Koitumet Joel Sabore, Mwasiagi Josphat Igadwa, Paul Gichuhi Njihia

Abstract:

Characterization of coir fiber extracted from mature coconut husks waste that were collected along the coastal region of Kenya forms the basis of this study. The husk wastes extracts were treated using 20% NaOH for 3 hours. The structural, thermal and surface morphology of the fibers were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. From the results obtained, the alkali treatment of fiber extracted from mature coconut husks waste presented minor changes in Fourier Transforms Infra-Red spectra for treated coir fibers. The thermal stability of the treated mature coconut fibers was improved after the alkali treatment because of the elimination of hemicellulose and lignin. Mature treated fibers display a minor peak centered at 100℃ as a result of water loss. The untreated fibers display two minor peaks centered at 100 ℃ and 275 ℃ due to moisture loss and hemicellulose decomposition respectively. The surface morphology of the untreated fibers reveals a fine and smooth surface where as that of treated fibers show a rough and fine surface as a result of the removal of impurities. Treatment also decreases fiber diameter and results in a rougher surface.

Key words: Mature coconut husk; characterization; coir fiber; fiber extraction; surface morphology