DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v28i1.170

Keywords: Water-based muds, coconut husk, saponins; surfactant, extraction

Abstract

This study explores coconut husk an abundant agricultural waste in Malaysia as a sustainable source of saponins for enhancing water-based mud (WBM) performance. Saponins were extracted using Soxhlet extraction and optimized through Design of Experiments (DOE) considering extraction time, sample mass and ethanol concentration. Gading coconut husk produced the highest saponin yield as confirmed by foam tests. ANOVA results showed that sample mass and ethanol concentration significantly affected extraction efficiency (p < 0.05) while extraction time had minimal impact. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmed the presence of saponin functional groups and 5-dihydroxy-6 methyl 4 H-Pyran-4-One (DDMP) glycosides. When incorporated into WBM, both extracted and commercial saponins improved rheological and lubricity properties. Although commercial saponins yielded higher viscosity and gel strength, the coconut husk-derived saponins provided better fluid loss control and formed thinner mud cakes indicating strong compatibility with WBM systems. These findings highlight coconut husk as a promising eco-friendly surfactant source, offering an effective alternative to synthetic additives. This work supports the valorization of agricultural waste and promotes greener drilling fluid technologies. Future studies should refine purification methods and investigate synergistic combinations with nanoparticles or polymers to further enhance WBM performance.