A Study on Cation Exchange Capacity of Sieved Coir Pith

Coirpith which can be regarded as the short fibers and dusts is a lignocellulosic biomass and a recalcitrant one under ordinary conditions. It has the innate character of exchanging ions from the inner matrix which consists of minute pores. In the present study, the ion exchange capacity of coir pith was carried out and was subjected particle size. The results showed that the calcium nitrate and calcium phosphate impregnated coir pith illustrating a gradual increase in the level of calcium in all the concentrations of calcium compound impregnation. Other cations such as potassium and sodium were decreased in linear and parallel pattern during the above impregnation. Calcium got exchanged for sodium and potassium ions. The magnesium nitrate and magnesium phosphate which impregnated coir pith showed a gradual increase at the level of the cation, magnesium in all concentrations of magnesium compound impregnation. Other cations such as potassium and sodium were knocked out from the inner matrix of coir pith. The expulsion of potassium was comparatively higher than that of sodium in all grades of coir pith and in all concentrations of magnesium nitrate impregnation. The study proved that waste emitted from coir fibre production could be used after ionic impregnation.

Keywords:

Coir pith , Lignocelluloses , Cations , Calcium and magnesium