Palm Kernel Fibre 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 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.

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

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.

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

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...

The Effect of Synthesis Temperature on Carbon Nanospheres from Palm Kernel Fiber

The Effect of Synthesis Temperature on Carbon Nanospheres from Palm Kernel Fiber

Study on tribological properties of palm kernel fiber for brake pad applications

The need of the natural fibers as an alternative for existing synthetic fibers is in great demand for automotive applications. The primary objective of this work is to examine the effect of palm kernel fibers as the replacement of existing synthetic fibers. In this work the palm kernel shell fiber is added in three different weight percentages such as 0%, 5% and 10% and developed in the form of the standard brake pad as per industrial standards by keeping the Barites were used as an space filling ingredient. The various Physical, Chemical and mechanical properties were examined as per industrial standards. Chase Test Rig was used to examine the Tribological properties. Based on the evaluated Results it can be concluded that the coefficient of friction shows a decreasing value on increasing the fiber content. The Brake pad Composites containing 5 wt% of palm kernel fibers possessed high frictional value 0.454 and fade percentage was low with minimal undulations. Palm kernel fibers with 10 weight percentages showed some undulations. It can be concluded Palm Kernel Fiber with 5 weight percentage can be used as a replacement of the synthetic fibers. Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to determine the wear mechanism of the developed brake pad composites.

Calcium Bioaccumulation by Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus Cultivated on Palm Tree Wastes Supplemented with Calcium-Rich Animal Wastes or Calcium Salts

Calcium assimilated by edible fungi cultivated on two palm tree wastes viz.; coconut husk with coir (CH), and palm kernel fibre (PK) supplemented with egg shell of chicken (ES), snail shell (SS), bone shaft of cow (BS) at different ratios or with 1.5% w/w calcium compounds as a calcium-rich substrate was investigated. Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated on (CH + ES + SS) and (CH + 1.5% w/w CaCO3) have the highest (P < 0.05) biological efficiency of 57.70% and 56.91%, respectively. Lentinus squarrosulus from (PK + ES) and (CH + 1.5% w/w CaCO3) also has relatively high (P < 0.05) biological efficiency of 54.09 and 53.41%. Lentinus squarrosulus harvested from (CH + ES + SS + BS) have the highest protein content of 6.50%, followed by P. ostreatus harvested from (PK + ES + SS + BS) with 6.40%. Pleurotus ostreatus and L. squarrosulus harvested from non-calcium supplemented substrates respectively have the lowest calcium content of 125.0–133.0 mg/100 g and 105.0–185.0 mg/100 g. P. ostreatus harvested from (CH + ES + SS) have the highest calcium content of 596.6 mg/100 g with Absorption Ratio (AR) of 4.6, while L. squarrosulus cultivated on (PK + ES + SS + BS) have calcium content of 510.6 mg/100 g with the highest AR of 4.8. Fortification of lignocellulosic wastes with calcium salts or animal wastes that are rich in calcium is a good substrate mixture to produce calcium-enriched mushrooms, which will pacify calcium deficiency aliments.

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Palm Kernel Fiber Reinforced with Waste Water Sachet (Polyethylene) Composite Material

An investigation was carried out to produce a composite material of palm kernel fibre and empty water sachet (polyethylene). The percentage composition of the fibre was varied likewise the matrix the reinforcing material was varied from 5 wt. % to 20 wt. %. The materials were heated and poured in a mould. Mechanical properties of the composites were tested and determined. Impact Strength of the materials gave prime information on possible application of the developed material. After the analysis, It was verified that tensile strength decreased with filler loading and the material with 10 wt. % of palm kernel fibre developed a better mechanical property following its high tensile strength and impact strength and thus material will be most useful were strength to weight ratio is needed.

Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Palm Kernel Fiber Reinforced with Waste Water Sachet (Polyethylene) Composite Material

An investigation was carried out to produce a composite material of palm kernel fibre and empty water sachet (polyethylene). The percentage composition of the fibre was varied likewise the matrix the reinforcing material was varied from 5 wt. % to 20 wt. %. The materials were heated and poured in a mould. Mechanical properties of the composites were tested and determined. Impact Strength of the materials gave prime information on possible application of the developed material. After the analysis, It was verified that tensile strength decreased with filler loading and the material with 10 wt. % of palm kernel fibre developed a better mechanical property following its high tensile strength and impact strength and thus material will be most useful were strength to weight ratio is needed.

Experimental investigations into viscosity, pH and electrical conductivity of nanofluid prepared from palm kernel fibre and a mixture of water and ethylene glycol

Extensive research has been carried out on the synthesis and applications of nanofluid produced from metals, nonmetals and their oxides. However, little or no attention has been paid to bio-based nanoparticles. The need for the use of bio-based nanoparticles and bio-based nanofluids is imperative to mitigate over-dependence on toxic synthetic nanoparticles. This idea is also in line with renewable and sustainable developmental goals. Moreover, bio-based materials like palm kernel fibre (PKF) constitute environmental waste in some quarters and its conversion to useful products for engineering application will take a long time in solving environmental issues and health hazards. In this study, the top-down approach was used to synthesize nanoparticles from PKF using a ball-milling machine. The PKF nanoparticles with an average size of \(\sim \)40 nm were dispersed in an ethylene glycol (EG)/water (50:50) base fluid up to 0.5% of the volume fraction. The viscosity, pH and electrical conductivity of PKF–water and EG (50:50) were studied for temperature ranging from 10 to 60\(^{\circ }\)C. The results showed that the viscosity of the PKF-based nanofluid increases with an increase in volume fraction and decreases exponentially with an increase in the working temperature of the nanofluid. The pH and the electrical conductivity increased as the volume fraction of the PKF nanoparticle was increased from 0.1 to 0.5%. However, the pH decreased with an increase in the temperature while the electrical conductivity increased with an increase in the volume fraction. Since the notable theoretical models in the literature were unable to estimate the viscosity of the PKF–EG/water nanofluid, in the present case an empirical correlation based on dimensional analysis was proposed to estimate the viscosity of the PKF–EG/water nanofluids.

A retrofit for asbestos-based brake pad employing palm kernel fiber as the base filler material

The development of automobile brake pad using locally sourced palm kernel fiber was carried out. Asbestos, a carcinogenic material, has been used for decades as a friction material. This development has thus prompted a couple of research efforts geared towards its replacement for brake pad manufacture. Palm kernel fiber was used as an alternative filler material in conjunction with various quantities of epoxy resin as the matrix. Three sets of compositions were made, and the resulting specimens subjected to physical and mechanical tests using standard materials, procedures, and equipment. The essence is to determine their suitability and hence possible performance in service. The result showed that sample C with 40% palm kernel fiber content having hardness, compressive strength, abrasion resistance, specific gravity, water absorption, and oil absorption of 178 MPa, 96.2 MPa, 1.67 mg/m, 1.8 g/cm3, 1.86%, and 0.89%, respectively, had an optimum performance rating. It was equally ascertained that increase in the filler content had the effect of increase in hardness, wear resistance, and specific gravity of the composite brake pad, while water and oil absorption got decreased when compared with results obtained by other researchers using conventional brake pads made of other friction materials including asbestos. This is an indicator that palm kernel fiber is a possible and effective retrofit for asbestos as a filler material in automotive brake pad manufacture.

Compressive Strength Characteristics of Carbon, Palm Kernel and Steel Fibre Reinforced Polyster+ Polymer Concrete

Particle-filled reinforced polymer composite (PC) is formed by combining mineral aggregates with a resin system. This study presents the compressive strength characteristics of carbon, palm kernel and steel fibre reinforced polymer concrete. The binder was locally produced by dissolving 600g of styrofoam in a litre of gasoline , it was then mixed with river sand at a binder aggregate ratio of 18% binder to 82% fine aggregates. The various fibres were added in the mix at 0%, 1% and 2% by weight of the binder. A total of 27 specimens of 100 x 100 x 100 mm cubes were cast, cured (air dried curing) and tested after 28 days. The results obtained show that the compressive stength of the fibre reinforced polymer concrete increases with fibre content up to 2% for all fibre types used except for palm kernel concrete and which decreases at 2% fibre content. Likewise the deflection decreases generally for all fibre type used except the case of palm kernel fibre.

Thermal properties of biopolyol from oil palm fruit fibre (OPFF) using solvolysis liquefaction technique

Liquefaction is known to be an effective method for converting biomass into a biopolyol. The biomass liquefaction of oil palm fruit waste (PFW) in the presence of liquefaction solvent/polyhydric alcohol (PA): polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) using sulfuric acid as catalyst was studied. For all experiments, the liquefaction was conducted at 150°C and atmospheric pressure. The mass ratio of OPFW to liquefaction solvents used in all the experiments was, 1/3. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) were used to analyze their biopolyol and residue behaviors. It was found that thermal stability of oil palm mesocarp fibre (PM), oil palm shell (PS) and oil palm kernel (PK) fibre exhibited the first degradation of hard segment at (232, 104, 230°C) and the second degradation of soft segment at (314, 226, 412°C) as compared to PM, PS and PK residue which (229, 102, 227°C) of hard segment and (310, 219, 299°C) of segment, respectively. This behavior of thermal degradation of the hard segment and soft segment of biopolyol was changes after undergo solvolysis liquefaction process. The result analysis showed that the resulting biopolyol and its residue was suitable monomer for polyurethane (PU) synthesis for the production of PU foams.