Oil Palm Trunk Research Articles

Pressed oil palm trunk sap – new raw material for biotechnology

Pressed oil palm trunk sap – new raw material for biotechnology

Development of low-cost medium for ethanol production by using glutamic acid mother liquor

In this study, glutamic acid mother liquor (GML) was used as a nitrogen source for a low-cost medium development by substituting yeast extract and peptone (YP) to produce ethanol from oil palm trunk (OPT) fibers using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The optimum medium components predicted by the model were 3.95 g.nitrogen/L of GML, 0.05 g/L MgSO4‧7H2O and 0.27 g/L KH2PO4 to produce ethanol 90.03 g/L by Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR 5606. The maximum ethanol concentration of 89.59 ± 2.36 g/L with a theoretical yield of 95.61 ± 2.06 % was observed at initial glucose concentration of 180 g/L. The GML media containing 10 % OPT fibers gave 26.55 ± 1.52 g/L ethanol concentration and 68.33 ± 3.92 % ethanol theoretical yield. Additionally, ethanol concentration increased to 54.75 ± 0.67 g/L with a theoretical yield of 70.48 ± 0.85 % at 20 % substrate (w/v) loading. The results exhibited that low-cost medium saved 2.34 USD/L (173.5 %) as compared to YP media.

Adsorption of Methylene Blue on Nano-Crystal Cellulose of Oil Palm Trunk: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies

The adsorption kinetic study of methylene blue using nano-crystal cellulose made from oil palm trunk was investigated. A sample of 0.08 g of nano-crystal cellulose was used to adsorb 300 mL of methylene blue solution, with a varied stirring speed at 100, 200, and 300 rpm. Meanwhile, the concentration of methylene blue was varied at 1, 2, and 3 mg/L. The experimental results showed that the range of adsorption rate constant was 0.0007–0.0130 m/min. For the thermodynamic study, adsorption temperature was varied at 303, 308, 313, and 318 K. The adsorption capacity values for such temperatures were 10.3389, 10.3802, 10.3614, and 10.3464 mg/g, respectively. It was found that ΔH° value of 0.00742 kJ/mol, ΔS° of 0.7758 kJ/mol K and ΔG° value of −242.81 kJ/mol. Based on the curve-fitting using the Henry, Langmuir, and Freundlich isotherm models, this adsorption tended to the Langmuir isotherm model, where the adsorption formed a monolayer covering the surface of the adsorbent. It was also found that the Langmuir affinity constant (KL) value was 4.560 L/mg, and the maximum adsorption capacity (qm) was 8.590 mg/g.

Techno-Economic Viability Assessment of a Household Scale Agricultural Residue Composite Briquette Project for Rural Communities in Nigeria

This study evaluated the technical and economic viability of a household scale composite briquette project. The objectives were to assess the quality of briquettes, estimate the cost of production, and determine the feasibility of the project. Briquettes were made from a blend of corncobs and the bark of oil palm trunk using a manual press. Production cost was estimated from the market price of commodities and specific economic indicators were used for feasibility analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed on some essential input parameters that may affect the profitability of the project. Economic analysis revealed that the unit production cost of the briquettes was USD 0.16 per kg. The net present value was USD 6755.91 from the sale of briquettes at USD 0.26 per kg. An accounting profit is possible once briquette sales are above the break-even point of 7329.8 kg. Households could save about 25% from their per-capita expenditure on fuelwood when briquettes are utilized. Overall, the household briquette project is technically and economically viable in Nigeria. The significance of this study lies in the provision of a piece of baseline information to encourage local bio-energy development and serve as a guide for stakeholders in Nigeria with a potential interest in investing in briquette technology.

Resistance of the inner part of oil palm trunk impregnated with aqueous polymer-isocyanate to subterranean termite attack

Isocyanate impregnation was studied relative to the subterranean termite (Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren) resistance of the inner part of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) trunk. Unproductive oil palm trunk was harvested and divided into top and bottom parts. Samples were isolated from the inner part of the trunk with a size of 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 0.5 cm. The samples were impregnated with 10% and 20% aqueous polymer-isocyanate and then heated at 60 °C for 48 h. The specimens were fed to subterranean termites under laboratory conditions. The weight percent gain values were 15.3% to 21.0% and 9.2% to 14.7% for the top and bottom parts, respectively. A higher isocyanate concentration decreased the moisture content and increased the density of inner part of the oil palm trunk. Impregnation with aqueous polymer-isocyanate increased termite mortality at the bottom part and decreased the feeding rate and weight percent loss. Impregnation with 10% and 20% aqueous polymer-isocyanate enhanced the resistance class of the bottom part of the inner part of the oil palm trunk from very poorly resistant (V) to poorly resistant (IV) and moderately resistant (III), respectively, based on the standard adopted.

Characterization of particleboard using the inner part of oil palm trunk (OPT) with a bio-based adhesive of sucrose and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP)

The effective utilization of the inner part of oil palm trunk (OPT), generally considered a waste product, is desired. In this study, particleboards were manufactured using the inner part of OPT with a bio-based adhesive made of sucrose and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP). The mixture ratio of sucrose to ADP and the resin content were changed to investigate the optimum condition of the adhesive. The pressing condition was set at 180 °C for 10 min, and the target density was 0.8 g/cm3. The optimum mixture ratio of sucrose to ADP was 80:20, and the optimum resin content was 20 wt%. The manufactured boards had modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) in bending values of 16.4 MPa and 4.3 GPa, respectively. The internal bond strength (IB) was 1.85 MPa, and the thickness swelling (TS) was 9.6%. This indicated that the constructed particleboard was comparable to the 13 types of JIS A 5908 standard (2003). In addition, the particleboard had good termite and decay resistance, similar to those of OPT particleboards made with synthetic adhesives. It was clarified that excellent particleboard could be manufactured from the inner part of OPT and a bio-based adhesive made of sucrose and ADP.

Characteristic of the material deposits, microclimate profile, epiphyte abundance, and bacteria populations in the above-ground ecosystem of oil palm

Abstract. Pradiko I, Farrasati R, Rahutomo S, Sapalina F, Pane RDP, Hidayat F, Ginting EN. 2022. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of microhabitats inside oil palm trunk axils in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 3793-3807. Above-ground ecosystems (AGE) components in oil palm plantations consist of epiphytic plants and fauna in microhabitat within the axil of pruned fronds. This research aimed to identify the characteristics of microhabitat, including microclimate profile, physical and chemical properties of the material deposit, epiphyte abundance, and microbe population. The study sites were located in the eastern and western regions of North Sumatra. Furthermore, vertical observations were taken on oil palm trunks at the height of 20, 100, 150, 200, and 300 cm. The study indicated that the microclimate, nutrients content, physical properties of the material deposit, and bacterial populations in the trunk axils of oil palm in the eastern differed from the western region. There was no obvious pattern in the microclimate profile for individual oil palms. However, there was a change in N, C-organic, and C/N ratios with the increasing height of microhabitat sites. In terms of abundance, Nephrolepis bisserata and Vittaria ensiformis epiphytes were more dominant in the upper and bottom trunk, respectively. The microhabitat at the bottom trunk had a denser bacterial population, negatively correlated with N, C-organic, C/N ratio, Mg, and pH.

Investigation of the molecular characterization and antioxidant activity of bio-oil produced from high moisture oil palm residues employing hydrothermal liquefaction

Oil palm residues are a promising feedstock for green chemical production; however, they are high in moisture and difficult to use. This study focuses on the conversion of high-moisture biomass, namely empty fruit bunch (EFB), oil palm trunk (OPT), and oil palm frond (OPF), into phenolic-rich bio-oil employing non-catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) at 250, 275, and 300 °C for a 30-min holding time. Ethyl acetate was used to extract the HTL product. The results showed that the degree of depolymerization was 83–97%. The weight-average molecular weights (Mw) of the bio-oil produced from EFB at 300 °C (EFB-300 °C), OPT-300 °C, and OPF-275 °C were 130, 599, and 100 g mol−1, respectively. When the HTL temperature was increased, the Mw of the bio-oil products decreased due to depolymerization. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry showed that the molecular weights of the bio-oil products from EFB, OPT, and OPF were m/z 197–271, 208–334, and 203–343, respectively. The ratios of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) units of lignin were in the range of 0.352–0.731. The main lignin components were p-hydroxyphenyl (H) and G units, which favor phenolic resin substitution. The antioxidant activity of the extracted bio-oil from HTL at 300 °C was very strong (IC50: 17.1–39.6 ppm), indicating its potential for future research and applications.

Characteristics of Liquefied Adhesive Made of Oil-Palm Trunk (OPT) and their Application for Particleboard’s Binding

Liquefied adhesive made of oil-palm trunk (OPT) was produced according to bio-refinery concept. In this context, OPT was converted into 20-60 mesh powder and it was converted into liquid via liquefaction process involving reaction of thermo-chemical and resulting in pre-polymer like phenol-formaldehyde (PF). The characteristics were determined based on Indonesian Standard (SNI) 06-4567-1998 for PF resin. The pre-polymer then was used for binding of three composition types of particleboards, namely 100% OPT particle, 50:50 mixture of OPT and jabon wood particles, and 100% jabon wood particle. Evaluation of the board was carried out based on Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) A 5908-2003 for particleboard. Results of this study exhibited properties of the pre-polymer generally met the SNI except its viscosity was too high. For overcoming this, the pre-polymer was then diluted in solvent until it was appropriate to be placed in spray gun and passed the nozzle for further use as binder. Physical properties of the board showed moisture content (MC) and density fulfilled JIS standard however thickness swelling was up to limit. Mechanical properties of the board showed only modulus of elasticity (MoE) met the criteria of JIS while modulus of rupture (MoR) and internal bonding were below the target. Statistically, two parameters, namely MC and MoE were different among the boards. For sum up, making adhesive from oil-palm stem using bio-refinery method was feasible and it can be applied for particleboard binding.

PRODUKSI BIOETANOL DARI LIMBAH BATANG KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis guineensis) MENGGUNAKAN Zymomonas mobilis DENGAN PERLAKUAN CRUDE ENZIM Trichoderma reesei DAN Aspergillus niger

<p><em>Bioethanol is an alternative energy that is starting to be needed, along with the depletion of petroleum reserves. Bioethanol can be obtained from various wastes, including palm oil trunk waste which contains 86.03% cellulose. The purpose of this study was to determine the production of bioethanol from oil palm trunk waste by treatment with crude enzymes Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger. This research is an experimental study using a completely randomized design, namely the ratio of crude enzymes from Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger (0:0), (1:0), (0:1), (1:1), (2:1), (1:2), (3:1), (1:3) on sugar and bioethanol content of fermented oil palm stem waste using Zymomonas mobilis. Sugar content was measured using the DNS method, bioethanol content was measured using an alcoholmeter. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA. The results showed that the crude enzymes T. reesei and A. niger could increase the sugar content, namely the ratio of crude enzymes T. reesei and A. niger 3:1 (11.89 g/mL). The highest bioethanol content was in the ratio of crude enzymes T. reesei and A. niger (2:1), which was 2.34%.</em><em></em></p>

Graphene Oxide Production Via Exfoliation Process of Low-Temperature Synthetic Graphite from Oil Palm Trunk Waste

Graphene Oxide Production Via Exfoliation Process of Low-Temperature Synthetic Graphite from Oil Palm Trunk Waste

Properties Enhancement of Oil Palm Trunk Plywood against Decay and Termite for Marine Applications.

Oil palm trunk (OPT) veneers have the potential to be used in the production of plywood for marine applications. However, OPT is not resistant to fungal decay and termites, limiting its use in the production of marine plywood. As a result, in this study, phenolic resin treatment was used to improve the biological durability of OPT and produce marine grade equivalent (MGE) plywood. The OPT veneer was treated with medium molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (MmwPF) resin. The results showed that MmwPF resin with a solid content of 30% resulted in higher weight percent gain and polymer retention. Veneers treated with 30% MmwPF resin were then pressed for more than 10 min at temperatures above 140 °C. Dimensional stability, shear strength, bending strength, fungal decay resistance, and termite resistance were all tested on the plywood produced. The results of this study revealed that MGE plywood has satisfactory bonding quality and excellent biological durability. Good bending strength was recorded for the MGE plywood with modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity ranged between 31.03 and 38.85 MPa and 4110 and 5120 MPa, respectively. Rubberwood, as a reference sample in this study, is not durable (Class 5) against white rot fungi and is moderately durable (Class III) against subterranean termite attacks. Interestingly, MGE plywood produced in this study was found very durable (Class 1) against white rot fungi. It is also durable (Class II) and very durable (Class I) against termite attacks, depending on the pressing parameters employed. Based on their outstanding bonding quality, bending strength, and biological durability, the study confirmed the feasibility of OPT plywood for marine applications.

OPTIMASI NIRA SAWIT DALAM PEMBUATAN MINUMAN SINBIOTIK DENGAN TAMBAHAN INULIN DAN KULTUR BAKTERI LACTOBACILLUS CASEI

Oil palm trunks can produce quite a lot of sap water, which is approximately 10 per day for 1 month for 1 oil palm tree that is uprooted, currently, there is not much optimal processing of palm oil with an economical selling price, for this reason, it is necessary to develop functional foods. This study aims to determine whether palm sap can be used in the manufacture of symbiotic beverage products with optimum chemical, microbiological and organoleptic qualities. The study was arranged using a non-factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method with 3 treatments of incubation time, namely 12 hours, 24 hours, and 36 hours with each treatment using 6 replications so that 18 experiments were carried out. The best treatment by SNI 2981:2009 was obtained at an incubation time of 24 hours, namely with a pH of 5.2, water content is 82.50%, total dissolved solids is 17.33%, the lactic acid content is 0.81%, a total lactic acid bacteria of 2.8 x 108 and produces a minimum dense texture with sufficient acidity. The organoleptic aspect of taste and aroma at 24 hours of incubation time was favored or acceptable to consumers with a taste score of 3.3b and aroma of 3.3ab (scale 1-5) in the hedonic rating test. Meanwhile, at 36 hours of incubation, consumers did not like it with a taste score of 2.2a and aroma of 2.1a. This is because the longer the fermentation time can increase the acidity of the product which causes the distinctive taste and aroma of palm sap to increase.

Physicochemical and structural characterisation of oil palm trunks (OPT) hydrochar made via wet torrefaction

This study evaluates the effect of wet torrefaction of OPT under autogenous pressures at 3 different relatively low temperatures (i.e. 180, 200, and 220 oC) and extended residence times (i.e. 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 48, and 72 h) on the hydrochar's physical, chemical, and structural properties. Logarithmic-like increase of HHV profile was observed at the highest temperature of 220 oC, in which a plateau was reached at 24 h. Between temperature and residence time, temperature gave a more significant influence on the characteristics of the produced biochar. The HHV of the biomass sample increases from 16.4 MJ kg−1 in raw OPT to the highest HHV of 26.9 MJ kg−1 when torrefied at 220 oC for 72 h. Van Krevelen analysis shows dehydration was the primary reaction pathway that occurred during wet torrefaction of OPT at 180 oC for 24 h, 200 oC for 24 h, 220 oC for 6 h, and 220 oC for 12 h. Decarboxylation dominates the reaction when temperature and residence time was increased to 220 oC for 24 h, respectively. Further increasing the residence time to 48 and 72 h at 220 oC promotes demethylation as the dominant reaction. FTIR analysis reveals that most hemicellulose and parts of cellulose decomposed when OPT was subjected to lower temperature and/or residence time (i.e. 180 oC for 24 h, 200 oC for 24 h, 220 oC for 6 h, and 220 oC for 12 h). However, increasing temperature to 220 oC and beyond 24 h resulted in carbon-rich and lignin-dense hydrochar, which was observed in powder XRD results where graphite nitrate peak at 2θ of 7.4o appears. Morphology analysis reveals that most of the hemicellulose and cellulose-rich parenchyma was removed when subjected to wet torrefaction at 220 oC for 24 h. The formation of microspheres from the repolymerisation of 5-HMF was observed in large quantities in OPT hydrochar treated at 220 oC for 72 h. Inorganic elemental analysis shows that wet torrefaction of OPT effectively removes K and Cl from the biomass. The removal of K increased with increased temperature, which may partially resolve the corrosion problems in combustion reactions related to silicate deposition. OPT hydrochar from WT under autogenous condition and relatively low temperature exhibits much more improved fuel properties compared to raw OPT.

Oil palm trunk replanting as brown sugar raw materials

The trunks of unproductive oil palms that are rejuvenated can be used to make brown sugar as an innovation and additional income for farmers. The goal of this research is to know the utilization of palm trunks as brown sugar raw materials. Additionally, to know the break event point (BEP) and to analyze the fitness of return cost of ratio from agroindustry of oil palm’s brown sugar in Kampung Maredan Barat Kecamatan Tualang Kabupaten Siak. The method of data collection is done through interviews with sellers using questionnaires. The result showed that oil palm trunks can be utilized with roughly 45 trunks out of 120 trunks in total per ha (37%). This business can gain 3,811,650 IDR with 310,265.6 IDR as BEP. The ability to produce on average is 900kg per month with BEP score is 22.4kg. The return cost of ratio is (1.44 > 1) and as it is bigger than one, so this business is fitting.

Mechanical and Durability Properties of Foamed Concrete with the Addition of Oil Palm Trunk Fibre

Nowadays, in Malaysia, one of the country's challenges is the improper management and disposal of solid waste. The leading sector that generates most of the solid waste in Malaysia is the agricultural sector from oil palm fibre, similar to oil palm trunk fibre, which is also be used as an additive in producing foamed concrete (FC). However, FC presents a weakness in tension, which can be reduced by adding an adequate volume of waste biomass by-product such as oil palm trunk (OPT) fibre. Accordingly, this study was undertaken to investigate the potential of utilising OPT fibre as a reinforcement in FC. There were four different volume fractions of OPT fibre: 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45%, and 0.60% used as an additive to the FC mix. Two densities, 600 kg/m3 and 1200 kg/m3, were cast and tested. All FC specimens were then prepared and left to cure and exposed to the elements for 7, 28, and 56 days. In this study, to properties were examined: mechanical and durability properties. The results showed that the addition of OPT fibre in FC improved the compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage, porosity and ultrasonic pulse velocity of the FC. OPT's surface roughness was proved beneficial for fibre to matrix interfacial bonding since a coarser surface permit OPT fibre and matrix interlocking in the hardened cement matrix. Based on the results of this study for 600 kg/m3 density, 0.30% volume fraction was the optimum amount added to the FC to achieve the best durability and mechanical properties. While for 1200 kg/m3, 0.45% volume fraction of OPT was the optimum percentage.

Biovalorization of whole old oil palm trunk as low-cost nutrient sources for biomass and lipid production by oleaginous yeasts through batch and fed-batch fermentation

Biovalorization of whole old oil palm trunk as low-cost nutrient sources for biomass and lipid production by oleaginous yeasts through batch and fed-batch fermentation

Intensive exploration of the fuel characteristics of biomass and biochar from oil palm trunk and oil palm fronds for supporting increasing demand of solid biofuels in Thailand

This investigation explored the intensive characteristics of biomass and biochar from oil palm trunk (OPT) and oil palm fronds (OPF) for supporting the increasing demand of solid biofuels in Thailand. The characteristics of these samples were also compared to low grade sub-bituminous coal (LGSBC). The results indicate that converting OPT and OPF to biochar not only enhanced the fuel ratio and atomic ratios, but it also improved the energy content. The higher heating values (HHV) of OPT and OPF biochars were 26.92 and 28.05 MJ/kg. The fuel ratio, atomic ratio and HHV of biochars were better than those of LGSBC and biomass forms. Thermal decomposition and combustion characteristics of biomass and biochar from OPT and OPF were clearly different in N2 and air atmospheres. The biomass and biochar from OPT and OPF had high contents of alkali elements, consequently their ashes had high concentrations of some oxides like SiO2 and K2O. Biomass and biochar ashes from OPT and OPF had low initial deformation temperature (IDT). The IDT of OPT biochar ash was the lowest (907 °C), while the IDT of ash from LGSBC was above 1500 °C. The slagging and fouling indexes of biochars were clearly different from the LGSBC and biomass forms. Therefore, biomass and biochar from OPT and OPF have potential for solid biofuel use, and they are promising for further upgrading and applications. The user needs to be concerned with ash related problems like ash fusion, slagging, and fouling during combustion of these solid biofuels.

Panel Products Made of Oil Palm Trunk: A Review of Potency, Environmental Aspect, and Comparison with Wood-Based Composites.

Oil palm plantations have expanded rapidly in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. A lot of products, including food and other edible products, oleo-chemicals, cosmetics, personal and household care, pharmaceutical products, and biodiesels are derived from palm oil, thus making them one of the most economically important plants. After 25–30 years of age, the palms are felled and replaced due to declining oil production. Oil palm trunks (OPT) are considered significant waste products. The trunks remain on the plantation site for nutrient recycling or burning. This increases insect and fungi populations causing environmental problems for the new palm generation or air pollution due to the fire. Up till now, OPT has received less attention in research studies. Therefore, this review summarizes the utilization of OPT into products made of oil palm fibers mainly derived from OPT and its application as the substitution of wood panel products. Some research works have been carried out on oil palm fibers that are derived from OPT for exploiting their potential as raw material of composite panel products, which is the objective of this review. Areas of development are processed into various conventional composite panel products such as plywood and laminated board which are usually predominantly made of wood and bonded by synthetic resins, particleboard with binder, or binderless and cement board which is arranged with wood as a minor component. All of the products have been presented and described technically according to best knowledge of the authors and literature review.

Reactive oxygen species scavenging capacities of oil palm trunk sap evaluated using the electron spin resonance spin trapping method

Oil palm waste is a potential source of renewable energy and also of bioactive compounds. In the present study, we analysed oil palm trunk sap (OPTS) squeezed from different parts of the trunk stored for different times and measured the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping method using 5-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propoxycyclophosphoryl)−5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (CYPMPO) as the spin trapping reagent. The highest alkoxyl radical (RO•), hydroxyl radical (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2) scavenging capacities were found in OPTS squeezed from the middle and top parts of the oil palm trunk. OPTS from the bottom part exhibited a lower ROS scavenging capacity than the other parts. The highest scavenging capacity for RO• was found in OPTS from the middle part of the trunk (10.38 mM Trolox eq./mL), similar to that of green tea (12.42 mM Trolox eq./mL). The scavenging capacities for •OH of OPTS from the middle, top, and bottom parts of the trunk were 4779, 3729 and 1920 mM mannitol eq./mL, respectively, compared with 6594 mM mannitol eq./mL for blackberry. The highest 1O2 scavenging capacity of 228 mM GSH eq./mL was exhibited by OPTS from the top part of the trunk, which was higher than that of the green tea, blackberry, black tea, aloe and cucumber used as standards. The ROS scavenging capacity of OPTS measured by ESR was correlated with the corresponding values from the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. The antioxidant activity of OPTS decreased with storage time after the OPT was felled. The strong ROS scavenging capacity of OPTS makes it a potential source of bioactive compounds for use in pharmacological, cosmetic, chemical and functional food applications.