Effect of microwave-alkali techniques on the morphology and physical changes of treated oil palm empty fruit bunches fiber

• Main Authors: Hamzah, Fazlena, Idris, Ani, Sarif, Mahanim
• Format: Article
• Published: Trans Tech Publications Ltd 2020
• Subjects: TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/90113/; http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.987.124
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Empty fruit bunches fibre (EFB) consisting of 44 % cellulose, 16 % lignin and 35 % hemicelluloses component was treated using microwave-alkali (Mw-A) agitated pre-treatment so as to disrupt the recalcitrant structures in the fibre. Morphology and chemical changes of treated EFB were used as indicators to the effectiveness of Mw-A treatment. The results obtained were compared with conventional pre-treatment process. The morphology of the treated fiber was observed using scanning electron microscope. The reduction in the EFB composition during Mw-A treatment was justified by measuring the total extract cellulose; remaining lignin and hemicellulose, and ash content after the process was performed. Results revealed that Mw-A pre-treatment technique exhibited a more effective removal of lignin and hemicelluloses as compared to the conventional or chemical treatment.