Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Research Articles

Production of humic acids by solid-state fermentation of Trichoderma reesei in raw oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers.

Humic acids (HA) are organic macromolecules of high structural complexity and are primarily obtained from non-renewable carbon sources such as peat and coal. HA is widely used in agriculture but is known to have therapeutic properties, which are still poorly explored. Previous studies have shown the potential of biotechnological processes in the production of HA in submerged fermentation (SF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) using pre-treated fibers of oil palm of empty fruit bunch (EFB) for the cultivation of Trichoderma strains. EFB is an agro-industrial residue that is readily available at a low cost. The present study aimed to study the production of HA by Trichoderma reesei in the SSF of raw fibers of EFBs from two different palm oil producers. Profiles of HA production, cellular protein, pH, glucose, moisture, and oxygen transfer were obtained during SSF by EFB with and without lipids, as well as, images by electron microscopy of fibers. Results showed efficient HA production in the raw fibers of the EFBs. HA production followed the cellular protein (6g HA per 100g of fibers) evolution of the fermentations in the absence of lipids, while the composition of lipids greatly affected its production. The best HA production (350mg HA per 100g of fibers) was obtained from EFB that was richer in lignocellulosics and the residual lipids were similar to the fractions of palm and kernel oils, while EFB with lower lignocellulosic presented a production 110mg HA per 100g of fibers.

Membandingkan Cetakan Terbuka Dengan Tertutup Pada Pembuatan Papan Skate Board Dari Limbah Sawit

This study aims to compare open and closed molds, hand lay-up method in the manufacture of skate board boards from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) fiber reinforced composites. The constituent materials of this composite are OPEFB fiber and unsaturated polyester resin. The mixing of both of materials with the ratio of the composition of the OPEFB fiber and polyester resin is made based on a volume fraction of 20:80. The diameter of the OPEFB fiber that is used ranges from 0.1 to 0.8 mm mixed into the unsaturated polyster resin liquid. OPEFB fibers are arranged longitudinally with one layer according to the thickness of the skate board. Skate board prints made using a cover have smooth surfaces on both sides. However, to ensure that the resin has filled the entire surface of the mold from a closed mold seen from the presence of resin that comes out of the closing gap. This resin can not be used anymore because it will dry up and freeze. When compared with printouts without pentup has a rough surface on the top side of the skate board. The conclusion is that the use of closed molds has better results when compared to open molds.

Evaluation of the Compatibility of Organosolv Lignin-Graphene Nanoplatelets with Photo-Curable Polyurethane in Stereolithography 3D Printing.

In this study, lignin has been extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers via an organosolv process. The organosolv lignin obtained was defined by the presence of hydroxyl-containing molecules, such as guaiacyl and syringyl, and by the presence of phenolic molecules in lignin. Subsequently, the extracted organosolv lignin and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were utilized as filler and reinforcement in photo-curable polyurethane (PU), which is used in stereolithography 3D printing. The compatibility as well as the characteristic and structural changes of the composite were identified through the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed composites. Furthermore, the tensile strength of the composited lignin and graphene shows significant improvement as high as 27%. The hardness of the photo-curable PU composites measured by nanoindentation exhibited an enormous improvement for 0.6% of lignin-graphene at 92.49 MPa with 238% increment when compared with unmodified PU.

Influence of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Fibre on Drying Shrinkage in Restrained Lightweight Foamed Mortar

Currently, the attention on natural fibre reinforced concrete based materials could be seen increasingly rising around the world in the quest for economic and environmental importance in the construction sector and built environment. Hence this research will focus on inclusion of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre on drying shrinkage of lightweight foamed mortar (LFM). There were three densities of LFM was considered which were 800kg/m³, 1100kg/m³ and 1400kg/m³.The size for the empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibre was between 15-19mm with diverse volume fractions of 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45% and 0.60% by LFM mix volume. The drying shrinkage test was performed according to American Standard ASTM C157. The test specimen dimension is a 75mm x 75mm x 275 mm prism shaped utilising a standard stainless mould which conforms to ASTM C490. The experimental results revealed that the inclusion of 0.3% EFB fibre in 800 kg/m3 density, 0.45% EFB fibre in 800 kg/m3 and 1400 kg/m3 densities possess the lowest percentage value of drying shrinkage at the final age of testing compared to control specimen and other EFB fibre volume fraction. In addition, EFB fibre exhibits a micrometer level diameter and hydrophilicity attributes which make it highly dispersible. It also has a capability to be distributed homogeneously along with the synchronicity of a great fibres quantity in unit volume of LFM.

Surface-treated oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber improved tensile strength and water resistance of wheat gluten-based bioplastic

This study evaluated the morphology, chemical composition and color parameters of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber after surface treatment with hot water (90 °C) and alkali treatments (1 w/v% and 5 w/v% NaOH). Treatment of the fiber with a 5 w/v% solution of NaOH more effectively eliminated residual surface contaminants than hot water treatment and alkaline treatment with 1 w/v% NaOH. However, color parameters were slightly reduced. The tensile strength and water absorption of composites of wheat gluten and surface-modified fiber were compared with the same properties of composites loaded with unmodified fiber. The highest tensile strength and lowest water absorption were obtained with a composite of wheat gluten and 15 wt% OPEFB fiber treated with 5 w/v% NaOH. The good adhesion between the fiber and the wheat gluten matrix enabled a more effective transfer of stress from the wheat gluten matrix to the fiber and also reduced water absorption into the wheat gluten matrix. Therefore, composites of wheat gluten and oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber have potential to be developed for use as green composite materials.

Telescopic synthesis of cellulose nanofibrils with a stable dispersion of Fe(0) nanoparticles for synergistic removal of 5-fluorouracil

The recognition of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) in the past years as a high prospect material has been prominent, but the impractical cellulose extraction method from biomass remained as a technological barrier for industrial practice. In this study, the telescopic approach on the fractionation of lignin and cellulose was performed by organosolv extraction and catalytic oxidation from oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers. The integration of these techniques managed to synthesize CNF in a short time. Aside from the size, the zeta potential of CNF was measured at −41.9 mV, which allow higher stability of the cellulose in water suspension. The stability of CNF facilitated a better dispersion of Fe(0) nanoparticles with the average diameter size of 52.3–73.24 nm through the formulation of CNF/Fe(0). The total uptake capacity of CNF towards 5-fluorouracil was calculated at 0.123 mg/g. While the synergistic reactions of adsorption-oxidation were significantly improved the removal efficacy three to four times greater even at a high concentration of 5-fluorouracil. Alternatively, the sludge generation after the oxidation reaction was completely managed by the encapsulation of Fe(0) nanoparticles in regenerated cellulose.

Xylitol Production From Byproducts Generated During Sequential Acid-/Alkali-Pretreatment of Empty Palm Fruit Bunch Fiber by an Adapted Candida tropicalis

Xylose is a pentose sugar with the potential to convert a variety of valuable chemical products. In this study, acidic pretreatment wastewater generated during a sequential acid-/alkali-pretreatment process was recycled to increase the hydrolyzed hemicellulose fraction from empty palm fruit bunch fiber (EPFBF), a lignocellulosic biomass. The xylose in the reused wastewater was subjected to overliming and an activated charcoal column was used to remove inhibitory compounds, for xylitol fermentation using the adapted C. tropicalis strain. The cell growth and xylose uptake rates in the adapted strain were 1.7- and 5-fold higher, respectively, compared to the wild-type strain. During batch fermentation using the adapted yeast strain and the post-pretreated xylose solution, 35.2 ± 0.8 g/L xylitol was obtained within 61 h for a production yield of 0.44 g xylitol/g xylose. These results indicate that xylose in the byproducts produced in the bioethanol process could be recovered for production of xylitol.

Isolation and Characterization of the Stress-Tolerant Candida tropicalis YHJ1 and Evaluation of Its Xylose Reductase for Xylitol Production From Acid Pre-treatment Wastewater.

A stress-tolerant yeast was isolated from honey using acid hydrolysate generated from sequential acid-/alkali-pretreatment of empty palm fruit bunch fiber (EPFBF). The isolated yeast was identified molecularly, taxonomically, and morphologically as Candida tropicalis YHJ1, and analyzed for application in xylitol production. The isolated yeast showed stress tolerance toward various chemical reagents and could grow with up to 600 g/L xylose in the culture medium. This yeast also had a broad carbohydrate utilization spectrum, and its xylitol yield was greatest in medium supplemented with xylose as the sole carbon source. In batch fermentation for xylitol production, the yeast could convert xylose prepared from acidic EPFBF pretreatment wastewater into xylitol. Interestingly, C. tropicalis YHJ1 xylose reductase, containing a Ser279 residue, exhibited more effective xylitol conversion compared to orthologous Candida enzymes containing Leu279 or Asn279; this improvement was associated with NADPH binding, as predicted through homologous structure modeling and enzyme kinetic analysis. Taken together, these results show a novel stress-tolerant yeast strain that may be applicable to xylitol production from toxic lignocellulosic byproducts.

Tensile, physical and morphological properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch/sugarcane bagasse fibre reinforced phenolic hybrid composites

Recently, agriculture residue such as oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) fiber have been attracting attention to a researcher as a high potential reinforcement material for composite material in building sector. Agriculture biomass are biodegradable, sustainable, low cost and lightweight materials for composite industries. In this paper, OPEFB and SCB fiber used as filler in different ratio to fabricate hybrid composites by hand lay-up technique while maintaining total fibre loading 50 wt%. Tensile test using UTM INSTRON machine, water absorption, thickness swelling, density, void content and micrographs of hybrid composites and pure were determined. This research found that hybridization of OPEFB/SCB fiber composites indicates better performance and properties comparing with pure fiber composites. Obtained results showed that 7OPEFB:3SCB hybrid composites display highest tensile strength and modulus, 5.56 MPa and 661.MPa, respectively with less porous and voids area compared to pure composites. While 3OPEFB:7SCB hybrid composites show lower water absorption and thickness swelling after 24 h analysis. This research addresses agriculture residue seen as an alternative green product material to apply in wall as a thermal insulation and heat retention, which are important in buildings and construction sector for the purpose of energy saving.

Effect of oxide catalysts on the properties of bio-oil from in-situ catalytic pyrolysis of palm empty fruit bunch fiber

Fast pyrolysis is a potential technology for converting lignocellulosic biomass into bio-oil. Nevertheless, the high amounts of acid, oxygenated compounds, and water content diminish the energy density of the bio-oil and cause it to be unsuitable for direct usage. Catalytic fast pyrolysis (CFP) is able to improve bio-oil properties so that downstream upgrading processes can be economically feasible. Here, calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and zinc oxide (ZnO) were employed due to their potential in enhancing bio-oil properties. The results showed that overall, all three catalysts positively impacted the empty fruit bunch fibre-derived bio-oil properties. Among the catalysts, CaO showed the most favorable effects in terms of reducing the acidity of the bio-oil and anhydrosugar. Thermal stability of bio-oils produced in the presence of CaO was studied as well.

Complex Permittivity and Microwave Absorption Properties of OPEFB Fiber-Polycaprolactone Composites Filled with Recycled Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Nanoparticles.

Recycled hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles with enhanced complex permittivity properties have been incorporated as a filler in a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix reinforced with oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber for microwave absorption applications. The complex permittivity values were improved by reducing the particle sizes to the nano scale via high-energy ball milling for 12 h. A total of 5–20 wt.% recycled α-Fe2O3/OPEFB/PCL nanocomposites were examined for their complex permittivity and microwave absorption properties via the open ended coaxial (OEC) technique and the transmission/reflection line measurement using a microstrip connected to a two-port vector network analyzer. The microstructural analysis of the samples included X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). At 1 GHz, the real (ε′) and imaginary (ε″) parts of complex permittivity of recycled α-Fe2O3 particles, respectively, increased from 7.88 to 12.75 and 0.14 to 0.40 when the particle size was reduced from 1.73 μm to 16.2 nm. A minimum reflection loss of −24.2 dB was achieved by the 20 wt.% nanocomposite at 2.4 GHz. Recycled α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles are effective fillers for microwave absorbing polymer-based composites in 1–4 GHz range applications.

Lignin extraction from oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (OPEFBF) via different alkaline treatments

This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of lignin extraction from oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (OPEFBF) by using aqueous sodium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia solutions. In this study, the aqueous ammonia treatment was conducted via three different modes, namely low temperature-long time soaked treatment (LTLt-NH3), high temperature-short time soaked treatment (HTSt-NH3), and low temperature-long time replenished treatment (LTLt-Rep-NH3). Low- and high-temperature treatments were conducted at 50 and 100 °C, respectively. The efficiency of lignin extraction upon aq. NaOH treatment at 120 °C and solid content of 1:17 (OPEFBF-to-liquid) for 180 min was not significantly different with the LTLt-Rep-NH3 treatment at 50 °C and solid content of 1:7 (OPEFBF-to-ammonia) for 4 days. Among the tested methods, LTLt-Rep-NH3 treatment was proved to be the best lignin extraction method. Under the optimum conditions, approximately 64% of Klason lignin had been removed from the OPEFBF and about 33.0 ± 2.2% of lignin was successfully recovered, with minimal lignin structural deconstruction.

Potential of Oil Palm (Elaeisguineensis) Empty Fruit Bunch Fibres Cement Composites for Building Applications

This study was designed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of cement-bonded composite made from oil palm (Elaeisguineensis) empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibres. The production variables investigated were pre-treatment of fibres with water at varying temperatures (cold, 60 °C and 100 °C), five chemical additive (NaOH) concentrations (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%), OPEFB fibres ash content at three cement replacement levels (10%, 20%, and 30%) and three fibre contents (5%, 10%, and 15%) by weight of cement. The composites were tested for modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bonding strength (IBS), compressive strength, density, thickness swelling (TS), and water absorption (WA). The pre-treatment of fibre with water at a temperature of 60 °C and a NaOH concentration of 8% significantly enhanced and modified the performance of the composites. It increased MOE (from 5.5 to 8.9 GPa) and MOR (from 3.6 to 7.3 MPa), and decreased WA (from 26.2 to 12.8%) and TS (from 2.5 to 0.5%). The results revealed that pre-treatment of fibres, partially replacing cement with OPEFB fibre ash and fibre contents had a marked influence on the properties of the composite board produced (p < 0.05). It was concluded that pre-treatment of OPEFB fibres, when optimised, enhanced the sorption resistance and some mechanical properties of the cement composite.

Decolorization of Synthetic Dyes by Ligninolytic Enzymes from Trametes hirsuta D7

The ability of ligninolytic enzymes from Trametes hirsuta D7 to decolorize several synthetic dyes was investigated. A crude enzyme powder was produced by fermenting oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers for one month. The dye decolorization by the enzymes occurred at an efficient 0.25 U/mL. The enzymes degraded 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) within 7 h by 95.57 ± 0.32%, 93.46 ± 3.09%, 91.84 ± 0.65%, 86.44 ± 0.97%, and 82.14 ± 0.52%, respectively. The enzyme also decolorized anthraquinone (Acid Blue 129), monoazo (Acid Orange 7), diazo (Reactive Black 5), and trimethyl methane (Methyl Violet) dyes within 7 h by 94.59 ± 7.97%, 13.99 ± 0.30%, 7.61 ± 0.01%, and 7.59 ± 0.18%, respectively. Addition of MnSO 4 , H 2 O 2 , and violuric acid enhanced the dye decolorization rate by up to 10-fold. This study shows the potential for application of ligninolytic enzymes from T. hirsuta D7 in the treatment of wastewater effluent of textile industries.

Chemical-free fractionation of palm empty fruit bunch and palm fiber by hot-compressed water technique for ethanol production

The purpose of this study was to valorize oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) and palm fiber (PF) from palm oil mills to produce fuel ethanol. Chemical-free fractionation of EFB and PF using hot-compressed water (HCW) pretreatment at temperatures ranging from 150 to 200ºC at 30 bars and reaction times for 5, 15, 25 min was applied to remove most of hemicellulose and partial lignin fractions into liquid phase. Comparison of the effects of different commercial cellulase enzyme complexes (Accellerase 1500, Cellic® Ctec2, Cellic® Htec2 and Ctec2＋Htec2) on HCW pretreated materials were investigated. Finally, an inhibitory effect of using the whole slurry from HCW pretreatment of EFB and PF on enzyme hydrolysis and ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae TISTR5606 was studied. The finding suggested using solely solid fraction from HCW pretreatment for ethanol fermentation, otherwise some additional tannic acid, furfural and acetic acid removal steps are required to prevent the inhibition on yeast growth.

Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer for the Application of Sports Equipment using Mold Casting Method

This study is focusing on fabrication of epoxy composite where oil palm empty fruit bunch is used as reinforcement agent. The aim of this research is to study the suitable duration for the alkaline treatment on the oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber towards their mechanical properties, physical properties and morphology of sample. Mold casting method is a method where the resin is poured into the mold to solidify. Different duration of oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber used which untreated, 12 hours treated and 24 hours treated. The treatment process had been done at room temperature of 27°C. Composite then fabricated by mixing the oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber and epoxy at 5 wt% of fiber and cured at room temperature for 24 hours to complete the process. The mechanical properties of the sample being tested by conducting flexural test and impact test. Studies of physical properties of the sample also conducted by density and porosity test. Morphology test also conducted to study the surface morphology of the tested sample. Flexural strength of the composite had been produced is between 46.77 MPa - 83.63 MPa with density and porosity at 1.1379 g/cm3-1.1527 g/cm3 and 1.57% - 2.02%. Impact strength produced by those composite is between 0.132 J/mm2 and 1.1527 J/mm2. The oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber/epoxy composite that went through 24 hours fiber treatment shows high potential to be used as reinforcement to epoxy as suitable material for sports equipment.

Optimizing Treatment of Oil Palm-Empty Fruit Bunch (OP-EFB) Fiber: Chemical, Thermal and Physical Properties of Alkalized Fibers

Oil-palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is a waste matter that is abundantly generated from the oil palm industries. Natural fibers derived from this lignocellulosic biomass have the potential to be used as reinforcement material in polymer composites as a greener alternative to synthetic fibers. However, some treatment has to be done to overcome inherent disadvantages in natural fibers and further improve its properties. One such method to prepare the fibers for chemical modification is by alkalization. In this study the EFB fibers were immersed in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution with concentrations and immersion times varied to 4, 8 and 12 w/v % and 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively. The EFB fibers were characterized using FTIR, TGA, XRD, FE-SEM, diameter profiling and mechanical tests. Results from FTIR showed that the treated EFB have significant increment of intensity at 3335 cm-1 corresponding to -OH groups. Optimum treatment conditions for the EFB fibers were found at 4 w/v% NaOH and 24 h. Diameter profiling showed better uniformity in the treated EFB fibers with improved tensile properties.

Physical Properties Analysis of Activated Carbon from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber on Methylene Blue Adsorption

The present research was conducted to analyze the physical properties of activated carbon from oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (OPEFBF) to be applied as methylene blue adsorbent material. The OPEFBF was pre-carbonized at 280oC for 4 hours in vacuum, milled, and sieved to obtain the self-adhesive carbon grain (SACG) with a size less than 106 µm. The chemical activation was done using potassium hydroxide (KOH) with variations of 25%, 50%, and 75% from the SACG weight, stirred at 400 rpm for 24 hours at room temperature and pyrolyzed using microwave irradiations at the output power of 720 W for 15 minutes. The physical properties of activated carbon consist of two characterizations, namely microstructure evaluated with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and surface morphology evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD pattern showed that the activated carbon had a semi-crystalline structure characterized by the presence of (002) and (100) planes at the diffraction angle of 2θ about 21o and 43o, respectively. The surface morphology of activated carbon depicted that a higher percentage of KOH resulted in more pores were formed. Thus, the higher the surface area of activated carbon, the greater the adsorption of methylene blue. The highest methylene blue adsorption was obtained in the sample of 75% KOH with 87.73 mg/g. The energy dispersive X-ray showed that the increase of KOH percentage used enhanced the percentage of carbon element produced.

Polyols and rigid polyurethane foams derived from liquefied lignocellulosic and cellulosic biomass

Liquefaction of lignocellulosic and cellulosic biomasses produces different polyol properties. Hence, direct comparative studies on the properties of both biomass liquefaction-derived polyols and polyurethane foams (PUFs) have been extensively performed. Optimization of oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (EFB) and EFB-based cellulose (EFBC) liquefactions was performed in cosolvent polyethylene glycol–glycerol to produce polyols. Hydroxyl (OH) and acid numbers, viscosity, molecular weight, and chemical functionalities of the polyols were analyzed and compared. The optimum liquefaction temperature for both EFB and EFBC was 175 °C. However, the optimum liquefaction time of EFBC (180 min) was longer than the time recorded by EFB (90 min). Liquefaction temperature and time had influenced degradation and recondensation of liquefied biomass products, hence affected the properties of polyols. Extreme degradation and recondensation during liquefaction had reduced the OH number of polyols. Recondensation significantly affected the molecular weight and viscosity of the EFB polyol, but not those of EFBC polyol. Rigid PUFs synthesized from the optimum EFB and EFBC polyols were denoted as EFB PUF and EFBC PUF, respectively. EFB PUF possessed larger average cell diameter than that of EFBC PUF. Comparatively, the thermal decomposition and compressive strength of EFB PUF were lower than those of EFBC PUF.

Effect of lye alkaline solution treatment on engineering properties of oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) fiber strengthen foamed concrete

Natural fibers have become attention-grabbing and interesting these days to be employed as an industrial material and structural material for rehabilitating of structures. Nevertheless, the natural fibers to matrix interface interactions with cement matrix remain a key issue in getting the desired mechanical properties. Treatment of natural fibers is crucial in improving matrix to filler adhesion, thus improving its mechanical properties. In this study, oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) fiber was studied for use as reinforcement materials for cementitious composites in foamed concrete. The effect of fiber treatment on mechanical properties of EFB fiber reinforced foamed concrete was investigated comprehensively. For lye-treated EFB fibers, these fibers were washed three times with tap water to eliminate unwanted debris, dusts and impurities and dried at room temperature for 48 hours. Lye chemical solution of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% wt. concentration were prepared using distilled water and lye chemical pellets. For the 2% wt. concentration, 2 grams of lye chemical was dissolved in 100ml of distilled water which is equivalent to 100 grams. For the 4, 6, 8 and 10% wt. concentrations, 4 grams, 6 grams, 8 grams and 10 grams of lye were dissolved in 100ml of distilled water respectively. The EFB fibers were soaked in the prepared solutions for a period of 24-hours after which they were removed and thoroughly rinsed until a neutral pH of the rinsing solution was attained. A pH meter was used to determine the pH value of the solution after rinsing. Finally, the dried fibers were sealed in a plastic bag before the composite manufacturing to avoid atmospheric moisture contamination. From the results obtained through experimental works, it can be concluded that the lye treatment of the EFB fibers modifies the fibers adequately causing a variation in the axial compression and flexural properties of the foamed concrete. Above all, 6% lye concentration gave better mechanical properties and therefore is considered a better treatment concentration value in the range of 2% to 10% wt. for improving the mechanical properties of EFB reinforced foamed concrete.