Assessment of Strength Properties of Biocomposite from Oil Palm Frond

Abstract

Shortage of solid wood supply as the main raw material for the wood-based industries is cute problem faced by the world wide wood industry. Agricultural residues especially from oil palm plantation are abundantly and is therefore hoped to solve the above problem. In this context, this study would like to venture into the utilization of oil palm frond (OPF) as the potential agricultural residues for the manufacture of biocomposite panel. Raw material (OPF) mixed with the binder urea formaldehyde at three resin levels (8%, 10%, and 12%) to produce board of two density levels (550 kg/m3 and 650 kg/m3). The boards produced were tested for the mechanical strength (MOE & MOR) in accordance with the European Standard (EN 310). The results showed that the MOE values increased as the resin content increased for both board densities. The values are 1755.54 MPa to 2147.44 MPa for 550 kg/m3 and 2351.81 MPa to 2810.34 MPa for 650 kg/m3. Respectively, similar trend of increment was exhibited for the MOR values 12.18 MPa to 14.98 MPa for 550 kg/m3 and 16.62 MPa to 19.90 MPa for 650 kg/m3. In conclusion, the utilization of oil palm frond for the production of strong biocomposite material stands a great potential.