Abstract

DSC-TGA studies are employed for material characterization, including thermomechanical analysis (TMA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). However, these complementary techniques are used for compositional and structure elucidation, and for investigating the viscoelastic properties of fibrous materials. During the making and processing of fibrous materials like ramie, various parameters (including chemical composition and microstructure of various phases, as well as their distribution) are tightly controlled to impart the desired physical, mechanical, and chemical properties to the end product. The prime objective of this study is to characterize thermal properties of raw ramie fiber, evaluate and optimize the thermal behaviour curves. The phase transitions, crystallization, and decomposition points are determined using DSC-TGA tests conducted on ramie fiber. The thermal events are characterized using TGA and DSC analytical techniques and the results obtained fall within the acceptable norms of fiber behaviour. The results provide valuable information on selecting fibrous materials for fashion, apparels, and textiles application, predict product performance and hence improve product quality.

Gurumurthy B.R. is associated with Lovely Professional University, Department of Fashion Technology, Jalandhar, Phagwara and Radhalakshmi Y. C is with Central Silk Board, Central Silk Technological Institute, Bangalore.