Development Of Hemicelluloses Biodegradable Films From Oil Palm Frond (Elais Guineensis).

Abstract

Biodegradable films were developed from hemicelluloses of oil palm fronds (OPF) extracted using alkali extraction method. The effects of different alkali [Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)] concentrations (1.0, 2.0, 3.0M) on the film properties [Thickness, color, mechanical, solubility, and water vapor transfer rate (WVTR)] of the films were investigated. The hemicelluloses yields were found to be increased with the increase in concentration with all the extracts produced self-supporting films. Film thickness ranged from 0.13-0.14 mm. Measured data for the hemicelluloses films were 11-15 MPa tensile strength, 1-3 % elongation, 64-93% solubility in water, and 180-210 g m,2 d'] water vapor transfer rate (WVTR). This study suggests that OPF has a good potential in obtaining hemicelluloses for production of biodegradable film for certain application. Keywords Biodegradable film, hemicelluloses, oil palm frond, alkali extraction