Potential of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Resources in Nanocellulose Hydrogel Production for Versatile Applications: A Review

Abstract

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) is considered the cheapest natural fiber with good properties and exists abundantly in Malaysia. It has great potential as an alternative main raw material to substitute woody plants. On the other hand, the well-known polymeric hydrogel has gathered a lot of interest due to its three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked network with high porosity. However, some issues regarding its performance like poor interfacial connectivity and mechanical strength have been raised, hence nanocellulose has been introduced. In this review, the plantation of oil palm in Malaysia is discussed to show the potential of OPEFB as a nanocellulose material in hydrogel production. Nanocellulose can be categorized into three nano-structured celluloses, which differ in the processing method. The most popular nanocellulose hydrogel processing methods are included in this review. The 3D printing method is taking the lead in current hydrogel production due to its high complexity and the need for hygiene products. Some of the latest advanced applications are discussed to show the high commercialization potential of nanocellulose hydrogel products. The authors also considered the challenges and future direction of nanocellulose hydrogel. OPEFB has met the requirements of the marketplace and product value chains as nanocellulose raw materials in hydrogel applications.

Pulp and paper production from oil palm empty fruit bunches: A current direction in Malaysia

“…In addition, oil palm EFB has gained interest in the polymeric hydrogel because of its benefit as a three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked feature with high porosity. Nanocellulose EFB fibre has also been introduced in the 3D printing technique in recent hydrogel production since it contained high complexity and mechanical strength (Padzil et al, 2020). The 3D printing technique could enhance the hydrogel properties which can also be carried out in bulk amount in single processing.…”

“…The oil palm waste is proving to be an effective alternative to reduce production costs in the palm oil industry by maximizing the usage through by-products. The palm oil industry was identified as biomass largest producer, generated nearly 23 million tonnes residues with around 90 % came from plantations whereas the remaining 10 % of oil extraction came from the mills (Padzil et al, 2020). The largest oil palm producer was Malaysia before Indonesia seized the title in 2005 (MPOB, 2014).…”

“…It is a promising alternative to use as fibre resources in the field of pulp and paper making. Various highend applications produced from EFB including nanocellulose and nanomaterial-based products such as hydrogel demonstrated better economical values to substitute the synthetic products which are harmful to human health and environments (Padzil et al, 2020). It can be noted that with continuous research into these applications, the utilization of EFB generates new insights for more cutting-edge materials with superior properties.…”

Isolation and Characterization of Magnetic Oil Palm Empty Fruits Bunch Cellulose Nanofiber Composite as a Bio-Sorbent for Cu(II) and Cr(VI) Removal

“…Malaysia is the second-largest palm oil producer and exporter country. It is being reported that the palm oil industries in Malaysia are generating over 40 million tonnes of oil palm biomass, including about 23 million tons of oil palm empty fruits bunches [ 28 , 29 ]. The high cellulose content of OPEFB (≥44%) and its huge generation make the OPEFB ideal for producing CNF to use as a bio-sorbent [ 29 ].…”

“…It is being reported that the palm oil industries in Malaysia are generating over 40 million tonnes of oil palm biomass, including about 23 million tons of oil palm empty fruits bunches [ 28 , 29 ]. The high cellulose content of OPEFB (≥44%) and its huge generation make the OPEFB ideal for producing CNF to use as a bio-sorbent [ 29 ]. Over the years, various methods have been implemented to isolate the cellulose from various lignocellulosic biomasses, including chemical process, mechanical process, and chemo-mechanical process [ 27 , 28 , 30 ].…”