Cellulose-Based Biocomposite From Durian (Durio Zibethinus) Sheels

The annual world production of polymer materials was around 150 106 t in 1996 (Ren,

2003) and the current global consumption of plastics is more than 200 106 t, with an annual

grow of approximately 5 % (Siracusa et al., 2008). Packaging waste is a major contributor of

municipal solid waste (MSW) and disposed of by landfill (Kale, 2007). Landfilling disposal may

result in the generation of greenhouse gases and takes up. It also may contaminate land that could

be used in the future. The rapid increase in production and consumption of plastics has led to the

serious plastic waste problem, besides landfill depletion because of the plastic waste high volume

to weight ratio and resistance to degradation (Ren, 2003). Natural fibres reinforced composites

will form new class of materials which possess a significant improvement in properties without

sacrificing the desirable properties. The biocomposites also contains biodegradable components

from waste for biodegradability and cost effectiveness.

Durian Sheel Fiber (DSF) shows significant role as cheap, exhibiting superior properties

and environmental friendly biocomposite as a reinforcement fiber. Globally, the top four durian

producers are dominated by Southeast Asia itself. Thailand occupies the first place by

contributing almost 42.62% durian production, followed by Indonesia (34.82 %), Malaysia

(19.7%) and finally Philippines (2.87%) (Munawar, 2006). In season, durian shell waste

dumping will inevitably happen. Therefore, this is a good opportunity to convert the wastes into

other profitable and new product. Durian shell fiber is a widely produced residue that contains

cellulose (60.45 %), hemicellulose (13.09 %), lignin (15.45 %), ash (4.35 %) [11]. As an

agricultural waste fiber, it is mainly composed of cellulose, a glucose-polymer with relatively high
modulus. It is often known as the fibrillar component of many naturally occurring composites

(Munawar, 2006).

The production of cellulose-based biocomposite in this research will base on a similar study

conducted by Rasit Ali, et al (2017) entitled Pineapple Peel Fibre Biocomposite: Characterisation

and Biodegradation Studies. DSF will be treated with alkali treatment, NaOH to improve the

adhesion between fiber and matrix and mixed with the Linear low-density polyethylene-grafted

maleic anhydride (LLDPE-g-MA) and cooking oil. The fiber was immersed in 0.5 % NaOH

solution for half an hour before being washed several times with cold water and finally with

acidified water, HCl 0.1 N. Then, the fiber was dried for 24 h. These are dissolved in acetone and

the solution is purified by filtering. Solvent is recovered. Filaments are stretched and wound onto

beams, cones, or bobbins ready for use.