Kernel Fiber Research Articles

Development of biocomposites using cardanol oil bio-toughener, palm kernel fiber and chitosan derived from discarded biomass wastes: a characterization study with aging conditions

Development of biocomposites using cardanol oil bio-toughener, palm kernel fiber and chitosan derived from discarded biomass wastes: a characterization study with aging conditions

Influences of superfine-grinding and mix enzymatic hydrolysis combined with hydroxypropylation or acetylation on the structure and physicochemical properties of jujube kernel fiber

IntroductionJujube kernel is a low-cost and abundant fiber resource, but its application in food industry is little because of its lower soluble fiber content and poor physicochemical properties.MethodsIn the current study, jujube kernel fiber (JKF) was modified by three composite methods: superfine-grinding and mix enzymatic hydrolysis alone, and combined with acetylation or hydroxypropylation.Results and discussionAfter these modifications, the microstructure of JKF became more porous, and its soluble fiber and extractable polyphenol contents, surface area, water adsorption and expansion capacities, and cation exchange capacity were all significantly improved (p < 0.05). Moreover, superfine-grinding and mix enzymatic hydrolysis combined with acetylation treated JKF showed the highest surface hydrophobicity (43.57) and adsorption ability to oil (4.47 g∙g−1). Superfine-grinding, mix enzymatic hydrolysis and hydroxypropylation treated JKF exhibited the largest surface area (142.53 m2∙kg−1), the highest soluble fiber content (17.43 g∙100 g−1), viscosity (14.54 cP), adsorption capacity to glucose (29.61 μmol∙g−1), cation exchange capacity (40.82), and water expansion ability (7.60 mL∙g−1). Therefore, superfine-grinding and mix enzymatic hydrolysis combined with hydroxypropylation or acetylation were both good choice to improve the physicochemical properties of JKF.

Influences of superfine-grinding and enzymolysis separately assisted with carboxymethylation and acetylation on the in vitro hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of oil palm kernel expeller fibre

The synergistic effects of ultrafine grinding and enzymolysis (cellulase and Laccase hydrolysis) alone or combined with carboxymethylation or acetylation on the hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of oil palm kernel fibre (OPKEF) were studied for the first time. After these synergistic modifications, the microstructure of OPKEF became more porous, and its soluble fibre and total polyphenols contents, and surface area were all improved (P < 0.05). Superfine-grinding and enzymolysis combined with carboxymethylation treated OPKEF exhibited the highest viscosity (13.9 mPa∙s), inhibition ability to glucose diffusion (38.18%), and water-expansion volume (3.58 mL∙g−1). OPKEF treated with superfine-grinding and enzymolysis combined with acetylation showed the highest surface hydrophobicity (50.93) and glucose adsorption capacity (4.53 μmol∙g−1), but a lower α-amylase-inhibition ability. Moreover, OPKEF modified by superfine-grinding and enzymolysis had the highest inhibiting activity against α-amylase (25.78%). Additionally, superfine-grinding and enzymolysis combined with carboxymethylation or acetylation both improved the content and antioxidant activity of OPEKF's bounding polyphenols (P < 0.05).

Effect of Chemical Modifications on the Adsorptive Ability of Palm Kernel Fiber for Indigo Blue Dye

This research work investigated the potentials of unmodified Palm Kernel Fibers and its modified forms for the adsorption of Indigo blue dye from aqueous solutions using batch adsorption procedures. Characterization of the fibers were done with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR. Adsorption result showed that maximum uptake of 38.3, 31.0, 33.5 and 14.5 mg/g were respectively obtained for Bleached (BPKF), Acetylated (APKF), Mercerized (MPKF) and Unmodified Palm Kernel Fibers (UPKF) adsorbents at an optimum time of 3 hours. The sorption kinetic obeyed pseudo second order with the bleached adsorbent (BPKF) having the best fit, and at a certain time limit, intra-particle diffusion controlled the process. Data collected from effect of initial concentration experiments were better fit to the Freundlich isotherm. The result from the thermodynamics of the process showed an endothermic process. Increasing adsorbent dosages led to corresponding increase in the quantity of the indigo dye adsorbed by the different adsorbents. This work revealed the potentials of modified palm kernel fibers over the unmodified fiber for effective removal of Indigo blue dye from wastewater.

Effects of mixed enzymolysis alone or combined with acetylation or carboxymethylation on the role of jujube kernel fibre as a biosorbent for wastewater treatment.

Jujube kernel fibre (JKF) could serve as a renewable, abundant, low-cost, and environmentally friendly adsorbent for wastewater if its adsorption capacities are improved. However, data on the modification of JKF, especially on the combination of biological and chemical modifications, are scarce. Therefore, for the first time, we studied the effect of mixed enzymolysis alone or combined with acetylation or carboxymethylation on the structure and adsorption capacities of JKF. After these modifications, the microstructure of JKF became more porous, and its soluble fibre and extractable polyphenol contents, surface area and adsorption capacities for nitrite, copper, and lead ions were all significantly improved (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, mixed enzymatic hydrolysis and acetylation treated JKF showed the highest surface hydrophobicity (43.57) and oil-adsorption ability (4.47 g g-1), while mixed enzymatic hydrolysis and carboxymethylation treated JKF exhibited the highest water adsorption ability (10.66 g g-1), water expansion ability (8.50 mL g-1), and lead and copper ion chelating abilities. Additionally, mixed enzymatic hydrolyzed JKF had the highest nitrite-ion-adsorption ability (10.57 μmol g-1). It can be concluded that mixed enzymolysis combined with carboxymethylation is an optimal way to increase the hydration properties and heavy-metal-adsorption capacity of JKF, while mixed enzymolysis combined with acetylation is an effective approach to enhance the oil-adsorption capacity of JKF.

Production and thermo-structural analysis of a hybridized natural fibre-based ceiling board for building applications

Canewood and palm kernel fibre (PKF) have successfully been used as filler material for producing ceiling boards, with recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as the binder. This work covered three aspects which are the optimization of process and production parameters, chemical, and thermal analysis of the utilized filler material. The production parameters considered are the percentage composition of both the binder and filler material while the process parameters studied are the press temperature, pressure and time. These parameters were optimized over both physical and thermal properties of the developed ceiling board which are thermal resistivity, water absorption and thickness swell. Thermal results for both the cane wood and PKF proved to be thermally stable up to temperatures as high as 325 and 310°C, respectively. The optimized ceiling board showed a thermal resistivity, water absorption and thickness swell of 16.192 W/M.K, 4.669 and 6.594% respectively, for a production and process parameters of 15% cane wood, 10% PKF, 75% LDPE, 6 min press time, 7 bar pressure and 198°C press temperature. The produced ceiling board showed a specific heat capacity, thermal energy and heat flux of 769.23 Jkg−1K−1, 60 W and 23.07 kWm−1 respectively. The findings imply that the LDPE filler materials are appropriate for use in ceiling board applications.

Development of almond shell powder and palm kernel fibre–reinforced cardanol oil toughened epoxy resin hybrid composites: mechanical, wear, and antimicrobial properties

Development of almond shell powder and palm kernel fibre–reinforced cardanol oil toughened epoxy resin hybrid composites: mechanical, wear, and antimicrobial properties

Eco-friendly materials for brake pad- ANSYS overview

Recently, the awareness of green environment has raised in huge manner with comfort for nature to protect environment in terms of wastage accumulation. Among automotive components, most of the vehicles returned as a scrap vehicle so that the wastes extracted and became harmful due to the chemical treatments of materials. The spare parts of independent components are not much disposes with proper treatment. This exhausts effects the environment under wastages. Here, the brake pad having constituents are not supposed to eco-friendly like asbestos and harmful filler materials. The influence of asbestos materials leads negative impact to environment and surrounding creatures and sustainability to ecological transition. The performance of the brakes pads are completely depends on brake pad and its frictional properties. Based on this, the current study performs about prediction on natural eco-friendly materials used as brake pads by focusing on Eco safe composite mixtures. The prediction is done by simulation in ANSYS with the different eco-friendly materials such as palm kernel fiber, Coconut coir, bamboo, banana peels and so on.

Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Cooking Fuels burning in Nigeria

Cooking activities are an important source of indoor air pollution which contributes significantly to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment. This study investigated sixteen (16) priority PAHs emitted from smoke in eight (8) cooking fuels commonly used in Nigeria. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for sample analysis and the potential health risk associated with exposure to PAHs were evaluated. The highest total quantified PAHs concentration was obtained from the burning of palm kernel fiber with an average ΣPAHs of 14.06 mg/kg. The result showed a variation in the average concentration of 10.82 − 14.06 mg/kg for all the cooking fuels. 3-ringed PAHs were found to be the dominant PAHs in the samples considered in terms of concentrations and frequency of occurrence at 7.03-9.42 mg/kg. Benzo[a]anthracene was the most abundant PAHs in biomass materials while Benzo[a]pyrene was the most abundant in liquified petroleum gas and Benzo[b]fluoranthene in kerosene. The cancer risk for both the children and adult obtained for all the cooking fuel samples were less than 10 − 6 which is satisfactory except in sawdust which has a value of 1.30 × 10 − 5 and 1.44 × 10 − 5 for child and adult, respectively. It is recommended that cleaner cooking fuels be used in well-ventilated environments to reduce exposure to these pollutants. Highlights Sixteen priority PAHs in emissions from the burning of eight cooking fuels in Nigeria were investigated Emission sources of the PAHs were identified using diagnostic ratios Health risks of PAHs in emissions from the burning of cooking fuels is higher in adult

Assessment of prebiotic property of some Vietnam’s agro products and their applicability

In nature, prebiotics occur not only in fruits and vegetables but also in the seeds from fruits. This study focused on surveying the prebiotic property of the kernel fibers from eight Vietnam’s agro products which were jackfruit, avocado, rambutan, longan, durian, tropical almond, sesame, and lotus seeds. Kernels were investigated for total sugar, soluble protein, and fat contents. The highest total sugar content was found in lotus seed kernel (37.46%) but in kernels from sesame and tropical almond the value only was 2.42 and 3.07% respectively. Rambutan seeds had the highest fatty (54.3%) and soluble protein content (4.49%) while in kernel from durian had the lowest fatty (19.66%) and dissolved protein content (0.69%) among the studied seeds. Kernel powders were defatted, digested by enzymes: α – amylase, glucoamylase and neutrase, then extracted by 96% ethanol to obtain soluble fibers. The prebiotic potential of these fibers was investigated by the growth stimulation of four probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium animalis AP1.2, Bifidobacterium bifidum CNTP 6599, Lactobacillus casei PK2 and Lactobacillus fermentum SBV2. The highest increase of viable cells, compared to the control, was 0.52 lg (CFU/ml) found in medium supplemented with kernel fiber from longan, fermented by L. casei PK2. This fiber also stimulated the growth of four probiotics. However, the soluble fiber content obtained from longan seeds is the lowest among the types surveyed (0.02%). The fiber in jackfruit, avocado or lotus seeds also has a positive prebiotic index, except for L. fermentum SBV2, in which jackfruit and lotus seeds are still commonly used in Vietnamese life.

Bioconversion of corn fiber to bioethanol: Status and perspectives

Due to the rising demand for green energy, bioethanol has attracted increasing attention from academia and industry. Limited by the bottleneck of bioethanol yield in traditional corn starch dry milling processes, an increasing number of studies focus on fully utilizing all corn ingredients, especially kernel fiber, to further improve the bioethanol yield. This mini-review addresses the technological challenges and opportunities on the way to achieving the efficient conversion of corn fiber. Significant advances during the review period include the detailed characterization of different forms of corn kernel fiber and the development of off-line and in-situ conversion strategies. Lessons from cellulosic ethanol technologies offer new ways to utilize corn fiber in traditional processes. However, the commercialization of corn kernel fiber conversion may be hampered by enzyme cost, conversion efficiency, and overall process economics. Thus, future studies should address these technical limitations.

Physical and mechanical properties of plastic bonded boards produced from palm kernel chaff

The physical and mechanical properties of plastic bonded boards (PBB) produced from palm kernel chaff fibers were evaluated. In this study, the effects of plastic/fiber ratio of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 and board density of 800kg/m3, 900kg/m3, and 1000kg/m3 on water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were investigated. PBB produced exhibited mean values ranging from 4.55 to 28.19% for WA, 0.7 to 7.32% for TS, 7.54 to 30.27N/mm2 for MOR and 8307.05 to 19820.52 N/mm2 for MOE. Increase in mixing ratio and board density caused a decrease in thickness swelling, water absorption properties. The lowest value were obtained from the boards produced at the highest mixing ratio (3:1) and at board density (1000kg/m3) which are most dimensionally stable and show reduction in thickness movement as they have the lowest value after 24hours cold water immersion. It was also observed that the strength properties were affected by plastic/palm kernel fiber mixing ratio and board density. The MOR and MOE value increased with increase in mixing ratio level from 1:1 to 3:1 and board density from 800g/mm2 to 1000g/mm2 were strongest and dimensional stable than those produced at other levels. All the production variables have significant effect on all the properties investigated.

Lupin Kernel Fibre: Nutritional Composition, Processing Methods, Physicochemical Properties, Consumer Acceptability and Health Effects of Its Enriched Products.

The kernels (dehulled seeds) of lupins (Lupinus spp.) contain far higher dietary fibre levels than other legumes. This fibre is a complex mixture of non-starch polysaccharides making up the thickened cell walls of the kernel. The fibre has properties of both insoluble and soluble fibres. It is a major by-product of the manufacture of lupin protein isolates, which can be dried to produce a purified fibre food ingredient. Such an ingredient possesses a neutral odour and flavour, a smooth texture, and high water-binding and oil-binding properties. These properties allow its incorporation into foods with minimum reduction in their acceptability. The lupin kernel fibre (LKF) has demonstrated beneficial effects in clinical studies on biomarkers for metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It can be described as a “prebiotic fibre” since it improves gut micro-floral balance and the chemical environment within the colon. Thus, LKF is a health-functional ingredient with great opportunity for more widespread use in foods; however, it is evident that more non-thermal methods for the manufacture of lupin kernel fibre should be explored, including their effects on the physicochemical properties of the fibre and the effect on health outcomes in long term clinical trials.

Effects of Palm Leaf Ash and Palm Kernel Fibre on Properties of Compressed Laterite Earth Brick

This study was designed to compare the effects of the properties of compressed laterite earth brick (CLEB) stabilized with palm leaf ash (PKA) and palm kernel fiber (KPF). The study was carried out in Building Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State. Bricks of 222×110×70 were produced using manual pressed machine where nine bricks each were stabilized with palm kernel fiber for 1%, 2%, and 3%. Also 9 bricks each were stabilized with palm leaf ash for each percent 5%, 10% and 15%. The materials used were Palm Kernel Fiber, Palm Leaf Ash laterite soil, and water. The abrasion resistance test and water penetration test were carried out. The findings revealed that the water penetration rate for the CLEB bricks stabilized with PKF recorded average penetration rate of 10.18 at 1%, 11.52 at 2% and 12.19 at 3%. Only 3% produced higher penetration rate while CLEB stabilized with PLA recorded average water penetration rate of 11.58 at 5%, 10.63 at 10%, and 11.27 at 15%. All were in conformity with NBRRI specification of 12.5%. The abrasion resistance of the 28 day CLEB stabilized with PKF recorded average abrasion of 1.40 at 1%, 1.28 at 2% and 3.68 at 3%. All result were conformity with the NBBRI specification of 6.9. While the abrasion resistance of the 28 day CLEB stabilized with PLA recorded average abrasion of 2.39 at 5%, 2.22 at 10% and 2.32 at 15% which were in conformity with the NBBRI specification of 6.9. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that the CLEB stabilized with palm kernel fiber at 1% and 2% are in conformity with NBRRI specification of compressive strength, water absorption rate and abrasion resistance. While compressed laterite bricks stabilized with palm leaf ash should be improve to conform to NBRRI specification.

Influential Parameters and Multi Objective Optimization of Bagasse and Palm Kernel Natural Fibre Plates Using Taguchi Assisted Topsis

Composites that have a good to lower weight ratio can be used to replace conventionally used Engineering Materials. The properties of natural fibers are almost equal to that of artificial fibres. Natural fibers can be used in many applications and is also a cost-effective material. Bagasse fibre reinforced with dry palm kernel fibre powder is used to improve mechanical properties and fabricated in plate form. In this research work, the input constraints that have been used to fabricate the plate are 10, 20, 30 wt% of bagasse fibre, 10, 20, 30 wt% of palm kernel fibre, at 10, 15, 20 MPa compression pressure and 2, 4, 6 mm of speciemn thickness respectively. The optimization has been performed by Taguchi L27 orthogonal array and influence of output parameters viz. Tensile Strength (MPa), Flexural Strength (MPa) and Hardness (Hv) have been measured by using statistical analysis of variance. The multi-criteria decision making of the output parameters has been performed by Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). This research offers new insight into decision-making, particularly in the optimization part, to increase the strength and mechanical property of natural fiber composites.

Using Incremental Changes to Convert Lignocellulosic Feedstocks to Cellulosic Ethanol

One billion tons of biomass feedstocks have been identified for the production of renewable biofuels and biochemicals. This is one of the key carbon feedstocks to supply energy to the transportation sector for light duty, heavy duty and aviation fuels. Utilization of lignocellulosic feedstocks supports an improved energy security by reducing demand of petroleum imports, agricultural development, job creation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To date, however, operational challenges have stymied the industrial production of large volumes of lignocellulosic-based fuels and chemicals. As a result, significant research investment has been led by the United States Department of Energy to understand and improve operational reliability at pioneer cellulosic biorefineries. In this perspective article lignocellulosic conversion technologies are described that have been adopted from the starch ethanol process. The developed process culminated in successful demonstration of 1,000-h integrated runs using several feedstocks, including switchgrass, energy sorghum, and two types of corn kernel fiber. This article highlights process development that solved several of the issues that plagued—and continue to plague—many in the cellulosic sugars space such as biomass feeding into equipment, high ash content, diversified co-product value, and others.

Particle Characterization and Stability of Nanofluid Prepared from Palm Kernel Fibre with Mixture of Water and Ethylene Glycol as Base Fluid

Particle Characterization and Stability of Nanofluid Prepared from Palm Kernel Fibre with Mixture of Water and Ethylene Glycol as Base Fluid

In Situ Corn Fiber Conversion for Ethanol Improvement by the Addition of a Novel Lignocellulolytic Enzyme Cocktail.

Corn mashes have high-viscosity and high-sugar characteristics, which hinders yeast-fermentation efficiency and the ethanol yield increase. The excessive viscosity of corn mash is caused by the unutilized cellulose in corn kernel fiber. A novel lignocellulolytic enzymes cocktail with strong substrate specificity was prepared for high-viscosity, high-sugar corn mash. The in situ conversion of corn mashes with novel lignocellulolytic enzymes at the optimum cellulase dosage of 50 FPU/L resulted in about 12% increased ethanol concentration compared with the reference mash at different batch-fermentation scales. Adding the lignocellulolytic enzymes caused the greatest decrease in viscosity of corn mash and residual sugars by 40.9% and 56.3%, respectively. Simultaneously, the application of lignocellulolytic enzymes increased the value of the dried distiller’s grain with solubles (DDGS) by increasing the protein content by 5.51%. The in situ conversion of cellulose can decrease the fermentation broth viscosity and improve the rheological property, thereby improving the ethanol yield. With the same amount of material, the application of the novel enzymes cocktail can enhance the ethanol yield by more than 12%. A quarter of the ethanol yield increase was due to the further hydrolysis of starch, while three quarters to cellulose. Thus, this technology will increase the net revenue of bioethanol industrialization.

Assessment of alkaline treatment of palm kernel fiber and curing duration on selected properties of cement-paper composite boards

In a bid to develop a cheaper alternative material for particleboard, fiber/particulate reinforced cement-paper composites were produced. The paper-cement matrix had 12 wt. % of cement and the matr...

Insight into the effects of coconut kernel fiber on the functional and microstructural properties of myofibrillar protein gel system

Incorporation of coconut kernel fiber to the myofibrillar protein (MP) gel may enhance its properties with better uniqueness. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of coconut fiber on the water state, texture, rheological behavior and microstructural properties of the MP gel system. An increase in gel strength was induced by increasing the concentrations of coconut fiber compared to control (P < 0.05). Coconut fiber levels enhanced the gel-forming and generated a 3-dimensional gel matrix with higher values of G′ and G". Increasing the concentration of coconut fiber from 0 to 1.5 g/100 g significantly improved the water holding capacity and the hardness of MP gel (P < 0.05). The micrographs images showed the evidence that coconut fiber was filled in the gel matrix and promoted a more homogeneous and stable structure. Overall, coconut kernel fiber could be a promising ingredient to improve the properties of MP gel and subsequently promote the development of healthier emulsion-type meat products with an increased proportion of unavailable carbohydrates.