Degradable PLA/Kenaf fiber wipes: a Qur’anic approach to sustainability

• Main Authors: Zainan Nazri, Nurul Jannah, Ali, Fathilah, Omar, Firdaus, Abd Aziz, Siti Rohani, Johari, Maizatul Akmal, Amusa, Abiodun Abdulhameed, Muniyandi, Shantha Kumari, Sobeih, Mahmoud Omar R J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Persatuan Saintis Muslim Malaysia (PERINTIS) 2024
• Subjects: BPC Science and Technology in Islam; TH6014 Environmental engineering.
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/117940/1/117940_Degradable%20PLA%20Kenaf%20fiber%20wipes.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/117940/; https://perintis.org.my/ejournalperintis/index.php/PeJ/article/view/173
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Wipes are versatile items and the most commonly used items in life. Somehow wipes often be flushed down causing blockage to the sewage systems as well as flows into the ocean resulting the clogged waste lines and damaging the ecosystems that require a lot of time and money to recover. Moreover, there is an opportunity to develop non-woven biodegradable wipes to overcome this pollution issue and decrease its carbon footprint. Thus, this research aims to fabricate biodegradable non-woven fiber using the electrospinning method. The biopolymer, polylactic acid (PLA) is incorporated with Kenaf fiber and investigated for absorption, morphological and degradation properties. PLA and grinded Kenaf fiber were mixed with chloroform in various ratios and successfully fabricated with the Kenaf fibers ranging from 0 wt% (P100), 5 wt% (P95K05), 10 wt% (P90K10), 15 wt% (P85K15) and 20wt% (P80K20). Through morphological study and the absorbency test, the findings showed higher porosity of electrospun fiber mats leads to higher absorbance. The oil absorbency test shows that P95K05 is the most suitable to be used as wipe application, specifically in absorbing hydrophobic substances. The ultraviolet (UV) degradation of PLA/Kenaf electrospun fibers showed the degradation behaviour of the non-woven composites. Additionally, this work aligns with the Qur‘anic Principles of environmental stewardship (Khilāfah) and waste reduction (Isrāf), aiming to promote sustainability and minimise harm to Allah’s creation. By integrating biodegradable materials into everyday products, the research addresses ecological challenges while emphasising the Islamic responsibility of protecting the environment.