Oil palm fibers: Morphology, chemical composition, surface modification, and mechanical properties

Abstract

Oil palm fiber is an important lignocellulosic raw material for the preparation of cost-effective and environment-friendly composite materials. The morphology and properties of these fibers have been analyzed. The properties of two important types of fibers, the oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber and the oil palm mesocarp fiber (fruit fiber) have been described. The surface topology of the fibers has been studied by scanning electron microscopy. Thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis were used to determine the thermal stability of the fibers. Fiber surface modifications by alkali treatment, acetylation, and silane treatment were tried. The modified surfaces were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical constituents of the fibers were estimated according to ASTM standards. Mechanical performance of the fibers was also investigated. Microfibrillar angle of the fibers was theoretically predicted. The theoretical strength of the fibers was also calculated and compared with the experimental results.

Factors Affecting Spinnability of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber Cellulose Solution for the Production of Microfiber

“…Unlike oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), which has been extensively studied as a raw material for the production of various bioproducts such as biocomposite, biochar, biofuel, and biocompost, OPMF is usually used in palm oil mills as boiler fuel or burnt as waste, which is wasteful and indirectly contributes to environmental pollution . As a lignocellulosic material, OPMF has potential as an alternative raw material for various bio-based products manufacturing, as it contains approximately 60% cellulose, 11% lignin, and 3% ash content (Sreekala et al 1997). OPMF also offers high mechanical strength; for example, it has a tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break of 80 MPa, 500 MPa, and 17%, respectively (Sreekala et al 1997).…”

“…As a lignocellulosic material, OPMF has potential as an alternative raw material for various bio-based products manufacturing, as it contains approximately 60% cellulose, 11% lignin, and 3% ash content (Sreekala et al 1997). OPMF also offers high mechanical strength; for example, it has a tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break of 80 MPa, 500 MPa, and 17%, respectively (Sreekala et al 1997). These unique characteristics indicate OPMF for MF production, as it offers good chemical and mechanical properties.…”

Influence of Fiber Content on Properties of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fiber/Poly(butylene succinate) Biocomposites

“…Among biomass, oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) is of interest here. OPMF is available in large quantities at palm oil mills after extraction of crude palm oil from the oil palm fruits (Sreekala et al 1997). It can be obtained at almost zero cost, as it is considered a waste and no extra processing aid is needed for obtaining the fiber.…”

Effect of Filler Content and Alkalization on Mechanical and Erosion Wear Behavior of CBPD Filled Bamboo Fiber Composites

“…However, being hydrophilic, natural fibres need to be chemically treated first to make them more compatible with hydrophobic polymers. Several researchers have reported improvement in properties of natural fibers when alkalized at different NaOH concePnotlryamtioenrs [1][2][3][4] generated a wide interest in the engineering domain, including their tribological applications [5], in view of their good strength and low density as compared to monolithic metal alloys. Being light-weight, they are the most suitable materials for weight sensitive applications, but their high cost becomes a limiting factor for commercial applications.…”

“…Each ply of roving bi-directional bamboo mats is of dimension 150 × 150 mm 2 . Composite slabs are made by reinforcing bi-directional bamboo mats in epoxy resin using simple hand lay-up technique followed by light compression molding technique.…”