Oil Palm Ash Research Articles

Effect of processing aid on the chemical composition and metagenomics of fermented African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla, Benth)

Oil palm inflorescence ash (FMA) has been used in post-harvest processing and preservation of food crops. In this study effect of oil palm inflorescence ash as a processing aid on the chemical composition and metagenomics of fermented African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla, Benth) was investigated. The result showed that the African oil bean seeds sample fermented with FMA had higher total amino acid (TAA) content (88.48 g/100 g crude protein (cp)) and better protein quality compared to the sample fermented without the ash (NFM) (81.04 g/100 g cp) and the unfermented (UFM) sample (8.07 g/100 g cp). The FMA had lower residual anti-nutritional factors and total saturated fatty acid (4.07%) hence has better dietary value than the NFM and UFM samples. New aromatic volatile compounds were also produced in the FMA which further improved its sensory quality compared to the NFM and UFM samples. The metagenomic study revealed that FMA had fewer spoilage bacteria but higher fermentative yeasts than the NFM. Thus the findings of the current study provide evidence that African oil bean seeds fermented with oil palm inflorescence ash have better chemical and microbial composition than the one processed without the oil palm ash.

RESPON BEBERAPA VARIETAS PADI LOKAL (Oryza sativa L.) TERHADAP AMELIORAN ABU JANJANG SAWIT PADA LAHAN GAMBUT

This study aims to determine the response of several local rice varieties to the provision of palm oil bare ash on peatlands. This study was arranged in a Split Plot Design Split plot with 2 treatments and 4 groups, consisting of 4 local rice varieties, namely: P 1 = Cut Krusek, P 2 = Ramos Mirah, P3= Sambe and P4= Bo Sireutoh. Ameliorant factors in palm oil ash consist of: A 0 = Control, A 1 = 15 tons ha-1. The results showed that the varieties had a very significant effect on plant height at 45 HST, number of tillers per clump age 45 HST, number of productive tillers per clump, significantly affected plant age 60 HST, had no significant effect on plant height at 30 HST, number of tillers per family age 30 and 60 HST, rice grain and grain are empty. The Bo Sireutoh variety (P 4 ) has the ability to increase the rate of growth of the number of tillers per clump, the number of productive tillers per clump and the weight of rice paddy per plot. Whereas the Cut Krusek variety (P 1 ) has the ability to increase the rate of growth at the plant height level and the percentage of empty grain. The treatment of oil palm ash ameliorant on peatland is able to increase growth at plant height, rice grain percentage and percentage of empty grain, but it does not significantly affect the number of productive tillers per clum. Keywords : Palm-length ash ameliorates, Rice Varieties

Studi Mikrostruktur Mortar Geopolimer Abu Sawit dengan Variasi Rasio Na2SiO3 terhadap NaOH

In the context development of building materials geopolymer concrete is an environmentally technology. The goal of the study identifies and examines geopolymer concrete becoming alternative to portland cement (PC) as a construction material section is utilized as one of the local plantation industry waste such as oil palm ash. Polymerzation process performed the oil palm ash as precursor that contains high silicate calcium with Na2SiO3 and NaOH as alkali activator. Mix design is carried out by ratio of alkali activator 2,0. 1,5 and 1,0 at a concentration of NaOH 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 M at temperature 90°C for 24 hours. The method used is the separate mixtures with extra water and mixed methods directly without extra water. The result show that the higher concentration of NaOH solution, the compressive strength is increased at level of 12,4 Mpa=8,4 M for the mortar with extra water and 20,2 Mpa= 16 M without extra water at ratio of 1,5 alkaline activators. The ratio mixture of alkali activator 1,0and 2,0 would produce a low compressive strength. Microstructure result shows that matrix is formed more solid at each increase in the concentration of Na OH solution. The ratio of Alkali activator 1,5 causing precursors and alkaline activators to react homogeneously so that the formed geopolymer matrix becomes more solid

Application of Scheffe’s Model for stabilization of Amuro-okigwe subgrade using male inflorescence of oil palm ash

ABSTRACT This paper presents the use of non-conventional, renewable (sustainable) and locally available material in the form of vegetable fibre sourced from palm oil tree (Male Inflorescence of Oil Palm Ash; MIPA) for expansive soil improvement. Expansive soil subgrade of Imo – Clay Shale formation traversing Amuro – Okigwe section of Owerri – Okigwe road were identified for its intermittent flexible pavement failure. Samples of this subgrade were mixed with MIPA at varying proportions in line with the Scheffe’s model approach to improve the natural engineering properties of the soil. Hence, MIPA – Amuro subgrade stabilization models for the maximum dry density (MDD) and California bearing ratio (CBR) were developed. These models showed good correlations with the experimental results in the control tests, as they possess less than 3% differences. For 5% significance value, I±, and 2 degrees of freedom; the t – value obtained from the standard statistical table, is 5.78. This value is greater than the t – values obtained in the experimental and model results of the control experiment. Similarly, the F– value obtained from the standard statistical table, is 19.00. This value is greater than the F – value obtained between the experimental results and model results in an independent control experiment for CBR response. It is slightly differed for MDD response towards the right extremum. The deviation is however minor, as the left extremum condition is very satisfactory. Hence, the slight inconsistency allowed, having satisfied by the Student’s t - Test. The inverse of this statistical F – value is 0.0526, which is also smaller than any of the F – value obtained. Based on statistical significance level, the Null hypothesis is accepted. Hence, the model is adequate. In the CBR results, 10.5% MIPA content in the soil gives the greatest strength (CBR value) of 8.13KN, which is about 31% increase in strength from 6.21KN of natural CBR. When MIPA content in the modified soil is in excess (about or greater than 11%), the CBR value of modified soil begins to reduce. Keywords: Mixture Design, Simplex Lattice, Amuro – Okigwe, Subgrade, MIPA, Scheffe’s Model http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v38i1.9

Refluxed Synthesis of SBA-15 Using Sodium Silicate Extracted from Oil Palm Ash for Dry Reforming of Methane

Abstract The effects of Nickel (Ni) loading on Mesoporous Silica Barbara Amorphous (SBA-15) properties and catalytic activity with respect to dry reforming of methane were studied. The mesostucture characteristics of SBA-15 synthesized from oil palm ash (OPA) waste was proven by XRD low angle and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. Ni/SBA-15 was prepared by the sol gel method that favours metal dispersion on the SBA-15 support. The properties of the catalysts were evaluated by XRD, BET, TEM, and FTIR. The catalytic activity of catalyst was investigated in a stainless steel fixed-bed reactor at 800°C with a 1:1 ratio of CO2:CH4 feed composition. Ni supported on SBA-15 (OPA) exhibited higher CO2 and CH4 conversion with 61.07 % and 54.65 %, respectively compared to the Ni/SBA-15 (s.s) produced using commercial sodium silicate. This result demonstrated that smaller particle size of NiO with high dispersion on the SBA-15 surface, leads to higher syngas formation compared to Ni/SBA-15 (s.s). Furthermore, the appropriate interaction and synergistic effects of Ni-SBA-15, and greater NiO surface active sites were responsible for good activity in terms of CO2 and CH4 decomposition..

Preparation and characterization of oil palm ash from boiler to nanoparticle

Abstract This study aims to determine the characteristics of oil palm boiler ash (OPBA) after processing with ball mill and coprecipitation methods. The method used is OPBA from a palm oil mill, processed using a ball mill for 1 hour at a speed of 250 rpm. Then prepared with the coprecipitation method by dissolving it in 2M HCl solution and NaOH solution with variations (2; 2.5; 3) M. Particles were characterized by XRD, SEM, XRF, and FTIR. XRD characterization shows the size of each crystal (83,79; 72,30 and 56,31) nm, with trigonal crystal structure with the SiO2 phase. SEM shows a homogeneous mixture. EDX shows the biggest elements are Si, O and C content. XRF shows the amount of silica is 31.45%. FTIR shows absorption peaks which are the characters of molecular vibrations of the sample.

Value-Added Utilization of Agro-Waste Derived Oil Palm Ash in Epoxy Composites

Value-Added Utilization of Agro-Waste Derived Oil Palm Ash in Epoxy Composites

ENZYME ACTIVITY IN RELATION TO TOTAL K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu AND Zn IN THE OIL PALM RHIZOSPHERE OF RIAU’S PEATLANDS, INDONESIA

Enzyme activity can be used as a peat decomposition indicator in the oil palm rhizosphere of peatlands. Oil palm plantation management requires fertilization in the rhizosphere to provide nutrients for oil palm growth. The state of total nutrient in the rhizosphere can influence enzyme activity. This research aimed to study enzyme activity in relationship to nutrients in the oil palm rhizosphere of peatlands. Using the explorative method in Riau’s tropical peatlands, an oil palm plantation was chosen as a location for the main sites, and a degraded forest as well as a shrubland were chosen as comparison sites. In the oil palm plantation, peat samples were taken from peats adhering to oil palm roots at the peat depths of 0‒25 and 25‒50 cm and at distances of 0‒1, 1‒2, 2‒3, and 3‒4 m from the trees. In the degraded forest and shrub, t samples were taken from selected plant roots at the depths of 0-25 and 25-50 cm. The triplicate peat samples were then composited for an analysis of enzyme activity and total nutrient content. Results showed that enzyme (urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and laccase) activity in the oil palm rhizosphere decreased as the distance from trees and the depth of rhizosphere increased. The decline in enzyme activity was caused by a low peat pH and an increased water content as well as organic carbon content. Enzyme activity increased with increasing oil palm age and ash content. Total K and Zn contents showed no correlation with enzyme activities. However, total Ca and Mg contents showed positive correlation only with β-glucosidase activity. Total Fe and Cu contents showed significantly negative correlation with enzyme activities (urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and laccase). Enzyme activity in the rhizosphere of the degraded forest and shrubs were mostly lower than in the oil palm rhizosphere.

Synergistic Effect of Oil Palm Based Pozzolanic Materials/Oil Palm Waste on Polyester Hybrid Composite

This research work aims to investigate the synergistic effect of pozzolanic materials such as oil palm ash (OPA) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) on the developed hybrid polymer composites. The OPEFB and OPA fillers of different particle sizes (250, 150, and 75 µm) were mixed at OPEFB:OPA ratios of (0:100; 20:80; 40:60; 60:40; 80:20 and 100:0) and incorporated into an unsaturated polyester resin. Furthermore, both mechanical and morphological properties of the composites were analyzed and it was found that tensile, flexural, and impact properties were significantly improved at OPEFB:OPA of 75 µm particle size hybridization of the polymer. The increase of OPEFB to OPA filler ratio up to 80:20 significantly improved the tensile properties of the composites while 40:60 ratio of 75 µm gave the optimum filler ratio to obtain the highest flexural and impact properties of the composites among all studied samples. Scanning electron micrograph images showed strong particle dispersion of the embedded fillers with resin which explained the excellent mechanical strength enhancement of the composite.

Effect of unground oil palm ash as mixing ingredient towards properties of concrete

Malaysia being one of the world largest palm oil producers generates palm oil fuel ash (POFA), a by-product in increasing quantity. This material which usually disposed as solid waste causes pollution to the environment. Success in converting this waste material into benefitting product would reduce amount of waste disposed and contributes towards cleaner environment. This research explores the potential of unground oil palm ash being used as partial sand replacement in normal concrete production. Experimental work has been conducted to determine the workability, compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete when unground oil palm ash is added as partial sand replacement. A total of five mixes containing various percentage of oil palm ash, which are 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% have been prepared. All specimens were water cured until the testing date. The slump test, compressive strength test and flexural strength test was conducted. The findings show that mix produced using 10% of palm oil fuel ash exhibit higher compressive strength and flexural strength as compared to control specimen. Utilization of unground oil palm ash as partial sand replacement would be able to reduce dependency of construction industry on natural sand supply and also as one of the solution to reuse palm oil industry waste.

Respon Akar Bibit Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis guineensis) Di Pre Nursery Pada Pemberian Naungan dan Abu Janjang Kelapa Sawit

The aim of this research is to know the effect of shade and dosage of palm oil ash as well as their interaction to the root of oil palm plantation in pre nursery. This research was carried out in Nursery Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University, Samarinda from February to May 2011. This research is an experiment arranged in Completely Random Design (RAL) with split plot analysis (4 x 4) with 5 replications. The main plot is the level of shade reduction (N) at the age of 10 weeks which consists of four levels, namely: no = Shade minus 100%, n1 = Shade minus 75%, n2 = Shade minus 50%, n3 = Shade minus 25%. As a plot child is a dose of ash (D) consisting of four levels: d1 = 11.5 g of ash / polybag equivalent to 23 tons / ha, d2 = 23 g of ash / polybag equivalent to 45 tons / ha, d3 = 34.5 g of ash / polybag equivalent to 68 tons / ha, d4 = 45 g of ash / polybag equivalent of 91 tons / ha. Data were analyzed statistically and tested further with the smallest real difference test (BNT) at 5% level. The results showed that the treatment of ash dose 23 g ash / polybag or equal to 45 ton / ha (d2) gave wet weight, dry weight, wet weight of leaf, average dry weight of leaves 5,51 g, 2,32 g , and 5.08 g. The shading treatment gives a mean wet weight of roots 1.90 g.

Ammonia removal from giant fresh water prawn farm by using zeolite from oil palm ash

The Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) and Mesocarp fiber ash (FB) was obtained from the boiler at NAM HONG Palm Oil Company Limited, Thailand. The optimum condition was used in Na-A zeolite synthesis from oil palm ash. The obtain produce was Na12Al12Si12O48· 27H2O. The sample was dried in hot air oven. The calcium exchange capacity (CEC) of 386.39 mg CaCO3/g of product, and the 86.05% of pure Na-A zeolite phase was formed. In batch experimental study, the synthetic wastewater was prepared. In order to find out the optimal zeolite dosage was added into 10 mg/L of total ammonium nitrogen solution. The results of unionized ammonia (NH3) removal efficiency indicated that zeolite A standard and zeolite from oil palm ash are better than commercial zeolite. The optimum dosage of 0.2, 0.25 and 0.2 g of zeolite A standard, zeolite from oil palm ash and commercial zeolite, respectively. The NH3 removal capacity from giant freshwater prawn farm, zeolite A standard is better than zeolite from oil palm ash and commercial zeolite, respectively. In the large volume of synthetic wastewater (1000 mL), the zeolite from oil palm ash is the best ammonia removal capacity when compared with zeolite A standard and commercial zeolite.

Zeolite-hydroxyapatite-activated oil palm ash composite for antibiotic tetracycline adsorption

Mesoporous zeolite-hydroxyapatite-activated palm ash (Z-HAP-AA) composites were synthesized through hydrothermal method using different ratios of oil palm ash and electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag under alkaline conditions. Structural properties of the synthesized materials were studied by various characterization techniques. Ca/P = 1.667 and SiO2/Al2O3 = 3, characteristic to hydroxyapatite and zeolite-X respectively were obtained. Increase in activated oil palm ash ratio during synthesis resulted in increased surface area of Z-HAP-AA composite due to increase in carbon component. Among various synthesized composites Z-HAP-AA-1:3 was selected as best adsorbent for tetracycline. Adsorption performance of Z-HAP-AA-1:3 was examined for tetracycline removal in batch process with respect to initial tetracycline concentration (50–400 mg/L), temperature (30–50 °C) and pH (3 −1 3). Best representation of data was obtained by the Freundlich model. Maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of Z-HAP-AA for tetracycline at 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C was 186.09 mg/g, 212.56 mg/g, and 244.63 mg/g respectively.

Characterisation of static and dynamic responses of natural rubber bio-composites

Characterisation of static and dynamic behavioural are presented in this study of hybrid filled natural rubber. The hybrid filler consists of a combination of oil palm ash (OPA) and egg shell powder (ESP). Testing on the samples are conducted in three different aspects namely static compression testing, time dependent stress relaxation testing in compression and dynamic compression testing. Mechanical properties such as the static stiffnesses, hysteresis loss ratios, stress relaxation responses, dynamic stiffnesses, phase angles and damping ratios are reported. The static stiffness values of the hybrid filled rubber, although lower than rubber filled carbon black, presented potential if the ESP content were to be increased. The stress relaxation responses lacked consistency in the uploading stages but were fairly consistent in the unloading stages where the relaxation was close to that of rubber filled carbon black. The dynamic properties appear to be no significant improvement over that of rubber filled carbon black filled. All hybrid filled rubber samples conformed to general dynamic properties of viscoelastic material and did not display any unexpected behaviour. Collectively, there is a trend of improvement with increasing ESP content but no prominent improvement over rubber filled carbon black is observed.

Biodiesel byproduct glycerol upgrading to glycerol carbonate over lithium–oil palm ash zeolite

Mesoporous oil palm ash zeolite (OPAZ) was synthesized and impregnated with various lithium ion loadings (5–15wt%). The synthesized Li–OPAZ catalyst was used to upgrade biodiesel byproduct glycerol to glycerol carbonate (GC) via transesterification pathway. Results indicated that Li–OPAZ sustained the transesterification reaction to appreciably high glycerol conversion (100%) and GC yield (98.1%) under the optimal reaction conditions of 343K, 90min, DMC/glycerol molar ratio of 2, and 2wt% catalyst loading. The crystallinity and framework of zeolite was preserved after lithium incorporation with a slight decrease in pore volume and surface area. However, basicity increased with increased lithium impregnation, explaining the observed high catalytic activity of the theoretical 10wt% Li loaded OPAZ. Hence, 10wt% Li–OPAZ was reused in five successive cycles of experiment with sustained appreciable catalytic activity toward glycerol conversion and GC yield.

Effect of Ashes as Biomass in Silica Filled Natural Rubber

Silica has been used as reinforcing filler in natural rubber for a period of time as it results in excellent properties for NR vulcanizes. Rice husk ash (RHA), bagasse ash (BA), and oil palm ash (OPA) obtained from agricultural wastes are mainly composed of silica in the percentage of 80.00%, 57.33%, and 40.20% by weight, respectively. The effect of these fillers on cure characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber materials at fixed silica content at 35 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) were investigated. The results indicated that ashes showed greater cure time compared to that of the silica. The incorporation of ashes into natural rubber gradually improved compression set but significantly decreased tensile strength, elongation at break, and resilience. Moreover, young's modulus increased, while hardness showed no significant change with the addition of ashes. Overall results indicated that ashes could be used as cheaper fillers for natural rubber materials where improved mechanical properties were not critical.

Evaluation of Water Affinity and Soil Burial Degradation of Thermoplastic Film Derived from Oil Palm Ash-filled Polyvinyl Alcohol

Oil palm ash (OPA) produced through the incineration process were used as a blending material with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) to produce a thermoplastic film. Prior to blending, the oil palm ash was characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The OPA was successfully blended with polyvinyl alcohol to produce plastic films at various ratios of oil palm ash. The properties of these blended polyvinyl alcohol/oil palm ash films were then characterized using SEM, water absorption, and soil burial tests. The water absorption decreased as the content of the oil palm ash increased. Blended polyvinyl alcohol/oil palm ash films showed a better degradation when the concentration of oil palm ash was increased.

Solid-Phase Speciation and Solubility of Phosphorus in an Acid Sulfate Paddy Soil during Soil Reduction and Reoxidation as Affected by Oil Palm Ash and Biochar.

Understanding phosphorus (P) speciation and how redox conditions control P solubility in acid sulfate paddy soils with limited P availability is crucial for improving soil P availability. We examined P speciation and extractability in an acid sulfate paddy soil incorporated with oil palm ash (OPA) and biochar (OPB) during soil reduction and subsequent oxidation. Phosphorus K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra of the soil samples revealed that P in the soil mainly occurred as P adsorbed to ferrihydrite and P adsorbed to gibbsite. During soil reduction, gibbsite-bound P was transformed into variscite, which was back-transformed to gibbsite-bound P during soil reoxidation. Sequential extraction results confirmed the dominance of Fe/Al (hydr)oxides-bound P (average 72%) in the soils. The OPA incorporation increased the exchangeable P pool concurring with the decrease in gibbsite-bound P. The OPB incorporation enhanced the dissolved P from the residual pool presumably due to electron shuttling of biochar with Fe(III) minerals during soil reduction. Our results highlight P dynamics in paddy soils, which are of immense importance for effective P-management strategies in rice cultivation.

Mesoporous zeolite–activated carbon composite from oil palm ash as an effective adsorbent for methylene blue

Abstract A mesoporous high-surface-area zeolite–activated carbon (Z–AC) composite was prepared by chemically facilitated NaOH activation and hydrothermal treatment with oil palm ash as substrate. The prepared Z–AC composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, BET surface area and pore structural analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The adsorption performance of Z–AC for methylene blue (MB) removal was examined using a batch method. The effects of initial dye concentration (25–400 mg/L), temperature (30 °C–50 °C), and pH (3–13) on the adsorption of MB on Z–AC were studied. Pseudo-second-order kinetics was found to describe the adsorption process better than pseudo-first-order kinetics. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms applied on the adsorption data reveal that data best fitted Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity values of the Z–AC composite for MB were 143.47, 199.6, and 285.71 mg/g at 30, 40, and 50 °C, respectively. These results show that the Z–AC composite could provide basis for more low-cost composites to be used as adsorbents for dye removal.

Cross-linked beads of activated oil palm ash zeolite/chitosan composite as a bio-adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue and acid blue 29 dyes

Cross-linked beads of activated oil palm ash zeolite/chitosan (Z-AC/C) composite were prepared through the hydrothermal treatment of NaOH activated oil palm ash followed by beading with chitosan. The effects of initial dye concentration (50–400mg/L), temperature (30°C–50°C) and pH (3–13) on batch adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and acid blue 29 (AB29) were studied. Adsorption of both dyes was better described by Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities of Z-AC/C were 151.51, 169.49, and 199.20mg/g for MB and 212.76, 238.09, and 270.27mg/g for AB29 at 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C, respectively.