Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Research Articles

Acoustic Performance Mixture of Natural Fibres of Oil Palm Frond (OPF) and Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB)

The expansion of the oil palm industry has affected the environment and the poor handling of oil palm waste has greatly endangered the habitat surrounds it. The oil palm natural fibre waste can be put to good use and used as a sound absorber for its amazing acoustic properties. At the same time, the demand for natural fibre sound-absorbing panels is increasing due to its low-cost fabrication and its healthier than synthetic fibre. This research has studied the acoustic properties of mixing Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) and Oil Palm Frond (OPF) in a thickness of 12 mm, 14 mm, 16 mm, and 18 mm. The fibreboard has been fabricated at a density of 120 kg/m3. The Sound Absorption Coefficient, SAC, and morphologies of all the samples were examined using the Impedance Tube Method (ITM) and Scanning Electron Microscope, (SEM). The sample’s SAC value increased with thickness. It is noteworthy that this combination percentage of natural fibres of EFB and OPF show good acoustic performance where the SAC values above 0.8 at wide frequency 3000 - 6400 Hz. Sample thickness 14 mm, 18 mm achieved unity (1.0) at frequency 4000 - 5500 Hz. In addition, all the samples were found to exceed 90 % of the absorption rate in the range of 4500 - 6400 Hz. The morphology content of EFB and OPF helps in enhancing the absorption rate.

Production Biofuels from Palm Empty Fruit Bunch by Catalytic Pyrolysis Using Calcined Dolomite

In this study, Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (PEFB) was utilized to produce bio-oil through non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis process. A fixed-bed reactor was applied to conduct pyrolysis experiments at atmospheric pressure. Comparison of bio-oils obtained from non-catalytic and catalytic pyrolysis wih different pyrolysis temperature was studied in terms product yield. The maximum bio-oil yield of 52.4% was obtained at pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C. Furthermore, based on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotoscopy (GC-MS) analysis, the percentage of phenolic compounds in bio-oil products from catalyzed pyrolysis showed more higher compared with the non-catalyzed pyrolysis.

Comparison the Using of Polypropylene and Low-Density Polyethyelene Plastic Waste as a Matrix in Making Biodegradable Plastics and Starch from Empty Fruit Bunch of Palm Oil as a Filler

The using of plastic waste from various types of plastics such as polypropylene and LDPE is carried out to see the properties of each biodegradable plastic produced, so that it can be used according to their respective needs. The addition of starch from empty fruit bunch of palm oil is expected to produce biodegradable plastic that breaks down naturally so that it can overcome the problem of plastic build up. The composition used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics is the ratio of plastic waste and starch of empty fruit bunch of palm oil is 60:40. The method of molding biodegradable plastics is the hot press method. Biodegradable plastic from LDPE type plastic waste has a tensile strength price of 6.9410 N/m 2 and a elongation value of 3.1875%, a melting point temperature of 103°C and a decomposition temperature of 384°C, the gravimetric thermal test obtained a residue of 12.6%, and analysis of morphological properties shows spread the starch from empty fruit bunch palm oil evenly. Biodegradable plastic from polypropylene type plastic waste has a tensile strength value of 9.81 N/m 2 and elongation of 0.5625%, a melting point at a temperature of 163.68°C and decomposes at a temperature of 445.62°C the gravimetric thermal test obtained a residue of 11.5%. From the resulting characteristics, it can be concluded that biodegradable plastic made from LDPE material has lower strength but higher elasticity, and biodegradable plastic made from Polypropylene has better strength but low elasticity.

Cogasification performance of deashed coal with various biomass

Cogasification of lignite and EPFB is present as a production of energy sources that aim to get a synergy effect. However, not all cogasification gives better product quality than fuel parent gasification. In this study, demineralization acted as lignite pre-treatment stage is achieved through HF leaching at 70°C for 4 hours. The mixing ratio varied by lignite to empty palm fruit bunches (EPFB) are 1: 2, 1: 1, and 2: 1 both for non-demineralized lignite (BLM) and lignite demineralized (BLD). The negative synergy effect of two combination is caused by the high content of silica and alumina from the empty palm fruit bunches (EPFB). The lignite demineralization cogasification produces a lower H2 yield than BLM because it also dissolves the mineral content which functions as a catalyst for cogasification synthesis.

Production of activated carbon from palm empty fruit bunch as supercapacitor electrode material

Activated carbon is prepared by carbonization out by hydrothermal carbonization. Hydrother-mal carbonization is a process that carried out with aqueous media in a pressurized reactor at a lower temperatur that the pyrolysis process. This research focused on production of activated carbon from empty fruit bunch by hydrothermal carbonization process using CaCl2 as activat-ing agents. Ratio of raw material/activating agent/water was 1:2:3. Hydrothermal carbonization was carried out at 275°C for an hour. Furthermore, hydrochar was activated at a temperatur of 800°C in presence of CO2 for 2 hours. Activated carbon was modified with 1 M nitric acid (HNO3). A self-supporting and flexible activated carbon/graphene/carbon nanotube (AC/GP/CNT) electrode has been rationally designed for constructing high-performance supercapacitor. The CNT is beneficial for improving the electronic conductivity of the electrode, while AC particles could effectively suppress the aggregation of GP and CNT due to their blocking effect. The synergistic effect among the AC-Ca, GP and CNT validate the AC-Ca/GP/CNT as a promising electrode for supercapacitor, exibiting greatly enhanced electrochemical performances in comparison with the pure GP, pure CNT and AC-Ca electrode. The AC-Ca/GP/CNT electrode delivers a high specific capacitance of 53.51 F g−1.

Conversion of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Biomass to Bio-Oil and Jet Bio-Fuel by Catalytic Fast-Pyrolysis Process

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) biomass is a potential source of renewable energy. Catalytic fast-pyrolysis batch process was initially performed to convert oil palm EFB into bio-oil, followed by its refinement to jet bio-fuel. Crystalline zeolites A and Y; synthesised from rice husk ash (RHA), were applied as heterogeneous catalysts. The catalytic conversion of oil palm EFB to bio-oil was conducted at a temperature range of 320-400°C with zeolite A catalyst loadings of 0.6 - 3.0 wt%. The zeolite catalysts were characterised by XRD, FTIR and FESEM. The bio-oil and jet bio-fuel products were analysed using GC-MS and FTIR. The batch fast-pyrolysis reaction was optimised at 400°C with a catalyst loading of 1.0 wt%, produced 42.7 wt% yields of liquid bio-oil, 35.4 wt% char and 21.9 wt% gaseous products. Analysis by GCMS indicates the compound distribution of the liquid bio-oil are as follows: hydrocarbons (23%), phenols (61%), carboxylic acids (0.7%), ketones (2.7%), FAME (7.7%) and alcohols (0.8%). Further refinement of the liquid bio-oil by catalytic hydrocracking over zeolite Y produced jet bio-fuel, which contains 63% hydrocarbon compounds (C8-C18) and 16% of phenolic compounds.

PEMBUATAN ELEKTRODA KARBON AKTIF DARI TANDAN KOSONG BUAH AREN DENGAN VARIASI SUHU KARBONISASI

The preparation and characterization of the physical properties of activated carbon electrodes derived from the biomass of empty palm fruit bunches were analyzed by varying the carbonization temperature. Biomass of empty palm fruit bunches is selected as a base material for making carbon electrodes throught a pre-carbonization process, chemical activation with KOH 0.5 M activator, carbonization process with variations in temperature 650 °C, 700 °C, 750 °C, and 800 °C under an N 2 gas environment, and activated by CO 2 gas at 900 °C. Reduce of carbon mass by 20.182 % and produce carbon powder. Thermogravimetry show that thermal resistance temperature of 307 °C a carbon powder . The density value of each carbon electrode for carbonization temperature of 650 °C, 700 °C, 750 °C and 800 °C is 0.557 g/cm 3 , 0.622 g/cm 3 , and 0.702 g/cm 3 , respectively. Microstructure analysis shows that amorphous structure for the activated carbon electrodesshowed by the presence of the peaks of 2θ around 24° and 44°.The results showed that the temperature of 700 °C is the best carbonization temperature in production of carbon electrodes from TKBA.

Growth and yield of edamame soybean in post-tin mining land with application of Rhizobium bacteria and organic fertilizer

Post tin mining land in Bangka Island can be utilized as agricultural land with the application of organic fertilizer and Rhizobium. Organic fertilizer and Rhizobiumare the right combination to provide a good planting environment for edamame soybean. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of organic fertilizer and Rhizobium the growth and yield of edamame soybean in post tin mining land. This research was conducted in a post-tin mining land, Bangka, from January to May 2020. This research used a split-plot randomized complete block design. The main plot was an application of Rhizobium (legin) consisting of without Rhizobium (R0) and Rhizobium (R1). The subplot was the application of organic fertilizer consisting of empty palm fruit bunch (P1), husk (P2), and commercial compost (P3). The results showed that commercial compost gave the best effect on plant height, the number of leaves, chlorophyll content, weight of 100 seeds, number and weight of pods per plant, number and volume of roots. Rhizobium gave the best effect on the numbers of roots, root volume, and percentage of effective root nodules. The combination of husk and Rhizobium legin gave the best effect on the flowering day of edamame soybean in post tin mining land.

Thermal decomposition of biomass wastes derived from palm oil production

The palm oil industry produces large amounts of biomass by-products, such as palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), mesocarp fiber (MF), and kernel shell (KS). The thermal behavior and decomposition of the oil palm biomass wastes have been studied by thermogravimetry/mass spectrometry (TG/MS) and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The determination of biopolymer and inorganic composition facilitated the interpretation of the thermal decomposition results. It was established that the chemical compositions of KS and MF were similar, while EFB contained significantly higher amount of cellulose and potassium, and decomposed in a narrower temperature range. In addition to the thermogravimetric curves (TG and DTG), the product distribution of pyrolyzates also reflected the compositional differences. Py-GC/MS and TG/MS experiments showed that the increasing potassium content of the samples reduced the intensity of 4-hydroxy-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one, which is formed via depolymerization and dehydration of xylan units. Consequently, these experiments proved that beside cellulose, the depolymerization of hemicellulose was also hindered, while the dehydration, fragmentation, and charring reactions were catalyzed by potassium. Additionally, the evolution of the characteristic cellulose and lignin products shifted to lower temperatures. The most dominant aromatic pyrolysis product was phenol from each sample, which formed to a large extent from the abundant 4-hydroxybenzoate (4Hb) lignin subunits by scission and decarboxylation. KS also produced 4-hydroxybenzoic acid in significant amounts during pyrolysis at 450 °C confirming the presence of 4Hb subunits in lignin. The evolution of phenol started at 220 °C from the 4Hb moieties, and ended at about 600 °C from the residual phenolic units, while the release of guaiacol, vinylguaiacol, and syringol occurred between 300 and 450 °C as monitored by TG/MS. Some characteristic carbohydrate products were attributed to either hemicellulose or cellulose degradation based on the evolution profiles of KS and MF with separated carbohydrate decomposition steps. The comparison of the oil palm biomass wastes showed that EFB is supposed to be treated separately from KS and MF during the utilization process due to the different thermal behavior and composition.

The green synthesis of a palm empty fruit bunch-derived sulfonated carbon acid catalyst and its performance for cassava peel starch hydrolysis.

A sulfonated carbon acid catalyst (C–SO3H) was successfully generated from palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) carbon via hydrothermal sulfonation via the addition of hydroxyethylsulfonic acid and citric acid. The C–SO3H catalyst was identified as containing 1.75 mmol g−1 of acid and 40.2% sulphur. The surface morphology of C–SO3H shows pores on its surface and the crystalline index (CrI) of PEFB was decreased to 63.8% due to the change structure as it became carbon. The surface area of the carbon was increased significantly from 11.5 to 239.65 m2 g−1 after sulfonation via hydrothermal treatment. The identification of –SO3H, COOH and –OH functional groups was achieved using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The optimal catalytic activity of C–SO3H was achieved via hydrolysis reaction with a yield of 60.4% of total reducing sugar (TRS) using concentrations of 5% (w/v) of both C–SO3H and cassava peel starch at 100 °C for 1 h. The stability of C–SO3H shows good performance over five repeated uses, making it a good potential candidate as a green and sulfonated solid acid catalyst for use in a wide range of applications.

Techno Economic Analysis of Biomass to Methanol Plant Based on Gasification of Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

Biomass from palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is considered as potential renewable energy sources to be developed in Indonesia. Palm EFB can be efficiently converted into valuable and useful methanol products through gasification. Research about methanol synthesis from various biomass has been done. However, Little research about methanol production based on palm empty fruit bunch gasification has been found, and no research yet on technoeconomic analysis of methanol plant construction based on palm empty fruit bunch gasification. The purpose of this research is to find early-stage feasibility of small-scale methanol plant model based on gasification of palm EFB. Method methanol plant design, investment cost estimation, operating cost estimation, and calculation to estimate profitability in terms of economic feasibility parameters. Economic analysis calculated that the total investment to build a methanol plant in this study was USD 87 508 479 with manufacturing cost per annum USD 6 127 014. Net Present Value (NPV) calculated was USD -51 721 064 and IRR at 1.1 %. Based on NPV and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) value, the construction of methanol plant is not feasible. Feasibility predicted to be obtained when the capacity of the plant increased fivefold.

Simplified gasification simulation using zero-dimensional model of empty palm fruit bunch

As one of the most efficient biomass conversions, the gasification process is hard to understand because of its complexity. A simplified gasification process simulation using a zero-dimensional model was designed for an empty fruit bunch considering its potential in Indonesia. A stoichiometric equilibrium model was applied to simulate the whole gasification process. Global gasification reaction, mass, and energy balance with two independent chemical reactions are integrated to perform the model. Some sets of linear and nonlinear equations were solved with the Newton Raphson method in Matlab. The output of the model, like syngas composition and the heating value, was validated with available experimental data published. The zero-dimensional thermodynamic equilibrium model could be used to predict the maximum performance of the gasifier and make the gasification process more feasible.

Integrated adsorption steam gasification for enhanced hydrogen production from palm waste at bench scale plant

The generation of hydrogen-enriched synthesis gas from catalytic steam gasification of biomass with in-situ CO2 capture utilizing CaO has a high perspective as clean energy fuels. The present study focused on the process modeling of catalytic steam gasification of biomass using palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) as biomass for hydrogen generation through experimental work. Experiment work has been carried out using a fluidized bed gasifier on a bench-scale plant. The established model integrates the kinetics of EFB catalytic steam gasification reactions, in-situ capturing of CO2, mass and energy balance calculations. Chemical reaction constants have been calculated via the parameters fitting optimization approach. The influence of operating parameters, mainly temperature, steam to biomass, and sorbent to biomass ratio, was investigated for the hydrogen purity and yield through the experimental study and developed model. The results predicted approximately 75 vol% of the hydrogen purity in the product gas composition. The maximum H2 yield produced from the gasifier was 127 gH2/kg of EFB via experimental setup. The increase in both steam to biomass ratio and temperature enhanced the production of hydrogen gas. Comparing the results with already published literature showed that the current system enables to produce a high amount of hydrogen from EFB.

Relating features and combustion behavior of biomasses from the Amazonian agroforestry chain

The search for new alternatives to supply the overall energy demands of the Amazonia has been growing. Among the available renewable sources, the waste feedstock from the agroforestry chains stand out, but their proper characterization is an urgent need. This study proposes to assess the energy potential of five wastes from agroforestry crops of the Brazilian Amazonia by qualitative and quantitative approaches, highlighting the relation between biomass chemical composition and combustion behavior. The acai seed (AS), cocoa pod husk (CPH), coconut husk (CH), palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB), and maize cob (MC) were investigated. The high energy density (6.94 GJ m−3) and low ash content (1.4%) distinguished AS from the other biomasses. The PEFB showed the lowest ignition temperature (197 °C) combined with the highest ignition index (3.4 × 103% min−3) and net heating value (16.20 MJ kg−1). The superior amounts of hot-water-soluble extractives of PEFB (10.8%) and CPH (18.0%) anticipated the energy release in the main stage of combustion. Furthermore, increases in hot-water-soluble extractives reduced the ignition temperature, while lower H/C ratios increased the flammability. The H/C above 1.6, total lignin content up to 21.1%, and volatile matter/fixed carbon ratio above 4.4 facilitated the ignition of PEFB and MC biomasses.

Simplified empirical model to predict biomass thermal conversion products

The objective of this study was to develop empirical models for predicting the obtained products from lignocellulosic biomass through alternative technologies. The model can be applied for further studies to provide the insight information for bio-refinery optimization and planning where suitable biomass characteristics are necessary for the conversion pathways to achieve the target products. To build the regression model, 330 case studies including the use of 66 lignocellulosic biomasses in 5 technologies were simulated using Aspen plus 11.0 software. Five correlations between biomass characteristics and five product yields were then successfully developed with R2 equals to 0.99. The results indicated that almond shell with high VM, C, H contents and low FC, O, N contents produced the highest syngas, hydrogen, power and liquid fuels product yields (7121 kJ/kgbiomass, 0.051 kg/kgbiomass, 6474 kJ/kgbiomass and 0.12 L/kgbiomass, respectively). Among the local biomass candidates, palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) was the preferable choice.

Optimization of Bio-Oil Pyrolysis Product from Palm Empty Fruit Bunches over H-Zeolite Catalyst using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Bio-oil pyrolysis product considered as a promising resource of hydrocarbon compound that can be used as alternative fuel or other application. Palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) based bio-oil converted into hydrocarbon trough pyrolysis over sulfate activation natural zeolite. Here, we reported an optimization process of bio-oil pyrolysis specifically on temperature and catalyst dose variables by using response surface methodology (RSM). Prior conversion process, PEFB was analyzed to determine cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content. Sulfate activation natural zeolite confirmed its acidity by ammonia and pyridine adsorption calculated by gravimetric method. Two independent variables namely temperature and catalyst weight used in optimization process by RSM whereas response variable is conversion percentage. Analysis result on cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content are 45.39%, 30.36% and 20.5% respectively. Catalyst acidity determination based on ammonia and pyridine adsorption gave 1.002 mmol/g and 0.1994 mmol/g. Optimum condition of hydrocracking achieved at 568 °C and 2.1088 g catalyst weight with the product obtained at 62.21% conversion. The best product density is 1.086 g/mL obtained at hydrocracking temperature 554 °C and 2.0362 g catalyst. Based on GC-MS analysis, it was confirmed that the product comprises more straight-chain hydrocarbon than cyclic one. RSM calculation able to formulate the feasible model equation to predict the conversion percentage. The equation is; percent conversion = 60.059 + 14.268T + 9.783W – 25.649T2 – 18.809W2 + 3.114TW, whereas model equation for response variable on product density; ρ= 1.09103 – 0.12356T – 0.09744W + 0.11489T2 + 0.28888W2 – 0.00740TW

Characterization of Hybrid Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch/Woven Kenaf Fabric-Reinforced Epoxy Composites.

In this research, the physical, mechanical and morphological properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) mat/woven kenaf fabric-reinforced epoxy composites have been investigated. The oil palm EFB/woven kenaf fabrics were varied, with weight ratios of 50/0 (T1), 35/15 (T2), 25/25 (T3), 15/35 (T4) and 0/50 (T5). The composites were fabricated using a simple hand lay-up technique followed by hot pressing. The result obtained shows that an increase in kenaf fiber content exhibited higher tensile and flexural properties. On the other hand, the opposite trend was observed in the impact strength of hybrid composites, where an increase in kenaf fiber content reduced the impact strength. This can be corroborated with the physical properties analysis, where a higher void content, water absorption and thickness swelling were observed for pure oil palm EFB (T1) composites compared to other samples. The scanning electron microscopy analysis results clearly show the different failure modes of the tensile fractured samples. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and shows significant differences between the obtained results.

Generation of biofuels by slow pyrolysis of palm empty fruit bunches: Optimization of process variables and characterization of physical-chemical products

Residues of the palm oil agro-industry (palm empty fruit bunches - EFB) were pyrolysed to produce biofuels. Effects of several parameters on the slow pyrolysis process were evaluated using the central compound rotational design (DCCR) for modelling and optimization the process conditions aiming the maximum yield of bio-oil. After pyrolisis and using various approaches the products were characterized with emphasis on bio-oil. The response surface methodology and desirability function indicate that the temperature was the most influential parameter in regard to the liquid yield, in which the optimum pyrolysis conditions were: temperature of 628.2 °C and N2 flow rate of 0.259 L/min. The empirical relationships for the bio-gas, bio-oil, and bio-char were carried out from a second-order polynomial equation adequately describing the nonlinear behaviour of the experimental data with a precision of approximately 85%. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transformer infrared (FTIR) analysis shows that bio-oil has a high content of oxygenated compounds with four main components: hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (25.57 area%), nonane (12.51 area%), n-hexadecanoic acid (10.66 area%) and phenol (10.13 area%). Moreover, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis showed the bio-oil is very promising for biodiesel-based automotive additives preventing oxidation of the bis-allylic methylene groups and the consequent generation of free radicals. Biochar showed low yield (27.52%) but good energy capacity, with a calorific value of 19.27 MJ/kg. Regarding to gases production, CO2 and CH4 are the main compounds observed in optimized conditions suggestion its use like raw material in the energy production.

Consolidated bioprocesses for efficient bioconversion of palm biomass wastes into biodiesel feedstocks by oleaginous fungi and yeasts

Consolidated bioprocesses for bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biodiesel feedstocks were developed. Palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) was biologically pretreated coupling with fungal lipid production (121.4 ± 2.7 mg/g-EFB) by lignocellulolytic oleaginous fungi prior to lipid production by oleaginous yeasts. In subsequent separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) of fungal pretreated EFB (FPEFB), the oleaginous yeast with the maximum lipid yield of 37.0 ± 0.1 mg/g-FPEFB was screened. While a higher lipid yield of 47.9 ± 1.5 mg/g-FPEFB was achieved in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with less enzyme requirement. Fed-batch SSF of non-sterile FPEFB was proven as a practical and efficient strategy to increase lipid yield up to 53.4 ± 0.5 mg/g-FPEFB. Total lipid yield by both fungi and yeast was 165.0 ± 4.4 mg/g-EFB. Interestingly, the consolidated bioprocesses of enzyme and lipid production also achieved comparable total lipid yield of 149.3 ± 6.6 mg/g-EFB. These strategies may contribute greatly to cost-effective and sustainable bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biodiesel feedstocks.

Pulp and paper production from oil palm empty fruit bunches: A current direction in Malaysia

The pulp and paper industry is advanced rapidly since there are many types of raw materials containing cellulose fibres that could be used to produce different kinds of paper by different methods in the mills. In Malaysia, one of the abundant non-wood materials for pulp and paper production is empty fruit bunch (EFB) from the oil palm. The EFB is the main fibrous residue and natural fibre which has promising potential as an alternative to replace woody materials. This study provides insight into the use of EFB as an alternative non-wood fibre resource in pulp and paper making. The potential of oil palm EFB transformed into valuable fibre material was elaborated. In this review, detailed information on the properties of EFB for pulp and paper making process to identify the chemical composition and fibre morphology were discussed. Recent advanced applications including nanocellulose from EFB, polymeric hydrogel, and antimicrobial papers were discussed to demonstrate high commercialization for pulp and paper technology. The three-dimensional (3D) printing technique has been employed due to the high complexity of paper products. The future trends and challenges regarding the use of EFB in pulp and paper making were also reviewed. This study demonstrated that the EFB has met the demand of the market chains as a potential raw material in paper making and manufacturing.