Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber Research Articles

Effects of Incorporating Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate on the Sound Absorption Performance and Mechanical Properties of Standard Concrete

Effects of Incorporating Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate on the Sound Absorption Performance and Mechanical Properties of Standard Concrete

Supercritical CO2 as a green technology for carotenoids-rich virgin palm oil production: Process optimization, kinetics and thermodynamics modeling

The experimental conditions of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction of virgin palm oil (VPO) from oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) were optimized using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Results showed that a maximum of 28.68% of VPO extraction was obtained at the optimal experimental conditions of scCO2 extraction: pressure of 31MPa, temperature of 340K, and extraction time of 80min. The second-order rate equation, Arrhenius equation and Eyring theory were employed to assess the kinetics behaviour, activation energy and thermodynamics behaviour of scCO2 extraction of VPO from oil palm mesocarp fiber. The lower activation energy value (12.17kJ/mol) of scCO2 for the extraction of VPO from OPMF indicates that the scCO2 extraction technology is less dependent on temperature during the extraction of VPO from OPMF. The physicochemical properties and fatty acids compositions analyses reveal that the scCO2 extracted VPO contains high carotenoids content (982μg/g), low free fatty acids content (0.31wt.%), higher oxidative stability and higher unsaturated fatty acids content.

Mechanical Performance of a Hot Mix Asphalt Modified with Biochar Obtained from Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber

A recently used material that shows environmental and technical advantages for use as an asphalt binder modifier is biochar (BC). Different biomasses can be converted into BC by pyrolysis. One agro-industrial biomass that is abundant in copious quantities is oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) obtained from African palm cultivation. In the present study, the use of a BC obtained from OPMF (BC-OPMF) as a modifier of asphalt binder (AC type) to produce a hot mix asphalt (HMA) was evaluated. This type of BC has not been investigated or reported in the reference literature as a binder and/or asphalt mix modifier. Initially, AC was modified with BC in three ratios (BC/AC = 5, 10, and 15%, with respect to mass) to perform penetration, softening point, and rotational viscosity tests; rheological characterization at high and intermediate temperatures; and scanning electron microscope (SEM) visualization. Based on this experimental phase, BC/AC = 10% was chosen to manufacture the modified HMA. Resistance parameters under monotonic loading (stability—S, flow—F, S/F ratio of the Marshall test, and indirect tensile strength in dry—ITSD and wet—ITSC conditions) and cyclic loading (resilient modulus, permanent deformation, and fatigue resistance under stress-controlled conditions) were evaluated on the control HMA (AC unmodified) and the modified HMA. Additionally, the tensile strength ratio (TSR) was calculated to evaluate the resistance to moisture damage. Abrasion and raveling resistance were evaluated by performing Cantabro tests. BC-OPMF is shown to be a sustainable and promising material for modifying asphalt binders for those seeking to increase stiffness and rutting resistance in high-temperature climates, resistance to moisture damage, raveling, and fatigue without increasing the optimum asphalt binder content (OAC), changing the volumetric composition of the HMA or increasing the manufacturing and construction temperatures.

Investigating process parameters to enhance (hemi)cellulolytic enzymes activity produced by Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30 using deoiled oil palm mesocarp fiber in solid-state fermentation

This study investigates the synthesis of (hemi)cellulolytic enzymes, including endoglucanase (CMCase), xylanase, and β-glucosidase, employing Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30 and deoiled oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) through solid-state fermentation (SSF). The objective was to determine the optimal process conditions for achieving high enzyme activities through a one-factor-at-a-time approach. The study primarily focused on the impact of the solid-to-liquid ratio, incubation period, initial pH, and temperature on enzyme activity. The effects of OPMF pretreatment, particularly deoiling and fortification, were explored. This approach significantly improved enzyme activity levels compared to the initial conditions, with CMCase increasing by 111.6 %, xylanase by 665.2 %, and β-Glucosidase by 1678.1 %. Xylanase and β-glucosidase activities, peaking at 1346.75 and 9.89 IU per gram dry substrate (GDS), respectively, under optimized conditions (1:4 ratio, pH 7.5, 20 °C, 9-day incubation). With lower moisture levels, CMCase reached its maximum activity of 227.84 IU/GDS. The study highlights how important it is for agro-industrial byproducts to support environmentally sustainable practices in the palm oil industry. It also emphasizes how differently each enzyme reacts to changes in process parameters.

Efficient methane production from agro-industrial residues using anaerobic fungal-rich consortia.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) emerges as a pivotal technique in climate change mitigation, transforming organic materials into biogas, a renewable energy form. This process significantly impacts energy production and waste management, influencing greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional research has largely focused on anaerobic bacteria and methanogens for methane production. However, the potential of anaerobic lignocellulolytic fungi for degrading lignocellulosic biomass remains less explored. In this study, buffalo rumen inocula were enriched and acclimatized to improve lignocellulolytic hydrolysis activity. Two consortia were established: the anaerobic fungi consortium (AFC), selectively enriched for fungi, and the anaerobic lignocellulolytic microbial consortium (ALMC). The consortia were utilized to create five distinct microbial cocktails-AF0, AF20, AF50, AF80, and AF100. These cocktails were formulated based on varying of AFC and ALMC by weights (w/w). Methane production from each cocktail of lignocellulosic biomasses (cassava pulp and oil palm residues) was evaluated. The highest methane yields of CP, EFB, and MFB were obtained at 337, 215, and 54 mL/g VS, respectively. Cocktails containing a mix of anaerobic fungi, hydrolytic bacteria (Sphingobacterium sp.), syntrophic bacteria (Sphaerochaeta sp.), and hydrogenotrophic methanogens produced 2.1-2.6 times higher methane in cassava pulp and 1.1-1.2 times in oil palm empty fruit bunch compared to AF0. All cocktails effectively produced methane from oil palm empty fruit bunch due to its lipid content. However, methane production ceased after 3 days when oil palm mesocarp fiber was used, due to long-chain fatty acid accumulation. Anaerobic fungi consortia showed effective lignocellulosic and starchy biomass degradation without inhibition due to organic acid accumulation. These findings underscore the potential of tailored microbial cocktails for enhancing methane production from diverse lignocellulosic substrates.

Effects of oil palm mesocarp fibers on the physical and mechanical properties of expansive soils

Palm fiber is one of the favorable materials used in stabilization of soft soil in geotechnical engineering projects, nowadays due to its sustainability, less damage of environment, biodegradability, availability and cost-effectiveness in a context of widespread appeal to the world for return to nature by protecting the earth. On the other hand, expansive soils are renowned for their swelling-shrinkage property and these volumetric changes resultantly cause huge damage to civil infrastructures. Likewise, subgrades consisting of expansive soils instigate serviceability failures in pavements across various regions worldwide. This paper presents results of the laboratory evaluation of expansive soils stabilized with oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF), with a view to determine its suitability as flexible pavement construction material. The mixtures were subjected to British Standard heavy (modified Proctor) compaction energy to determine their strength characteristics. The samples were subjected to different tests to ascertain their index properties. Varying proportions of OPMF from 1% to 4% were incorporated into the soil samples and the effects were observed based on compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) results. The control samples without inclusion of OPMF achieved the highest Maximum Dry Densities (MDD), the MDDs reduced linearly as the OPMF content increased. Consequently, the CBR values decreased with increase in OPMF. The reduction in MDD ranged from 20.28g/cm3, 18.5 g/cm3, 15.65 g/cm3, 12.53 g/cm3 as the OPMF increased from 1%, 2% to 3%, 4%. and the optimum moisture content remained almost unaffected due to high-absorbent nature of the fibers. With the inclusion of the OPMF, the CBR value under soaked conditions dropped from 5% to 1.8% rendering them very unsuitable for pavement subgrade. It was concluded that the presence of fiber depreciated the engineering properties of the earth materials. Direct application of OPMF in any part of road pavement has been dissuaded.

Production of oil palm mesocarp fiber-based hydrogel using selected cross-linking acids

Abstract Over the years, studies showed that hydrogels can be produced through synthetic route to overcome the limitations in obtaining natural-based hydrogels. Biomass resources offer potential alternatives as renewable feedstocks due to their outstanding biodegradability and biocompatibility. Oil palm mesocarp fiber (MF) is the biomass residue obtained after the pressing of palm fruits during palm oil extraction. There is approximately 11 % MF generated from palm fruits after oil extraction. However, the applications of MF are limited. This study aimed to investigate the development of hydrogels from holocellulose MF instead of commonly used cellulose which involving several pretreatment steps, through acid cross-linkers. Holocellulose MF was selected as polymer for chemical cross-linking with two inexpensive and nontoxic hydrophilic organic acids, citric acid and acetic acid for hydrogel production. Comparison study was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical properties, and degree of swelling, as well as gel content in different media for both acids in the production of hydrogel from holocellulose MF. Results indicated that the optimum concentrations of citric acid and acetic acid for gel content and degree of swelling were 5 M and 2 M, respectively. Both optimized hydrogels exhibited comparable profiles in terms of morphology, thermal stability and functional groups, in addition to showing similar degree of swelling profile in different media, i.e., salt solution, acidic, neutral to alkaline, implying their distinctive characteristics. In summary, holocellulose MF is suitable for the production of hydrogel with citric acid and acetic acid as crosslinkers for different desired applications.

Effect of ultrasound-advanced oxidation processes for pretreatment of oil palm mesocarp fiber for cellulose extraction

Effect of ultrasound-advanced oxidation processes for pretreatment of oil palm mesocarp fiber for cellulose extraction

Influence of oil palm mesocarp fiber on physical properties of fabricated plaster of paris ceilings

Influence of oil palm mesocarp fiber on physical properties of fabricated plaster of paris ceilings

Thermophysical properties plaster of Paris ceilings reinforced with oil palm mesocarp fiber for building design

This research focused on how to solve disposal problem associated with oil palm mesocarp fiber by using it to modify plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling. Untreated oil palm mesocarp fiber (UOPMF) and treated oil palm mesocarp fiber (TOPMF) were separately utilized at various weight fractions to fabricate ceiling samples with the POP. The samples were developed in triplicates, dried completely and then tested for their thermophysical propertiess. Samples with varied thicknesses were also prepared for investigation of heat flow time. The results showed changes in mean values of water absorption (12.22 – 25.75) %, bulk density (1.768 – 1.407) 103 kgm-3, thermal conductivity (0.2245 – 0.1465) Wm-1K-1, specific heat capacity (1.498 – 1.825) 103 Jkg-1K-1, thermal diffusivity (8.477 – 5.705) 10-8 m2s-1, and solar radiation absorptivity (20.71 – 25.25) m-1 as the fraction of the UOPMF increased from 0 % to 40 %. In the case of utilizing the TOPMF, the respective changes were found to be (12.22 – 31.33) %, (1.768 – 1.477) kgm-3, (0.2245 – 0.1627) Wm-1K-1, (1.498 – 1.789) 103 Jkg-1K-1, (8.477 – 6.164) 10-8 m2s-1, and (20.71 – 24.20) m-1. Heat flow time related positively with the thickness of the samples. Though it was revealed that all the samples could perform better than conventional ceilings like asbestos and polyvinyl chloride, the UOPMF exhibited a greater potential than the TOPMF for improving thermal insulation performance of the samples. Hence, recycling the mesocarp fiber in the described manner could ensure availability of cost-effective and more thermally-efficient POP ceilings for building design.

Enhanced microwave conversion of oil palm mesocarp fiber to levulinic acid using H3PW12O40-Nb2O5 functionalized carbon cryogel derived from lignin hydrogel

This study aims to transform a hydrogel functionalized with phosphotungstic acid and niobium oxide into a carbon cryogel, serving as an efficient catalyst for converting oil palm mesocarp fiber to levulinic acid using microwave technology. The lignin-gum hydrogel exhibits desirable properties, including a moderately high swelling ratio (10.3 g/g), water absorption capacity (220 %), robust crosslinking (71.7 % yield), and notable compressive strength (0.8 MPa at 90 % strain). The swollen state of the hydrogel, with an average pore size of 2.5–4.0 μm, enhances microwave energy penetration into the biomass matrix. This work offers an alternative approach to enhance biomass conversion, utilizing lignin-derived cryogel with impressive levulinic acid yield (18.4 %) and conversion efficiency (81 %). Testing the hydrogel properties is crucial for ensuring optimal performance during the upgrade to carbon cryogel.

Enhancing the fuel properties of oil palm Mesocarp Fiber using screw conveyor reactor torrefaction

Enhancing the fuel properties of oil palm Mesocarp Fiber using screw conveyor reactor torrefaction

Isolation of lignocellulolytic bacteria from oil palm mesocarp waste

In the present investigation, the bacterial strains were isolated from oil palm mesocarp waste dumped soil by serial dilution and pour plate method. The highest lignocellulolytic index was produced by bacterial isolate OPMW 6 (1.5 mm) followed by OPMW 5 (1.2 mm), OPMW 1 (0.83 mm), OPMW3 and OPMW 4 (0.71 mm). Changes in methylene blue color supplemented in nutrient broth from blue to light green or yellow were observed by three bacterial isolates (OPMW1, OPMW 3 and OPMW5), and rest of the bacterial isolatesrecorded less decolourization as the cultures were incubated between 24 and 48 hours respectively with highest percentage of dye decolourization produced by bacterial isolate i.e. OPMW5 (83.3%) and lowest rate ofdecolourization by bacterial isolate OPMW 6 (13.54%) as inoculated in nutrient broth supplemented with methylene blue dye. Utilization of gallic acid as supplemented in minimal salt media recorded positive reactionfor 4 bacterial isolates (OPMW 2, OPMW 5, OPMW 6 and OPMW 8) by the formation of dark colouration and addition ofa-naphthol in MSM inoculated broth culturesshowed formation of purple blue colour due to productionof laccase activity. Among the 4 best isolates having the highest indices, two isolates of bacteria (OPMW5 and OPMW6) had the best lignocellulolytic activity. Based on enzyme biosynthesis ability, the OPMW5 and OPMW6were selected as the best isolates as it can synthesie cellulase and ligninase enzymes. These enzymes are known to accelerate the degradation of oil palm mesocarp fibre substrate.

Thermo physical and mechanical properties plaster of Paris ceilings modified with oil palm mesocarp fiber for application in buildings

The essence of this study is to assess the feasibility of improving the properties of the plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling by modifying it with oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF) in order to solve the disposal problem of the latter. Various weight proportions of the OPMF were used to replace the POP during the fabrication of the samples. All the samples were dried completely and then tested. The results showed that as the filler (OPMF) inclusion in the POP matrix increased from 0% to 40%, the change in mean values of water absorption, bulk density, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, heat flow time, flakiness, and flexural strength (12.22 – 25.75) %, (1.768 – 1.407) 103 kgm-3, (0.2245 – 0.1465) Wm-1K-1, (1.498 – 1.825) 103 Jkg-1K-1, (8.477 – 5.705) 10-8 m2s-1, (9.64 – 14.37) mins., (0.65 – 2.08) %, and (3.02 – 1.38 ) N/mm2 respectively. It was found generally that the inclusion of the OPMF into the POP matrix could yield composite ceilings with enhanced/better thermal insulation capability for use in buildings. This, if implemented, could help to solve the disposal problem associated with waste while ensuring sustainable construction of thermally-safe and inexpensive buildings.

The use of lignin from palm kernel shell (PKS) to fabricate oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) particleboards

Due to the abundance of oil palm waste in Thailand, PKS, being rich in lignin content, is a promising source of lignin while the cellulose rich in OPMF which suitable substitute for wood products in the manufacture of particleboard. The conditions used to extract lignin from PKS was investigated by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The extracted lignin was then utilized as a substitute for phenol in the synthesis of phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesive, with the aim of producing particleboard from a bio-based adhesive. The statistical results suggest that the highest crude lignin extraction was obtained when treating PKS under alkali condition at 155 °C for 214 min. The extracted lignin was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, TG-DTA, and UV-Spectroscopy to assure the appearance of lignin. The so-produced lignin was then used as a phenol replacement in the formulation of an adhesive. It was found that bonding strength, via ASTM D5868-01, was improved with the addition of extract lignin from PKS, especially in the formulation of 100% substitution yielding the highest lap shear strength of 3.02 MPa. This adhesive was then applied in the manufacture of particleboards based on OPMF. The results suggest that partial substitution of phenol by lignin at 25% in the formation of particleboards had a modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and thickness swelling comparable to PF adhesive.

Capability of producing lignin-based phenol formaldehyde adhesive for oil palm mesocarp fiber particleboard production with lignin extracted from industrial waste liquor from the kraft pulping process

Phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin is one of the most important adhesives used in the production of wood-based panels. However, the health effects associated with chronic exposure of workers to phenol and formaldehyde during the process are unavoidable. As a result, replacing phenol with green and safe material, like lignin, is a potential alternative due to its similar structure to phenol. This study aims to investigate the substitution of phenol with lignin precipitated from black liquor (BL) by preparing lignin-based phenol formaldehyde (LPF) adhesive at various ratios and various types of lignin precipitated from black liquor by using an inorganic acid (sulfuric, LPFS) and organic acid (acetic (LPFA), citric (LPFC) and formic acid (LPFF)). The synthetic LPF was used to fabricate particleboards from oil palm mesocarp fiber and tested for mechanical properties in accordance with ASTM D790, plus the thickness swelling from EN317. It was found that the particleboards that bonded with LPFC40 and exhibited the highest MOR and MOE of 6.41 MPa and 555.67 MPa respectively. Therefore, lignin-based phenol formaldehyde replaced by citric acid, has potential in phenol replacement and increase the mechanical properties of the particleboard, as well as being more environmentally friendly.

Physico-mechanical and morphological behavior of hydrothermally treated plant fibers in cementitious composites

There is an increasing interest in using natural fibers to replace synthetic fibers in fiber cement composites. However, the hydrophilicity and geometric instability of natural fibers undermines their suitability for this purpose. A potential solution is to apply hydrothermal treatment to modify the natural fibers before use. However, the efficacy of this treatment on all natural fibers is still unclear. This research investigated the influence of hydrothermal treatment cycles on three natural (plant) fibers and the resulting performance when used in fiber cement composites. African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) mesocarp fibers and bast fibers sourced from hemp (Cannabis sativa) and flax (Linum usitatissimum) plants were used. These fibers were subjected to six hydrothermal treatment cycles and assessed for tensile strength, vapor sorptivity, chemical and morphological differences. Both untreated and hydrothermally treated fibers were incorporated in fiber cement composites of varying compositions and characterized for flexural strength, porosity and mineralogical phases. The treatment affected the fibers differently depending on their composition. It enhanced fibers with high cellulose, low ketones and organic matter contents and was found to be milder on flax fibers than hemp and palm fibers. Dynamic vapor sorption time on treated fibers decreased by 1 hour 11 minutes, 4 hours 15 minutes and 5 hours 55 minutes in flax, hemp and palm fibers respectively. The cellulose decomposition peak was maintained at 375ºC in flax fibers but shifted from 330 to 375ºC in hemp fibers and 350 – 375ºC in palm fibers. FTIR peak ratios revealed that flax fibers lost lignin and hemicellulose proportionally while lignin degraded the most in palm fibers and hemicellulose in hemp fibers. The treatment enhanced the crystallinity of flax fibers better than hemp fibers but depleted the crystallinity of palm fibers. Flax and hemp fibers had increased tensile strength and improved the performance of fiber cement composites with hydrothermal treatment while palm fibers did not. Generally, hydrothermally treated flax and hemp fibers increased the specific energy (SE) by 6 – 24% and 2 – 19% respectively while palm fibers showed a decrease in SE by 20%. An enhanced bridging ability was exhibited by the treated hemp and flax fibers compared to their untreated fibers. The amorphous matrices of fiber cement composites with fly ash and crystalline matrices of fiber cement composites with palm oil fuel ash performed comparably well with flax and hemp fibers as reinforcement. The use of palm oil fuel ash in fiber cement composites offered greater resistance to fiber pull out and had a greater modulus of rupture (MOR) than those with fly ash. This resulted in untreated fibers performing better in fiber cement composites with palm oil fuel ash while treated fibers performed best in those with fly ash. Overall, hydrothermal treatment was an efficient means of enhancing the performances of fibers with high cellulose, low ketones and organic matter as reinforcement for fiber cement composites.

Investigation of thermo-mechanical properties of Cochlospermum Gossypium composite materials with inserted OPM fibre

In this research, a complete systematic technique for fabricating and characterising the various properties of Cochlospermum Gossypium (CG) and oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF) reinforced composites are reported. Following the hand lay-up method for manufacturing composites with varying OPMF weight percentages (5, 10, and 15), the composites were subjected to a variety of characterisation tests. To improve the interfacial bonding, capabilities of OPM fibre surfaces were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Microstructural studies, such as scanning electron microscopy, were performed on the produced samples, followed by mechanical characteristics like tensile, flexural, and impact tests. Furthermore, the TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) test was performed as part of the thermal tests. The treated composites were found to be increased by 69.64% in tensile strength and 38.37% in flexural strength when compared with untreated composites and neat matrix in the tensile test. Thermal study revealed that 15% of fibre content outperforms the other weight fractions of the composites under investigation, as evidenced by TGA, microstructural, and mechanical testing.

THE EFFECT OF OZONATION, ULTRASONIC, AND HYBRID OZONATION-ULTRASONIC PRETREATMENT METHODS ON THE DELIGNIFICATION OF OIL PALM MESOCARP FIBERS

Oil palm mesocarp fiberis a by-product of the palm oil pressing process, which has great potential if used as a second-generation biofuel raw material. The main components of oil palm mesocarp fiber are cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin commonly called lignocellulose. Cellulose is the most valuable component to be utilized in the bioenergy sector. However, the oil palm mesocarp fibers lignin layer, which binds cellulose and restricts cellulose accessibility, makes it difficult to use. Ozone pretreatment is considered to be an alternative and effective method of lignin breakdown. This study compares the ozonation, ultrasonic, and hybrid ozonation-ultrasonicmethods used to degrade lignin in oil palm mesocarp fibers. The operating conditions were set at pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11), flow rate (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) L min-1, for (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100) minutes, at 29±1 oC. The research indicates that using ozonation-ultrasonic hybridization results in a more significant degradation of lignin than using ozonation and ultrasonics individually. In this investigation, the hybrid ozonation-ultrasonic treatment gives the best lignin degradation results and the highest quantities of cellulose, reaching 91.99% after 60 minutes at a temperature of 29±1 oC, a pH of 9, and a flow rate of 2 L.min-1. Meanwhile, the degradation of lignin using ozone treatment is 72.75%, and ultrasound only 47.70%. Cellulose with the highest purity is 89.71%.

Tensile Strength and Water Absorption of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites: Effect of Volume Fraction of Fiber

Oil palm fiber has been developed for application of composite reinforcement. This fiber can be produced from the fruit of oil palm like mesocarp and empty fruit bunch fibers. In this paper, the oil palm mesocarp fiber used as reinforcement of composite was focused on the variation of volume fraction of fiber in the composite related to tensile strength and water absorption properties. The variation of volume fraction of fiber includes 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. The unsaturated polyester was used as a matrix. Prior to the use of fiber, it was immersed in sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) with 12wt % during 120 hours. Composite fabrication method is hand lay-up with compression molding. The composite samples were tested by the tensile and water absorption tests. Then, the fracture of tensile test was analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The result shows that the tensile strength of composite increases with increase in the volume fraction. Meanwhile, the percentage of water absorption decreases with rise in the volume fraction.