization of the Thermo-Microstructural Analysis of Raffia Palm Fibers Proposed for Roofing Sheet Production

Abstract

Raffia fibres are made from fibrous branches and leaves of Raffia palm. The membrane on the underside of each individual frond leaf is taken off to create a long thin fiber. They are usually waste materials which cause a great environmental degradation. The characterization of Raffia palm fibers/ particles was investigated through X-ray diffractometer (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Scanning electron mi croscope with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) and Atomic force microscope (AFM). The various results obtained are equivalent to those of other agro-waste materials generally used in roofing sheets composites production. Hence, this work shows that Raffia palm fibers/particles can be a useful material for cement mortar composites production which can be used for production of roofing sheets.