Effect of Palm Oil Bunches Microfiller on LDPE-recycled Composite Tensile Strength through Melt Blending Process

Abstract

Purpose-This purpose of the research is to investigate the process of manufacturing LDPE recycle thermoplastic composites with reinforcement oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) biomass microfillers. Design/Methodology/Approach-Methods of physical and chemical modification of OPEFB fibers into the LDPE matrix and the addition of some compatibilizer such as MAPE and xylene process through melt blending can improve mechanical properties, electrical properties, biodegradability, and improve the morphology of composites. Research Limitations/Implications-These composites are prepared by the following matrix ratio: filler (70:30)% and filler size (63, 75, 90, and 106) mm. The LDPE plastic is crushed to a size of 0.5-1 cm, then pressed with hot press free heating for 5 min and with a pressure of 10 min at 145°C. Based on the characterization obtained, the tensile strength and the high impact on the use of 106 mm filler is 13.86 MPa and 3,542.6 J/m 2 , and thermal stability indicates the degradation temperature (T 0) 497.83°C. FT-IR analysis shows the presence of functional groups of cellulose and lignin molecules derived from TKKS collected in the composite. Practical implications-Based on the characterization obtained, this composite can be applied as furniture material and vehicle dashboard. Originality/value-Composites obtained from recycle of LDPPE plastics waste has some advantages such as good compatibility and high tensile strength. This composite used the OPEFB filler whose size is in micrometer, and so this product is different from other products.

Analysis of Recycled HDPE Composite with OPEFB-Based Cellulose Fiber Reinforcement Characteristics for Casing Electronic Materials

“…The morphology of the composite were analyzed by scanning electron micrographs (SEM). Reaction time, reaction temperature, ratio of raw materials to acids and the nature of the raw materials greatly determine the yield and particle size distribution (Zulnazri, 2017). Figure 1 is the result of SEM analysis showing the fracture morphology of the composite from a mixture of HDPE -Cellulose with a scale of 50µm and a magnification of 300 times.…”

“…The three studies were conducted using different methods. The last study is a modification of the method of making and using different compatibilizers in order to obtain a better composite product (Zulnazri and Sulhatun, 2017). Composite products made from mixing HDPE plastic waste and OPEFB microfibers have also been patented with the number: P00201508086 (Zulnazri et al, 2016).…”

Modification of Recycled HDPE Composite with OPEFB Microfibers Through the Melt Blend Extruder Process

“…So far, the handling uses the incinerator combustion technique. Whereas, OPEFB can be reused in various aspects including as fiber to increase the strength of composites [3].…”

“…The result obtained is a composite in the form of a pallet that is hard and has high strength [2]. LDPE matrix composites with a ratio of 70:30 and fiber size of 63 μm provide a high tensile strength of 12,496 MPa and an elastic modulus of 5,019 MPa [3]. However, this mechanical strength is still low and has not been able to equalize the mechanical strength of modified composites.…”

“…Therefore, a combination of materials and an adequate mix of coupling agents or compatibilizers is needed. If the filler ratio is added to the matrix, the matrix is unable to flatten the entire filler surface so that it can reduce the tensile strength value [3].…”