Haya: The Saudi Journal of Life Sciences (SJLS)
Volume-3 | Issue-01 | 51-55
Original Research Article
Effects of Alkali Concentration and Temperature on the Imbibition Properties of Okro Stem Habiscus esculentun Fibre
Abubakar Ahmed Hamidu, Mayen Nelson Ekott
Published : Jan. 30, 2018
Abstract
Okro fiber was obtained from okro stem by soaking in ammonium oxalate
for 20minutes.The effect of alkali treatment (mercerization) on 10grammes of each
sample was investigated. Various concentration of the NaOH (Sodium hydroxide)
ranging from 0% to 22% was prepared. The temperature of the treatment was varied
from 25 to 40oC .Water imbibitions studies was also carried out on the fiber samples
by varying the temperature and concentration of the fiber samples obtained. Result of
treatment of the fiber with ammonium oxalate indicated a whitish lustrous material.
The mercerization effects on the fiber indicated an increase in mass of the fiber from
an initial weight of 0.4g in 1.0M to 0.8g in 4.0M at 25oC .On the other hand, there
was a substantial swelling noticed in the case of the fiber sample treated with 1.0M
(0.6g) to 0.9g (4.0) at 40oC.For imbibitions studies, the water uptake recorded the
best value with fiber treated with 1.0M showing a maximum imbibitions value at
25oC. The overall results of the study indicated that treatment of fiber with chemical
enhanced some crucial properties of the fiber and has inhibited substantially the
amount of water absorbed by fibrous materials. Industries involved in the exploration
of natural fibers as potential fibers may benefit immensely from this investigation as
this may add to the list of fiber utilized for fiber production due to its abundance.