Oil sorption by lignocellulosic fibers

Abstract

The oil sorption capacities of cotton fiber, kenaf bast fiber, kenaf core fiber, and moss fiber were compared after refining, extraction, and reduction in particle sizes. The tests were conducted on diesel oil in a pure form. Cotton fiber showed the highest capacity, followed by kenaf core and bast fibers. Wetting, extraction, and reduction in particle size all contributed to the changes in sorption capacity. The most significant change was due to the reduction in particle sizes of cotton and kenaf bast fibers; however, the kenaf core was not affected. Usually, lignocellulosic fibers are hydrophilic and the oil sorption capacity is very low. These hydrophilic fibers must be converted to hydrophobic fibers to improve the oil sorption capacity.

Keywords

Fibers, Kenaf, Cotton, Sorption, Diesel oil

Citation

Lee, Beom-Goo.; Han, James S.; Rowell, Roger M. 1999. Oil sorption by lignocellulosic fibers. Kenaf properties, processing and products. Mississippi State, MS : Mississippi State University, Ag & Bio Engineering, 1999 .:p. 423 -433 : ill.