Modification of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber Characteristics Using Superheated Steam Treatment

Noor Ida Amalina, Ahamad Nordin and Hidayah, Ariffin and Yoshito, Andou and Mohd Ali, Hassan and Yoshihito, Shirai and Haruo, Nashida and Wan Md Zin, Wan Yunus and Subbian, Karuppuchamy and Nor Azowa, Ibrahim (2013) Modification of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber Characteristics Using Superheated Steam Treatment. Molecules, 18. pp. 9132-9146. ISSN 1420-3049 (print); 1420-3049 (online). (Published)

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Abstract

In this study, oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) was treated with superheated steam (SHS) in order to modify its characteristics for biocomposite applications. Treatment was conducted at temperatures 190–230 °C for 1, 2 and 3 h. SHS-treated OPMF was evaluated for its chemical composition, thermal stability, morphology and crystallinity. OPMF treated at 230 °C exhibited lower hemicellulose content (9%) compared to the untreated OPMF (33%). Improved thermal stability of OPMF was found after the SHS treatment. Moreover, SEM and ICP analyses of SHS-treated OPMF showed that silica bodies were removed from OPMF after the SHS treatment. XRD results exhibited that OPMF crystallinity increased after SHS treatment, indicating tougher fiber properties. Hemicellulose removal makes the fiber surface more hydrophobic, whereby silica removal increases the surface roughness of the fiber. Overall, the results obtained herewith suggested that SHS is an effective treatment method for surface modification and subsequently improving the characteristics of the natural fiber. Most importantly, the use of novel, eco-friendly SHS may contribute to the green and sustainable treatment for surface modification of natural fiber.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF); silica bodies; superheated steam treatment (SHS); hemicelluloses removal; biocomposite
Subjects:	T Technology > TP Chemical technology
Faculty/Division:	Faculty of Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering
Depositing User:	Mrs. Neng Sury Sulaiman
Date Deposited:	04 Apr 2016 03:30
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2018 07:35
URI:	http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/6678
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