Characterization of cellulose nanofiber from oil palm mesocarp fiber produced by ultrasonication

Abstract

Oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF) is one of the major biomass generated from palm oil industry and it is currently inefficiently burnt at palm oil mill for energy and as a mean of disposal. With the growing concern on environmental sustainability and finite supply of non-renewable resources, particular attention has been given to produce value-added materials from OPMF, such as biocomposite and biocompost. Since OPMF contains mainly cellulose, there is high potential for the production of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) from OPMF. In this study, cellulose was obtained from OPMF by chemical extraction. OPMF-cellulose obtained was then soaked in distilled water [0.2 - 1% (w/v)] prior to nanofibrillation using an ultrasonicator at 125 W and 36 kHz for 3 to 12 hours. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of fiber undergone ultrasonication confirmed the occurrence of CNF having diameter in the range of 40-200 nm. CNF produced had crystallinity value in the range of 31-43%, and was thermally stable up to 340 °C.