CHARACTERIZATION OF FIBER EXTRACTS FROM IMMATURE COCONUT HUSKS WASTE ALONG THE KENYAN COASTAL REGION

This paper presents a study on the characterization of fiber extracted from immature coconut husk waste that was collected along the costal region of Kenya. The husk wastes were naturally dried and fibers mechanically extracted. Fiber extracts were treated using 20% NaOH for 3 hours. The thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and morphological analysis, using scanning electron microscopy of the fiber were investigated. From the results obtained, the alkali treatment of fiber extracted from immature coconut husks waste presented nearly minute changes in Fourier Transforms Infra-Red spectra for treated coir fibers. The thermal stability of the treated immature coconut fibers was improved after the alkali treatment because of the elimination of hemicellulose and lignin. Immature 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 295 ℃ 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 shows a rough and fine surface as a result of the removal of impurities. Treatment also decreases fiber diameter and results in a rougher surface. Fiber alkali treatment appeared to slightly enhance the properties of the fibers in comparison to the untreated fibers.