Abstract
Optimization conditions for windmill palm fibril extraction from palm surface fiber with NaOH were investigated using response surface methodology. Thus, changes in NaOH and H2O2 concentration and temperature occurring in palm surface fiber before and after alkali treatment were studied. A central composite design was employed to build the empirical model. The optimal conditions for weight loss were established as: an NaOH concentration of 1.93%, H2O2 concentration of 4.17%, and extraction temperature of 67.08 °C. Under these conditions, a loss rate of 53.14 ± 0.27% was observed. This is in good agreement with the predicted value of 52.99%. Changes after optimum alkali treatment were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric measurements. These measurements indicated that the alkali treatment removed most of the hemicellulose and lignin covering the palm surface and increased its crystallinity as well as the initial thermal degradation temperature.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
