Effect of Variation in Urea Concentration Used in Retting, on the Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Fibres
Journal Title: Journal of Experimental Agriculture International - Year 2017, Vol 16, Issue 4
Abstract
The overall aims of this study were to determine: i. The effect of 1% and 2% urea solution on the α-cellulose, lignin and hemi cellulose content of kenaf fibre. ii. The effect 1% and 2% urea solution on the tensile modulus and tensile strength of kenaf fibre. iii. The effect 1% and 2% urea solution on the proximate compositions of kenaf fibre. Study Design: Data obtained from each treatment were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Significant difference was accepted at P =.05. Place and Duration: The retting experiment and laboratory analyses were carried out at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University Ibadan, Nigeria. From April, 2015 to January, 2016. Methodology: Two Kenaf stems were tied together as a replicate (with three replicates per treatment) and were soaked in improvised retting tanks containing 1% and 2% urea in 150litres of water and control (without urea). Fibres retted in 1%, 2% urea and control were subjected to proximate, chemical and mechanical assays. Microbiological and physico-chemical properties of the retting liquors were determined at two days interval. Results: The urea treatment increased α-cellulose in kenaf fibres while the lignin content of Kenaf fibres was in the order: 2% urea > 1% urea > control. Two local varieties Ifeken DI 400 and Ifeken 400 recorded the least lignin. Hemi-cellulose content of Kenaf fibres from 1% urea was significantly lower than others. The highest protein and iron content were recorded in 2% urea followed by 1% urea and least in the control. Conclusion: High enzyme activities in urea liquors ease the retting process and this had produced fibres with promising chemical and mechanical properties. Kenaf fibres retted in 2% urea had better tensile strength and higher α-cellulose content.
Authors and Affiliations
Emmanuel C. Omenna, Olubusola F. Oduwaye
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP315595
- DOI 10.9734/JEAI/2017/32650
- Views 108
- Downloads 0
Responses of Pansy (Viola wittrockiana Gams.) to the Quality of the Growing Media
The quality of the growing medium stands out as one of the most important factors affecting the success of annual plants, especially when grown in potted culture. Recently, we have suggested that growing medium gives not...
Response of Maize Planted after Two Legumes to Four Rates of Phosphate Rock
A field experiment was conducted to study the combined effect of legume growth (in terms of agronomic P use efficiency from Phosphate rock (PR) and sources of nitrogen (N) from legumes and subsequent organic matter addit...
Yielding Reliability of Legumes Grown as Stubble Catch Crop
Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the yielding reliability of serradella, field pea and yellow lupine, sown as stubble catch crop in August on a typical Alfisol. Study Design: The randomized complete block desi...
Urea Fertilization: Effects on Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Root Development of the Biodiesel Plant, Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.)
An indoor pot culture experiment was conducted in the growth chamber during the period of vegetative growth to evaluate the influence of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer in the form of urea on nutrient uptake, growth and ro...
The Effect of the Foliar Application of Potassium, Calcium, Boron and Humic Acid on Vegetative Growth, Fruit Set, Leaf Mineral, Yield and Fruit Quality of 'Anna' Apple Trees
This experiment was carried out during 2012 and 2013 seasons on seven years old "Anna" apple trees (Malus domestica L.). Trees were planted at 55 meters on sandy loam soil under drip irrigation system in a private orcha...