Comparative Analysis of Coir Fibers from Mature and Immature Coconut Husk Waste from Kenyan Coastal Region

Coconut husks remain as a waste once coconuts or tender water is extracted from the fruit and yields coir fibers of varying quality upon extraction. The husk waste extracts were treated using 20% NaOH for 3 h, rinsed with distilled water, then dried in an oven at a temperature of 90°C for 5 h and thereafter cooled to room temperature. From the results obtained, the alkali treatment of fiber extracted presented minor changes in Fourier Transforms Infra-Red spectra for treated coir fibers. Alkali treatment improved the thermal stability of treated mature coconut fibers because of the elimination of hemicellulose and lignin. Mature treated fibers displayed a minor peak centered at 100°C as a result of water loss. The untreated fibers displayed two minor peaks centered at 100°C and 275°C due to moisture loss and hemicellulose decomposition, respectively. The surface morphology of untreated fibers revealed a fine and smooth surface and that of treated fibers showed a rough and fine surface as a result of impurities removal. From the results, it was concluded that both fibers can be utilized for packaging in various products long-lasting biodegradable geotextile as well as products for domestic cleaning by hand application.