| dc.description.abstract |
Coconut husks remain as a waste once coconuts or tender water is extracted
from the fruit and yields coir fibers of varying quality upon extraction. The
husk waste extracts were treated using 20% NaOH for 3 h, rinsed with
distilled water, then dried in an oven at a temperature of 90°C for 5 h and
thereafter cooled to room temperature. From the results obtained, the alkali
treatment of fiber extracted presented minor changes in Fourier Transforms
Infra-Red spectra for treated coir fibers. Alkali treatment improved the thermal stability of treated mature coconut fibers because of the elimination of
hemicellulose and lignin. Mature treated fibers displayed a minor peak
centered at 100°C as a result of water loss. The untreated fibers displayed
two minor peaks centered at 100°C and 275°C due to moisture loss and
hemicellulose decomposition, respectively. The surface morphology of
untreated fibers revealed a fine and smooth surface and that of treated fibers
showed a rough and fine surface as a result of impurities removal. From the
results, it was concluded that both fibers can be utilized for packaging in
various products long-lasting biodegradable geotextile as well as products
for domestic cleaning by hand application. |
en_US |