Abstract
Effects on characteristics and mechanical properties of oil palm frond fiber (OPFF) as a reinforced element in poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) were investigated in this study. Series of different loading of OPFF were prepared by the following compositions: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 part per resin (phr). Glycerol at 35 phr was also compounded using twin-screw extruder to decrease degree of crystallinity and to reduce shear force of PVA to improve the processability. Injection molding was used to produce specimen for testing. The results indicated that the OPFF has an impact on mechanical properties of the composite material. Different scanning calorimeter (DSC) showed that the melting temperature (Tm) of OPFF reinforced PVA blended with glycerol was shifted to having decrease when compared to the pure PVA. Different loading contents of OPFF indicated that the compressive strength and morphological properties performed by a similar fashion. A highest compressive strength and the modulus of OPFF-reinforced PVA at 25 phr were achieved. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that OPFF-reinforced PVA at 25 phr yielded no accumulation of OPFF fibers but showed the dispersion in the matrix phase. In conclusion, the OPFF derived from oil palm industry can be used as reinforcement for manufacturing of plant pot in the future stage
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