EFB Fiber Research Articles

In-situ and Co-pyrolysis of Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber for Hydrocarbon Production

Significant amount of empty oil palm bunches are produced annually in Nigeria that mostly going to waste or as animal feed. This study explores the feasibility of transforming these bunches into hydrocarbons via pyrolysis process. The MoO3 and NiO catalyst materials facilitated the catalytic pyrolysis resulting in favourable properties of EFB fibre pyrolysis products suitable for various applications. Valuable compounds were identified through GC-MS analysis of pyrolysis oils. In-situ catalytic pyrolysis with MoO3 and NiO catalysts favored acidic compounds, and produced combustible (CH4) and non-combustible (CO2) gases. Co-pyrolysis of Low-Density Polyethylene and the fiber generated high olefins and paraffin production, along with a significant 40% methane gas yield in both processes. The study highlights the conversion potential of agricultural waste into valuable hydrocarbons, emphasizing the crucial role of catalysts with selectivity for acidic compounds and achieving high olefin, paraffin, and up to 40% methane gas yields in both co-pyrolysis and catalytic pyrolysis process.

KANDUNGAN UNSUR HARA MAKRO PADA KOMPOS FIBER DAN TANDAN KOSONG KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

This research on Observing the content of macro nutrients in OPEFB and Fiber compost aims to determine the levels of macro nutrients N, P, K, and C-Organic contained in the compost produced in this have a look at. The composting process used EM4 material and AC water to be a mixture of ingredients in composting. EFB and Fiber composted in this composting process were 2 Kg each. This composting process lasted for 31 days. After the compost was riped, the tests for the nutrient content of N, P, K, C-Organic, and C/N ratio were conducted in the laboratory. The results of the laboratory tests on OPEFB and Fiber with indicators of N, P, K, C-Organic and C/Nratio showed that there was a variation in yield between EFB compost and Fiber compost. It showed that the different of macronutrient content of OPEFB had a N value of 2.29%, P 0.18%, K 1.54%, C- Organic 41.83%, and a C/N ratio of 17.9. Fiber compost content has a value of N 1.47%, P 0.12%, K 2.04%, C-Organic 51.13%, and a C/N ratio of 34.8. The results of the laboratory tests showed that the OPEFB compost made in this research has complied with the requirements of SNI compost 19-7030-2004.

Effect of fibrillation degree of empty fruit bunch fiber on sandwich composite incorporate with spent mushroom substrate

Sandwich composite panel for heat insulation application were fabricated from two types of agricultural biomass waste, the oil palm empty fruit bunch and spent mushroom substrate. These agricultural biomasses are abundant, renewable, and without proper disposal management, might cause massive environmental pollution. This study investigated the effect of fibrillation degree on EFB fiber through the morphology modification to enhance the properties and thermal characteristic of the sandwich composite panel. Fibrillation is a physical changes that occurred on the surface and internal structure of fiber after undergo excessive physical modification by using refiner machine. Higher fibrillation degree could be achieve by narrowing the space area between two disks of refiner which also known as refining gap. In this research, a composite panel was developed from (SMS) and (EFB) fiber via sandwich hot pressing method. One composite sample using raw EFB fiber and three composite sample at fibrillation degree 191.40%, 211.70% and 271.68% were made at density 0.8 g/cm3. Based on result, the morphological structure of EFB fiber improved in term of formation of small fibril formation, larger surface area, optimum fiber length, optimum fiber diameter and better fiber distribution in composite panel. The mechanical properties of composite was obtained at range 2.77–7.21 MPa for tensile strength, 16.61–18.59 MPa for flexural strength, 2.06–3.18 MPa for internal bond and 4.35–15.79 kJ/m2 for impact strength. For physical properties, value of water absorption and thickness swelling were obtained at range 90.34–142.61% and 18.01–44.80%, respectively. Last but not least, the thermal conductivity value of sandwich composite was obtained at range 0.234–0.282 W/m.K. Overall result found that increasing fibrillation degree on EFB fiber at 211.70% able to contribute in improving the mechanical properties, physical properties and thermal characteristic of sandwich composite panel. This research finding suggested that enhancement of fiber morphology using fibrillation degree approach is considered as an alternative eco-friendly method that could be implemented to improve the properties and thermal characteristic of sandwich composite panel.

Synthesis of Microcrystalline Cellulose at Several Variations in Alpha-Cellulose Hydrolysis Time from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches by Microwave Pre-treatment

MCC was synthesized from alpha-cellulose from microwave pretreated OPEFB. This study aims to determine the effect of microwave pre-treatment on changes in the cellulose and lignin content of OPEFB fibers and to synthesize MCC from OPEFB alpha-cellulose pretreated with microwaves. The method used in this research is exploration with 4 hydrolysis time treatments (10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes) with 3 replications. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical analysis. From the results of the study obtained differences in the levels of cellulose and lignin of EFB fiber before and after microwave pre-treatment. OPEFB fiber that has been pretreated has a higher cellulose content and lower lignin content than without pre-treatment. The yield and brightness level of the synthesized MCC color were different in each treatment. MCC obtained from the hydrolysis of alpha-cellulose for 10 minutes using 45% H2SO4 had the highest yield of 31.22% and the brightest color. Meanwhile, the lowest MCC yield was found in the hydrolysis treatment of alpha-cellulose for 40 minutes, namely 25.37% with a low brightness level. Furthermore, the color and texture of the MCC obtained from the best treatment was the same as that of the commercial Avicel MCC.

PENGARUH VARIASI FRAKSI VOLUM SERAT TANDAN KOSONG KELAPA SAWIT DAN SERAT AMPAS TEBU TERHADAP KEKUATAN TARIK KOMPOSIT HYBRID BERMATRIK POLYESTER

Composite is a combination of two or more different materials that are combined with the aim of getting better strength from the constituent materials. This study aims to identify the effect of variations in fiber volume fraction and determine the proportion of the best volume fraction based on the tensile and flexural strength values in hybrid composites reinforced with EFB fiber and bagasse fiber. The composite manufacturing process was carried out using the compression molding method with variations in fiber volume fraction 6:14, 8:12, 10:10, 12:8 and 14:6. The tests carried out were density testing (ASTM C271) and tensile strength (ASTM D3039 ). The highest tensile strength test results were obtained at fiber volume fraction 8:12 with a value of 17.39 Mpa.

Development of Pine Bark and Acacia Bark for Particleboard Adhesive Based on Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches

Organic adhesive particleboard has the opportunity to be developed to replace particleboard with formaldehyde adhesives which can be detrimental to health. Acacia bark (ATB), pine bark (PTB), and empty fruit bunches of oil palm (EFB) are by-products that have no economic value but have potential as raw materials for particleboard. This study aims to determine particleboard's physical and mechanical properties based on EFB with adhesive ATB and PTB and reduce using formaldehyde adhesive. The combination of using PTB and ATB powder for particleboard adhesive is a novelty in this research. The composition of the particleboard consists of 20-30wt% ATB and PTB powder with 80-70wt% EFB and 5−6% moisture content. The length of EFB fiber used is 0.1−2.0 cm, and the size of ATB and PTB powders is that it passes 40 mesh sieves and is retained by 50 mesh. Hot press time 15-25 minutes. Quality assessment is carried out using Japanese Industry Standard A 5908-2015 for panel products. The test results show that the particleboard meets the standard and prove that ATB and PTB can be used as organic adhesives and have great potential to replace non-organic adhesives.

MEA-conversion of agro-wastes to paper-pulp: Optimization of pulping conditions

This paper investigates the potentials of a novel environmental friendly pulping (Monoethanoleamine-MEA) process in comparison with conventional Soda and Kraft pulping processes in furnishing high yield pulp from agro-biomass for the formation Papers and other paper products. The pulping investigation had three (3) factors at three (3) different levels each: Factor 1, MEA concentration (50, 75 and 100%); Factor 2, cooking time (60, 90 and 120minutes); Factor 3, liquor-biomass ratio (4, 6 and 8) at a fixed temperature of 123±5oC. Consequently, the experimental design had 27 treatments (3×3×3) and 2 replicates. By using a central composite factorial design, equations relating the dependent variable (pulp yield) to the different independent variables (cooking temperature, cooking time and liquor concentration) were derived; reproducing the experimental result for the dependent variable with errors less than 15%. Models were evaluated to analyze the effect of experimental pulping conditions on pulp properties and evaluate the effect of these properties on furnished paper samples. Pulp Screened Yields was in the range of 42.45 to 49.18% calculated on oven dry (O.D) basis. The resultant pulps obtained from the cooking operation had very good appearance, exhibiting fairly bright color, with slow tendency to felt, thereby making drainage and consequent paper making time short. It is recommended that the cellulosic pulp obtained from MEA pulping of EFB is appropriate as virgin fiber for strengthening secondary fibers in recycled papers and also for developing certain types of writing, printing and packaging paper materials. Conclusive investigation on EFB fiber in this research study asserts that it has a promising future (when used in blend with certain long fiber plant i.e. kenaf) in substituting wood in the pulp, paper and fiber- board industry. Conclusive investigation also asserts from over-all parameter achieved that monoethanolamine-MEA when used as the main de-lignifying agent furnished pulp and subsequent paper with good strength properties that can adequately match those from conventional (i.e. kraft and soda) processes and because it works without the use of sulphur compounds, it attributes a particular benefit of simple MEA recovery by distillation, allowing black liquor combustion to be dispensed and the dissolved lignin recovered without negative impact on the environment.

Investigation of Tensile Properties of the Eco-Board of Hybrid Composite that Consist Of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) Fiber Added with Rice Husk

This project focuses on the oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibre that be added with rice husk (RH) as an alternative raw material to replace wood in a several types of industries. ASTM D3039 standard for tensile test was used to design and compose a composite of EFB fiber reinforced rice husk. In this study, the specimen were be created by the compression method based on the numerous ratio that be chosen which is specimen A, pure EFB, specimen B (93.3g EFB: 6.7g RH), Specimen C (86.6g EFB: 13.4g RH) and specimen D (66.7g EFB: 33.3g RH). The objective of this research is to identify the tensile properties of the Eco-board of hybrid composite and to determine the best properties to be introduced to the industry. The failure pattern and fractography failure mode were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The tensile test was performed to characterize the hybrid composite properties using a GOTECH/AI-7000M Electronic Mechanical Testing Machine. Result showed that the higher the rice husk added to the EFB fiber, the higher its tensile strength up to certain ratio. As the conclusion, the rice husk help the EFB fiber to increase strength however at the optimum value ratio where the best properties of hybrid composite is specimen C with 9.685 MPa and suitable for many application.

Durability Evaluation of Cement Board produced from Untreated and Pre-treated Empty Fruit Bunch Fibre through Accelerating Ageing

Durability issue known that natural fibre tends to degrades in cementitious matrix particularly when in hot and humid exposure for a period of time. This experimental approach evaluates the potential of EFB cement board’s durability in accelerated ageing condition. Initially, the EFB fibres are pre-treated for 24 hours by being soaked in 1% NaOH solution and oven-dried at 103±2°C. Cement boards of 1300 kg/m3 density are fabricated in the laboratory, with 2.5:1:2 ratio of ordinary Portland cement, EFB fibre and water with 3% CaCl2. Accelerated ageing assessment of hot water immersion for 10 days, 30 days and 60 days also wet dry cycle for 5 cycle, 15 cycle and 30 cycle at 70°C temperature are then conducted. The tested samples reveal finding ranges in modulus of rupture (MOR) of 3.98 – 9.11 MPa; modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 1056 – 4699 MPa; internal bonding (IB) of 0.28 – 0.53 MPa and thickness swelling (TS) of 1.66 – 9.25%. In addition, the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) showed degradation mechanism of EFB cement board of before and after the accelerated ageing assessment. Conclusively, the findings showed that, accelerated ageing approach for durability assessment of cement boards could be done in quantifying the durability of samples in shorter time.

INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF POLYMERIC FOAM MATERIALS REINFORCED BY OIL PALM EMPTY FRUIT BUNCHES (OPEFB) FIBERS DUE TO STATIC AND DYNAMIC LOADS

Polymeric composite foam with EFB fiber reinforced is new material that can be utilized as an alternative engineering material. EFB fiber utilization becomes the center of subject in this research. Moreover, these composites are unique with the presence of cavities (foam) in the matrix of unsaturated polyester resin. It results a decrease in density of the material that formed, and obtain a thermoset polymer composite material lighter than any else similar type. The objective of this study is to obtain the best manufacturing techniques of composite material, the mechanical behavior of these materials due to tensile static loading and high strain rate impact, and the distribution of foam that occur in the material that formed as a result of blowing agent (BA) from the type of polyurethane (PU). In this research, the sample formed into standard specimen of testing, such as ASTM D638 for static tensile test, and impact test specimen. Mechanical’s behaviors that are obtained in this research are density, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity (E), the incident stress, and dynamic modulus of elasticity of the material. For static testing was performed according to standard ASTM D638 tensile and impact test using the Kolsky’s method. To know the distribution of foam that occur in the material, were observed using Scanning Electron Microscope instrument (SEM). To determine the stress distribution in this material, then conducted a computer simulation using Ansys. The best result obtained by the composition of this material based on material composition, which resin consumption can be reduced by the presence of BA as well as mechanical strength, good enough for molding. The best composition in this study will be used in subsequent studies, namely the design and manufacture of traffic cones from this material.

Study the Physical Properties of Medium Density Fiberboard Utilized by Hybrid Mixture of Efb Fiber and Kenaf Fiber

In this study, a new hybrid medium density fiberboard was formulated by utilizing a fiber mixture composing of 50:50 empty fruit bunch and kenaf fiber coupled with palm-based pre-Polyurethane functioning as a binder. Kenaf as well as Empty fruit bunch fibers had a size range of 300 to 500 μm. Aluminum trihydroxide was used as the fire retardant at loading percentage of 0, 5, 10, and 15 wt% of total mass of the matrix. Water absorption property for hybrid-MDF showed a different trend in water absorption capability and this can be correlated to the strong dependence on the interface adhesion between fiber and the polymer matrix. The water absorption decreased as the loading level of Aluminum trihydroxide increased (6.5 – 2.3%) due to that fibers are held to each other through the interfacial bonding in the presence of Aluminum trihydroxide.

Optimization of cellulose nanofiber production from oil palm empty fruit bunch using Trichoderma sp. with the solid state fermentation method

Cellulose nanofibers were isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunch by delignification using Marasmius sp. and subsequently treated by solid state fermentation using Trichoderma sp. This method used pH values of 4.8, 5.5, and 7 and temperatures of 28 °C, 32 °C, and 37 °C for 7 d. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and particle size analysis were performed to determine the properties of the isolated cellulose nanofibers. Results showed that chemical analysis by FTIR, lignin was completely removed from the EFB. It was found that the combination of pH 5.5 and incubation temperature 37 °C were favorable for the SSF process to isolate cellulose nanofibers from oil palm EFB fiber. SSF processing resulted in smooth morphological structures, with a fiber diameter range of 32.6 nm to 36.4 nm.

The Influence of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fibre Geometry on Mechanical Performance of Cement Bonded Fibre Boards

The mechanical properties of cement bonded fibreboards theoretically influenced by several factors like density, water cement ratio, fibre to cement ratio and geometry of fibre has been discussed by previous researchers. This experimental research work was conducted to explore the role of EFB Fibre geometry on the mechanical performances of cement boards. The experiment work designed for 1300 Kg/m3 density boards consist of two parts, first is cement boards mixed with different length of EFB; retained 7 mesh (R7M), retain 14 mesh (R14M) and retain 80 mesh (R80M). Subsequently, second part is based on the cement boards fabricated from mixed of 6 different percentage lengths of EFB known as SA, SB, SC, SD, SE and SF. The ratio of EFB to cement was 3:1, while water used in the system was 35% based on cement weight. To improve the compatibility of EFB-cement, the fibres were soaked in 0.4% NaOH solution for 24 hours. The mechanical properties were investigated in this study like modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and internal bonding (IB). It was observed that the higher presence of shorter EFB (R80M) in cement boards, the lower mechanical properties were produced. The boards fabricated with heterogeneous fibre length, SE (35% R7M + 45% R14M + 20% R80M) produced the highest mechanical properties with MOE of 4859.5 N/mm2, MOR of 10.06 N/mm2 and IB of 0.36 N/mm2. The properties of MOE and MOR for boards fabricated from SE mixture were satisfy the minimum requirement of British standard.

Desain dan fabrikasi patok rintangan lapangan golf bahan polymeric foam yang diperkuat serat tandan kosong kelapa sawit

A golf course with obstacles in the forms of water obstacle and lateral water obstacle marked with the stakes which are called golf course obstacle stake in this study. This study focused on the design and fabrication of the golf course obstacle stake with a solid cylindrical geometry using EFB fiber-reinforced polymeric foam composite materials. To obtain the EFB fiber which is free from fat content and other elements, EFB is soaked in the water with 1% (of the watre total volume) NaOH. The model of the mould designed is permanent mould that can be used for the further refabrication process. The mould was designed based on resin-compound paste materials with talc powder plus E-glass fiber to make the mould strong. The composition of polimeric foam materials comprised unsaturated resin Bqtn-Ex 157 (70%), blowing agent (10%), fiber (10%), and catalyst (10%). The process of casting the polimeric foam composit materials into the mould cavity should be at vertical casting position, accurate interval time of material stirring, and periodical casting. To find out the strength value of the golf course obstacle stake product, a model was made and simulated by using the software of Ansys workbench 14.0, an impact loading was given at the height of 400 mm and 460 mm with the variation of golf ball speed (USGA standard) v = 18 m/s, v =35 m/s, v = 66.2 m/s, v = 70 m/s, and v = 78.2 m/s. The clarification showed that the biggest dynamic explicit loading impact of Fmax = 142.5 N at the height of 460 mm with the maximum golf ball speed of 78.2 m/s did not experience the hysteresis effect and inertia effect. The largest deformation area occured at the golf ball speed v = 66.2 mm/s, that is 18.029 mm (time: 2.5514e-004) was only concentrated around the sectional area of contact point of impact, meaning that the golf course obstacle stakes made of EFB fiber-reinforced polymeric foam materials have the geometric functional strength that are able to absorb the energy of golf ball impact. Keywords: Composite, Polymeric Foam, EFB Fiber, Tension Distribution, Ansys Workbench 14.0

Physico-Mechanical, Chemical Composition, Thermal Degradation and Crystallinity of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch, Kenaf and Polypropylene Fibres: A Comparatives Study

The physico-mechanical and chemical properties of enzyme retting kenaf and shredded empty fruit bunch of oil palm fibres (EFB) were analyzed by chemical extraction, microscopic, spectroscopic, thermal and X-ray diffraction method. Polypropylene (PP), a petroleum based fibre, was also included to compare the properties of synthetic fibre with natural fibres. Chemical extraction analysis showed that cellulose was the major component in both kenaf and EFB fibres which are 54% and 41.34%, respectively. Silica content of EFB was 5.29% higher than kenaf that was 2.21%. The result of thermogravimetric analysis showed that kenaf has higher thermal decomposition rate compared to EFB fibre. However, the residue for EFB fibre was higher than kenaf due to higher content in inorganic materials. The residual content of PP fibre was only 1.13% which was lower than the natural fibre. The diameter of EFB fibre bundle was 341.7 μm that was three times higher than kenaf. Microscopy study demonstrated that EFB surface was rough, porous and embedded with silica while kenaf showed smooth surface with small pith. Higher porosity in EFB was due to the lower fibre density that was 1.5 kg/cm3 compared to kenaf that was 1.62 kg/cm3. Kenaf has illustrated significant higher tensile strength (426.4 MPa) than EFB (150 MPa) and this result is in parallel to the pattern of the crystalline value for both fibres, 65% and 50.58%, respectively.

Design and fabrication hazard stakes golf course polymeric foam material empty bunch (EFB) fiber reinforced

A golf course with obstacles in the forms of water obstacle and lateral water obstacle marked with the stakes which are called golf course obstacle stake in this study. This study focused on the design and fabrication of the golf course obstacle stake with a solid cylindrical geometry using EFB fiber-reinforced polimeric foam composite materials. To obtain the EFB fiber which is free from fat content and other elements, EFB is soaked in the water with 1% (of the watre total volume) NaOH. The model of the mould designed is permanent mould that can be used for the further refabrication process. The mould was designed based on resin-compound paste materials with talc powder plus E-glass fiber to make the mould strong. The composition of polimeric foam materials comprised unsaturated resin Bqtn-Ex 157 (70%), blowing agent (10%), fiber (10%), and catalyst (10%). The process of casting the polimeric foam composit materials into the mould cavity should be at vertical casting position, accurate interval time of material stirring, and periodical casting. To find out the strength value of the golf course obstacle stake product, a model was made and simulated by using the software of Ansys workbench 14.0, an impact loading was given at the height of 400 mm and 460 mm with the variation of golf ball speed (USGA standard) v = 18 m/s, v = 35 m/s, v = 66.2 m/s, v = 70 m/s, and v = 78.2 m/s. The clarification showed that the biggest dynamic explicit loading impact of Fmax = 142.5 N at the height of 460 mm with the maximum golf ball speed of 78.2 m/s did not experience the hysteresis effect and inertia effect. The largest deformation area occurred at the golf ball speed v = 66.2 mm/s, that is 18.029 mm (time: 2.5514e-004) was only concentrated around the sectional area of contact point of impact, meaning that the golf course obstacle stakes made of EFB fiber-reinforced polymeric foam materials have the geometric functional strength that are able to absorb the energy of golf ball impact.

Compatibility improvement method of empty fruit bunch fibre as a replacement material in cement bonded boards: A review

The utilization of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibre on bio-composite product has been introduced to replace current material mainly wood fibre. OPEFB is widely available as palm oil is one of the major agricultural crops in Malaysia. EFB fibre are lignocellulosic materials that could replace other natural fibre product especially cement bonded board. However, the contains of residual oil and sugar in EFB fibre has been detected to be the reason for incompatibility issue between EFB fibre and cement mixtures. Regarding on the issue, a study has been conducted widely on finding the suitable pre-treatment method for EFB fibre to remove carbohydrate contained in the said fibre that are known to inhibit cement hydration. Aside from that, cement accelerator was introduced to enhance the hydration of cement when it was mixed with natural fibre. Hence, this paper will summaries the previous findings and in-depth study on the use of EFB fibre as a replacement material in cement bonded fibre boards.

Upgraded Seawater-Alkaline Pre-Treatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Bio-Methane Production

The presence of lignin in lignocellulosic biomass leads to a protective barrier that prevents plant cell destruction by fungi and bacteria for conversion to bio-methane gas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of upgraded seawater with NaOH, NaCO2 and palm kernel ash (PKA) to produce the best alkaline solution in order to convert lignin and increase the fermentable sugars content in oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). In this study, alkaline pretreatment of EFB is carried out at room temperature using different concentration of alkaline solution which are 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% w/v of chemical (NaOH, Na2CO3 and PKA) and seawater for 48 hours. OPEFB in a size of 0.5 – 1.0 mm was soaked into the NaOH and Na2CO3 solution for 48 hours at room temperature. The surface morphology analysis of lignocellulosic biomass after pre-treatment were done by using scanning electron microscopic (SEM). Analysis of delignification using Kappa Number showed that the highest percentage of delignification were 86.6%, 69.8% and 58.8% by using concentration of 5% NaOH, 15% Na2CO3 and 20% PKSA, respectively. Morphological change on OPEFB was found when silica was cracks and creating a pore during pre-treatment. This significant increase in reducing sugar yields due to removal of silica and lignin. The results of FTIR showed lignocellulose were removed effectively from EFB fiber. This observation also supported FTIR and SEM analysis that showed significant changes in lignin structure throughout the pre-treatment process. Interestingly, with respect to all factors, upgraded seawater with NaOH demonstrated the highest delignification and fermentable sugar production.

Surface free energy analysis of oil palm empty fruit bunches fiber reinforced biocomposites

Study of the size effect of natural fiber from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) as filler, onto the contact angle and surface free energy of fiber reinforced biocomposites has been done. The OPEFB fibers were prepared by mechanical milling and sieving to obtain various sizes of fiber (long-fiber, medium-fiber, short-fiber, and microparticle). The biocomposites has been produced by extrusion using single-screw extruder with EFB fiber as filler, recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer as matrix, and primary antioxidant, acid scavanger, and coupling agent as additives. The obtained biocomposites in form of granular, were made into test piece by injection molding method. Contact angles of water, methanol, and hexane on the surface of biocomposites at room temperature were measured using Phoenix 300 Contact Angle Analyzer. The surface free energy (SFE) and their components were calculated using three previous known methods (Girifalco-Good-Fowkes-Young (GGFY), Owens-Wendt, and van Oss-Chaudhury-Good (vOCG)). The results showed that total SFE of Recycled ABS as control was about 24.38 mJ/m2, and SFE of biocomposites was lower than control, decreased with decreasing of EFB fiber size as biocomposites filler. The statistical analysis proved that there are no statistically significant differences in the value of the SFE calculated with the three different methods.

Effect of kenaf and EFB fiber hybridization on physical and thermo-mechanical properties of PLA biocomposites

Kenaf/empty fruit bunch/polylactic acid (kenaf/EFB/PLA) hybrid biocomposites were prepared using hot press technique. The ratio of fiber to polylactic acid was set at 60:40 with 1:1 ratio between kenaf and empty fruit bunch fibers. Physical, mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid biocomposites were subsequently characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile and water absorption tests. Test results indicated that mechanically stronger fiber was able to support the weaker fiber. Hybrid fiber biocomposite had higher crystallinity as compared to single fiber biocomposite. Water absorption of hybrid composite was higher as compared to single fiber composite. Thermal result revealed that hybridization of fiber was not significantly influence the thermal properties of composites. However, the presence of two different fibers proposed good wettability properties, which could reduce the formation of voids at the fibers-polymer interface and produce composites with high stiffness and strength.