In this study, the empty fruit bunches of oil palm (Elaesis guineensis) were used as main raw materials to produce Hybrid EFB Fiber with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites (Hybrid Composites). It was tested on different ratios of EFB and Polyester of 20:80, 30:70 and 40:60. The EFB mat fiber was overlaid with glass fiber placed at the top and bottom faces. The resin adhesive used was a mixture of polyester and 3% of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP). The resinated mat was cold pressed for about one hour to consolidate the mattress. The physical properties evaluated were water absorption and thickness swelling, whilst mechanical properties were static bending, tensile and impact. The specimens were tested according to ASTM D790-ISO 178, ASTM D638-ISO 527 and ASTM D6110-02-ISO 180.
The results obtained showed that the samples made from EFB and Polyester at ratio 30:70 gave the highest values in all mechanical properties tests. Whilst for physical properties, specimens of EFB and Polyester 20:80 ratio were more dimensionally stable. It can be concluded that EFB is suitable to be used as a new potential raw material for Hybrid Natural Fiber Composite manufacturing.
This invention can enhance to the efficient use of oil palm wastes. It also will ease the problems faced by the oil palm mills in treating their composing agro wastes.
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Reported by Megawati Omar
Research Management Institute
UiTM
