Synthesis of Trimethylol Urea Composite from Alkali Treated Tea Waste Fiber: Water Uptake Profile

Abstract

In our continuous research to further characterized composite of tea waste fiber from untreated and treated tea waste (UTWF and TTWF).Different fiber weights (2g, 3g, and 4g) with trimethylol urea (TMU) were prepared. The water uptake test was carried out at room temperatures and at different temperatures. The result indicated a significant difference from the different fiber weights used, 3g UTWF show the highest water uptake while 4g UTWF showed the lowest water uptake. For the TTWF composite, 4g TTWF composite exhibited the highest water uptake while 3g TTWF show the lowest water uptake values. TMU with zero fiber content showed lowest water uptake throughout compared to the composite from both the UTWF and TTWF using different fiber weights. Ash and moisture content of the untreated and treated tea waste fiber (UTWF and TTWF) was determined as well. The ash content of UTWF was higher than that of TTWF. While the moisture content of the UTWF was also higher than that of TTWF.