Dataset on the microstructure morphology and elemental composition of the palm kernel shell and the coconut kernel shell by TEM/SEM and EDXA/EDS.

Coconut kernel shell (CKS) and palm kernel shell (PKS) powders were analyzed using Surface Electron Microcopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The SEM and TEM were combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy Analysis for elemental composition of the sample materials. The micrographs of all samples were thoroughly examined and explained. The dataset presented herein helps to elucidate the ultrastructure and could suggest expanding traditional applications of the PKS/CKS to novel ones. The data are related to the research article "Insight on the Ultrastructure, Physicochemical and Thermal Characteristics and Applications of the Palm Kernel Shells" (Ntenga et al., 2018).

Direct fluorination applied to wood flour used as a reinforcement for polymers.

Direct fluorination was applied to wood flour in order to improve its compatibility with polymers and thus enhance the properties of wood-polymer composites. Fourier-transform infrared spectra and (19)F solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance results underlined a successful covalent grafting of fluorine atoms onto the wood chemical structure. No physical damage of the wood particles was observed during scanning electron microscopy analysis. The thermal behaviour of the wood flour was also studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The hydrophilic property changes of wood flour were examined by evaluating the water content and the rate of water uptake of samples under different relative humidity conditions. A decrease in the wood flour water content was noted after fluorination. All these studies tend to prove the efficiency of this treatment on wood hydrophilia.