*2.1. Materials*

The starch granules and nano-bentonite were supplied by Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louise, MO, USA). It was supplied by Euroscience Sdn. Bhd (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia). The glycerine, sodium chlorite (NaClO2) and sodium bicarbonate were supplied by HmbG Chemicals (Hamburg, Germany) purchased through A.R Alatan Sains Sdn Bhd (Alor setar, Malaysia). Sulfuric acid was supplied by Fisher ChemicalTM (Concord, NH, USA) purchased through A.R Alatan Sains Sdn Bhd (Alor setar, Malaysia). OPEFB fiber was purchased from United Oil Palm Industries Sdn Bhd (Nibong Tebal, Malaysia). Deionized water was used as a solvent for all the experimental works.
