Effect of Variation in Urea Concentration Used in Retting, on the Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Fibres
Journal Title: Journal of Experimental Agriculture International - Year 2017, Vol 16, Issue 4
Abstract
The overall aims of this study were to determine: i. The effect of 1% and 2% urea solution on the α-cellulose, lignin and hemi cellulose content of kenaf fibre. ii. The effect 1% and 2% urea solution on the tensile modulus and tensile strength of kenaf fibre. iii. The effect 1% and 2% urea solution on the proximate compositions of kenaf fibre. Study Design: Data obtained from each treatment were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Significant difference was accepted at P =.05. Place and Duration: The retting experiment and laboratory analyses were carried out at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University Ibadan, Nigeria. From April, 2015 to January, 2016. Methodology: Two Kenaf stems were tied together as a replicate (with three replicates per treatment) and were soaked in improvised retting tanks containing 1% and 2% urea in 150litres of water and control (without urea). Fibres retted in 1%, 2% urea and control were subjected to proximate, chemical and mechanical assays. Microbiological and physico-chemical properties of the retting liquors were determined at two days interval. Results: The urea treatment increased α-cellulose in kenaf fibres while the lignin content of Kenaf fibres was in the order: 2% urea > 1% urea > control. Two local varieties Ifeken DI 400 and Ifeken 400 recorded the least lignin. Hemi-cellulose content of Kenaf fibres from 1% urea was significantly lower than others. The highest protein and iron content were recorded in 2% urea followed by 1% urea and least in the control. Conclusion: High enzyme activities in urea liquors ease the retting process and this had produced fibres with promising chemical and mechanical properties. Kenaf fibres retted in 2% urea had better tensile strength and higher α-cellulose content.
Authors and Affiliations
Emmanuel C. Omenna, Olubusola F. Oduwaye
Keywords
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- EP ID EP315595
- DOI 10.9734/JEAI/2017/32650
- Views 102
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