Environmental effects in oil palm fiber reinforced phenol formaldehyde composites: Studies on thermal, biological, moisture and high energy radiation effects

Abstract

Accelerated weathering studies of untreated and treated oil palm fiber reinforced phenol formaldehyde composites and oil palm/glass hybrid fiber reinforced phenol formaldehyde composites were conducted. Thermal, water, biological and γ radiation effects on the composite properties were analysed. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact properties of thermal and water aged samples were investigated. The extent of biodegradation and γ irradiation effects was estimated from variations in tensile and impact properties. The tensile and impact fracture mechanism and changes in fiber-matrix adhesion were studied using scanning electron microscopic analysis. The changes in the tensile and flexural stress-strain characteristics as well as deformation behaviour of aged composites are well explained by respective stress-strain curves. Mechanical performance of the composites decreased upon thermal ageing. Marked decrease in these properties of the composites is observed upon radiation ageing. However water immersion leads to an increase in strength properties in some treated composites such as on acetylation, silane, acrylonitrile grafting, isocyanate, permanganate treatment, alkali treatment etc. It is found that oil palm fiber increases the biodegradability of the composites.

A Review on Potentiality of Nano Filler/Natural Fiber Filled Polymer Hybrid Composites

“…The integration of variety of fibers in a single matrix results in the development of hybrid biocomposites. Reinforcements have been incorporated either by: (i) intermingling of two types of short fibers thoroughly before incorporating them into the polymer in a mixer, or added alternately into the polymer with or without modification [87][88][89]. (ii) sandwiching of fibers or their mats or fabrics [20,89] or (iii) using non-woven or woven fabrics of both types of reinforcements, as in the case of glass fiber-LC fiber composite systems [20,89,90].…”

Potencial económico de la palma aceitera (Elaeis guineensis Jacq)

“…Alrededor de 1,1 t de fibras generadas por cada tonelada de aceite producido, podrían ser utilizadas como materia prima para productos industriales y artesanales, en la fabricación de biocompuestos naturales, lo cual reduce la utilización de polímeros (Shinoj et al, 2011), obteniendo así mayor degradabilidad, menor toxicidad (Rozman et al, 2003), mejores propiedades mecánicas, resistencia térmica y al paso del agua (Sreekala et al, 2004), así como productos útiles en la industria de plastificantes y de accesorios para automóviles (Shuit et al, 2009).…”

Oil Palm Biomass Fibres and Recent Advancement in Oil Palm Biomass Fibres Based Hybrid Biocomposites

“…These oil palm empty fruit bunch consist of high cellulose content and is a potential natural fibre resources, but its applications account for a small percentage of the total biomass productions. High cellulose content and high toughness value of oil palm EFB fibres make it suitable for application in polymer composites (Sreekala et al, 2004;. The cell wall of OPF also consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.…”

“…Results out put indicated that Hybridization of oil palm fibre with glass fibre considerably decreased the water sorption of oil palm composite. Accelerated weathering studies of untreated and treated oil palm/glass reinforced PF composites conducted and observed biodegradation and irradiation effects in light of variations in tensile and impact properties (Sreekala et al 2004). Results indicated that mechanical performance of hybrid composites decreased with thermal and radiation ageing.…”