Effect of turnip fiber concentration on kinetic absorption of poly (vinyl alcohol) composite

This study investigates the effect of turnip fiber concentration on the kinetic water absorption behavior of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites. The composites were prepared with 0 wt%, 10 wt%, and 100 wt% turnip fiber, and their water absorption properties were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second order kinetic models. FTIR spectroscopy and microscopic surface analysis were also employed to examine functional groups and morphological differences, respectively. The results revealed that water absorption increased significantly with fiber content, with 100 wt% turnip fiber reaching ~460% absorption, while 10 wt% showed the highest rate due to balanced porosity and matrix interaction. FTIR spectra confirmed increasing hydroxyl and polysaccharide peaks with fiber content, while microscopy revealed rougher, more porous structures in fiber-rich samples. Although no dye or pollutant adsorption tests were performed, the enhanced hydrophilicity and water retention suggest potential for future environmental applications. Recommendations for future work include fiber surface treatment, development of hybrid systems, and mechanical testing to evaluate tensile strength, durability, and flexibility. These findings contribute toward the design of high performance, biodegradable composites for potential use in filtration, agriculture, or sustainable packaging.