RADIAL-DISTRIBUTION FUNCTION-ANALYSIS OF COIR FIBER

Radial distribution analysis of X-ray intensities diffracted by natura l coir fibre subjected to various thermal and mercerization treatments has been carried out. Interatomic distances, mean square displacement s and interatomic coupling constants have been obtained from the radia l distribution curves. As coir fibre finds its various applications in its natural form, its study has been carried out without disturbing t he configuration of its cellulose-lignin complex during the treatments . Interatomic distances remain more or less the same during thermal an d chemical treatments but the coupling constants and the mean square d isplacements experience changes, reflecting the changed mechanical beh aviour of the fibre.