Elaeis Guineensis OPMF as a Green Alternative Source of Cellulose Pulp Fibers for the Textile and Composite Industries

This study focuses on optimising the production of cellulose pulps from oil palm mesocarp fibres (OPMFs) by assessing their morphological, physico-chemical, and thermal properties for potential textile applications. Three extraction processes (i) alkaline-soda, (ii) acid-alkaline, and (iii) acid (Formacell) were developed, with variations in solution concentration, time, and temperature to assess their impact on cellulose quality. The extracted pulps were characterised by chemical composition analysis, photocolorimetry, crystallinity index (XRD), morphological analysis (SEM-EDX), thermal stability (TGA), and chemical structure assessment (FT-IR). The moisture content of OPMF cellulose varied depending on the extraction method: 12.4% for untreated fibres, 10.5–12.3% for the alkaline soda (TALC) process, 10.5–22.1% for the acid-alkaline process, and 7.2–17.9% for the acid process. In addition, spectrocolorimetry revealed that pulps from the TALC and acid-alkaline (TAAL) treatments had highest luminosity (L* 89.80–97.03) and highest colour absorption. XRD analysis showed a significant increase in crystallinity index, from 30.85% for untreated fibres to over 67% for TALC and TAAL pulps. FT-IR results of cellulose obtained by the different extraction processes showed that amorphous components were effectively separated, TAAL_15%_80_1 showed superior parameters in terms of highest purity index (86.8%) and highest stability temperature (399.85 °C). SEM images of cellulose reveal a porous and rough surface, attributed to the removal of surface components such as pectin, hemicellulose, lignin, silica, and other binding materials from around the fibre bundles. This structure indicates that it can be further modified to improve fibre strength and dye absorption. As result, acid alkaline treatment (TAAL) was found to be the most effective, with the highest purity (up to 86.8%), superior brightness (L* up to 97.03), lowest ash content (0.2–0.5%), and high crystallinity (65.27–68.76%), making it ideal for textile applications. OPMF is a promising raw material for the production of wet-spun cellulose yarns, offering a sustainable alternative to cotton and wood pulp, particularly in palm oil-producing regions. This aligns with global sustainability goals and supports circular economy initiatives.