Valorization of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Cellulose Fibers: A Reinforcement Material in Polyvinyl Alcohol Biocomposites for Its Application as Detergent Capsules

Cellulose fibers isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) have been studied as a potential reinforcement for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) biocomposite. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that all three parameters—hydrolysis temperature, time and acid concentration, well their interactions—significantly affected the yield cellulose. Moving Least Squares (MLS) Multivariable Power (MPLS) models demonstrated good fitness. The model also proved concentration was dominant parameter, supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Hydrolysis using 54% at 35 °C 15 min achieved highest cellulose 80.72%. Cellulose-reinforced PVA biocomposite films better mechanical strength, elongation break, moisture barrier properties, thermal stability poorer light transmission rate compared to neat due high aspect ratio, crystallinity compatibility fibers. These findings suggested fibers-reinforced film water-soluble detergent capsules.