Effect of sonification in the alkalization process of coconut fiber to improve fiber strength

• Published in: IOP conference series. Earth and environmental science 2021-05, Vol.743 (1), p.12041
• Main Authors: Istiroyah, Ragil S, M B, Ghufron, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkalizing; Coir; Exposure; Fiber strength; Functional materials; Lignocellulose; Mechanical properties; Sodium hydroxide; Sonication; Surface structure; Tensile strength
• ISSN: 1755-1307; 1755-1315
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/743/1/012041

Coconut coir fiber is a natural fiber obtained from the coconut mesocarp, where in Indonesia, its utilization is still not optimal. The use of fiber as a functional material in the structural and filter requires optimal characteristics and related to lignocellulose content and modification of the fiber’s surface structure. One method of fiber modification that is mostly used is the alkalization process using NaOH solution, which aims to degrade lignin, which is rigid and brittle. This paper will discuss the effect of ultrasonic wave exposure (sonication) on alkalizing the fiber using a low concentration NaOH solution. The variation of the concentrations of NaOH solution used was 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9% with ultrasonic wave exposure for 30 minutes at temperatures of 50, 60, and 70°C. The mechanical strength of the fiber was characterized using a Thwing-Albert Testing Machine. The measurement results show that the maximum mechanical strength values obtained in the alkalization treatment for 30 minutes with a concentration of 5% NaOH solution at a temperature of 70°C is 295.13 MPa. This tensile strength increased by 68.33% compared to the untreated sample of 175.33 MPa. The strain obtained in this sample was 31.86% of the initial fiber length.