Characteristics of Palm Kernel Shell and Palm Kernel Shell-Polymer Composites: A Review

Abstract

The peculiar characteristics of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) may have corresponding effects on polymer mono composites and hybrid composites when used as filler in polymer matrices. This review paper relates Palm Kernel Shell (PKS), palm kernel shell-mono composites, and palm kernel shell hybrid composites in terms of identification, sampling, and analysis. The purpose was to establish the properties of palm kernel shells and their composites as documented by various researchers in a one-stop-shop document for use by current and future researchers. The accidental and judgmental sampling procedures were employed to sample documents that relate palm kernel shells and polymers. The study revealed that lignocellulos palm kernel shell properties, including lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose might vary depending on the geographic location of the plant from which the shell is derived. Similarly, the mineral content of PKS, such as carbon, iron, Aluminum, potassium, silicon, phosphorus, oxygen, and cesium, among others, were found to vary. Other properties identified include solid density, porosity, specific gravity, specific heat capacity, moisture content, and angle of repose. The paper also observed that using PKS as a filler material in polymer composites could modify the properties of the filler and hence PKS/polymer composites. The paper concludes that PKS may be a good filler material when used in the development of PKS/oil palm mesocarp/polyethylene hybrid composites. Chemical treatment of the PKS particles may further enhance the characteristics of the evolved hybrid composite material.