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<abstract xmlns="http://eprints.org/ep2/data/2.0">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 %&#13;
elongation, 64-93% solubility in water, and 180-210 g m,2 d'] water vapor transfer rate (WVTR). This study&#13;
suggests that OPF has a good potential in obtaining hemicelluloses for production of biodegradable film for&#13;
certain application.&#13;
Keywords&#13;
Biodegradable film, hemicelluloses, oil palm frond, alkali extraction</abstract>
