1.1.2.

Theoretical Framework

To explain the objectives and elaborate the concepts used for this study, this suction will
provide better understanding of the theories involved.

1.1.2.1. Lignin extraction

The extraction of lignin from the coco coir will be adopted from Panamgama et al. A ratio of
1:10 coco coir with a mixture of 7.5% (w/v) NaOH is maintained. The mixture will be refluxed at 90 °C for
1.5 hours. The solid residue will be separated from the black liquor while it is still warm by filtering it
with a silk cloth, and then cooled to the ambient temperature of 25 °C by dipping it in a cold-water bath
at 10 °C. The separated black liquor will acidified with 2 M H2SO4 until the pH decreased to 2 with a
pipette while stirring, which facilitated alkaline lignin precipitation and sedimentation. During
acidification, the processed of crude colloid lignin precipitation and sedimentation were very rapid and
easily distinguishable, as the blackish color changed to a light brownish-yellow. The precipitated lignin
was later separated in a Buckner funnel and washed with distilled water until it reached pH neutrality
and oven dried at 50 °C ± 2 °C for 48 h. Dry lignin was powdered using a mortar and pestle until it could
pass through a 60-mesh sieve (250μm) and was stored in clean and sterilized container for further use.
1.1.2.2. Biopolymer

1.1.2.3. Urea

1.1.2.4 Encapsulation

1.5. Scope and Limitations of the Study

The researcher will dwell more on the fabrication and improvement of the mechanical properties of the
biopolymer. This study limits its coverage upon the investigation of the optimize ratio of starch-lignin
biopolymer which is a ratio of 60:40.

Extraction of lignin from waste coco coir will be adopted from the study of Panamgama, et. Al. using
Alkaline lignin extraction with 7.5% (w/v) NaOH at 90 °C for 90 min. Other extraction processes and
parameters that affect the extraction will not be investigated.

Biopolymer properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, ultimate tensile strain, density, water
absorption, solubility, surface topography, and concentration of the biopolymer.

For the encapsulation of urea, researchers will investigate the effect of temperature and soil acidity to
the release behavior of nitrogen in soil. The researchers will study the release of NPK from urea fertilizer
only. The quality of the any plants will not be studied.

The researchers will be executing their experiments in the Chemical engineering Laboratory and unit
Operation Laboratory of the university. For testing the quality parameters of biopolymer, researchers
will contact outside-school laboratories.