Tensile and Impact Properties of Thermoplastic Natural Rubber Reinforced Short Glass Fiber and Empty Fruit Bunch Hybrid Composites

Thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) hybrid composite with short glass fiber (GF) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber were prepared via the melt blending method using an internal mixer type Thermo Haake 600p. The TPNR were prepared from natural rubber (NR), liquid natural rubber (LNR) and polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic, with a ratio of 20:10:70. The hybrid composites were prepared at various ratios of GF/EFB with 20% volume fraction. Premixture was performed before the material was discharged into the machine. The study also focused on the effect of fiber (glass and EFB) treatment using silane and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAgPP) as a coupling agent. In general, composite that contains 10% EFB/10% glass fiber gave an optimum tensile and impact strength for treated and untreated hybrid composites. Tensile properties increase with addition of a coupling agent because of the existence of adherence as shown in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph. Further addition of EFB exceeding 10% reduced the Young's modulus and impact strength. However, the hardness increases with the addition of EFB fiber for the untreated composite and decreases for the treated composite.     

Bio-oil production from oil palm biomass via subcritical and supercritical hydrothermal liquefaction

This paper presents the studies on the liquefaction of three types of oil palm biomass; empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm mesocarp fiber (PMF) and palm kernel shell (PKS) using water at subcritical and supercritical conditions. The effect of temperature (330, 360, 390 °C) and pressure (25, 30, 35 MPa) on bio-oil yields were investigated in the liquefaction process using a Inconel batch reactor. The optimum liquefaction condition of the three types of biomass was found to be at supercritical condition of water i.e. at 390 °C and 25 MPa, with PKS yielding the maximum bio-oil yield of 38.53 wt%, followed by EFB and PMF, with optimum yields of 37.39 wt% and 34.32 wt%, respectively. The chemical compositions of the bio-oils produced at optimum condition were analyzed using GC–MS and phenolic compounds constituted the major portion of the bio-oils, with other minor compounds present such as alcohols, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons and esters.     

ACETYLATED PLANT-FIBER-REINFORCED POLYESTER COMPOSITES: A STUDY OF MECHANICAL,HYGROTHERMAL, AND AGING CHARACTERISTICS

The potential of acetylation of plant fibers to improve the properties of composites was studied. The chemical modification of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), coconut fiber (Coir), oil palm frond (OPF), jute, and flax using noncatalyzed acetic anhydride were investigated. Proof of acetylation was indicated by the increase in weight percent gain (WPG). Acetylation at a reaction temperature of 120°C had resulted in the reduction in the tensile properties (stress, modulus, and elongation at break) of EFB and Coir composites. However, at 100°C, the acetylated samples exhibited improved properties. The mechanical properties of acetylated EFB- and Coir-fiber-reinforced polyester composites was evaluated at different fiber loadings. The tensile strength and modulus were improved, but elongation at break was slightly reduced upon acetylation, particularly at high fiber loading. Impact properties were moderately increased for those composites with fiber loadings up to 45%. Acetylation exhibited a low moisture absorption, comparable with glass-fiber composites. Acetylated EFB and Coir composites showed superior retention of tensile and impact properties after aging in water up to 12 months.     

Quality Changes of Superheated Steam–Dried Fibers from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches

Conventional drying of the fibers from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) using flue gas from diesel burners frequently causes browning and dust explosion. Replacing the drying medium with superheated steam is expected to improve the quality of EFB fibers as well as improve the safety of the dryer operation. In this study, the effects of steam temperature and steam velocity on the quality of steam–dried EFB fibers was investigated. The drying experiment was carried out at atmospheric pressure with steam superficial velocity in the range of 0.3 to 0.49 m s^?1 and temperature in the range of 135 to 200°C. Three quality parameters of the EFB fibers, the color, strength, and microstructure, were used to assess the changes in EFB fiber quality as a result of superheated steam drying. The color of the EFB fiber was either improved or not significantly degraded. The strength of the superheated steam–dried EFB fibers was higher than that of undried and hot air–dried EFB fibers. The microstructure of fresh undried EFB fibers as seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the presence of round silica particles of 10–20 µm in diameter all over the EFB fiber strand, which complicates pulping and bleaching. Superheated steam drying successfully removed the silica particles from the EFB fibers at temperatures of at least 200°C and a velocity of steam of at most 0.49 m s^?1, which is better than hammering, which can only remove 88% of the silica particles. The high temperature of the superheated steam loosened the silica particles from their craters. The EFB fibers cracked and split at steam velocities at or above 0.49 m s^?1 and high superheated steam temperatures at or above 200°C and as a consequence became weaker at these conditions. The removal of silica particles by superheated steam drying makes the EFB fiber amenable to pulping and bleaching. Superheated steam drying is therefore found to improve the overall quality of EFB fibers compared to hot air drying.     

The Effect of Oil Extraction of the Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch on the Processability,Impact, and Flexural Properties of PVC-U Composites

The use of oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (EFB) as reinforcement in the unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) is a new attraction in the thermoplastic composite technology. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of extracted EFB on processability, impact, and flexural properties of PVC-U composites. A soxhlet extraction was used to extract the extractives from the EFB fibers. The identification of the related functional groups present in the concentrated extract was analyzed using FTIR. To produce composites, PVC resin, EFB fiber, and other additives were first dry-blended using a heavy-duty laboratory mixer before being milled into sheets on a two-roll mill. Test specimens were then hot pressed after which the impact and flexural properties were determined. The processability studies of dry blends were carried out using a Brabender Torque Rheometer model PL2200. The FTIR analysis showed that the oil residue was successfully extracted from EFB fibers. Both the extracted and unextracted fibers decreased the fusion time and melt viscosity of PVC-U. However, the extracted fiber was found to increase the fusion time of PVC as the fiber content increased from 10 to 40 phr. The impact and flexural properties of composites were not significantly affected by the fiber extraction.     

POLYSTYRENE-BENZOYLATED EFB REINFORCED COMPOSITES

Reinforced thermoplastics generally are produced by incorporation of reinforcement agents or fillers into thermoplastic resins. The utilization of lignocellulosic material as filler with reinforcement in polymer matrix has received much interest due to its lower price and other properties. A composite of polystyrene reinforced with oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) and chemically treated EFB with benzoyl chloride (EFB-benzoylated) as a function of loading and fiber surface modification were prepared. The chemically treated fibers were analyzed with FT-IR to observe the extent of chemical reaction with EFB fiber. The sharp peak at 710 cm^?1 appeared on the spectra, which indicated that the mono-substituted benzene ring has taken place. The strong peak at 1720 cm^?1 has indicated the presence of ester group treated fiber. The flexural test was performed using Instron 4301 testing machine to study flexural properties of the composites with various fiber sizes. The results showed that the flexural properties increased with particle size. The flexural strength of EFB-benzoylated composites was observed to be stronger than untreated EFB fiber. Scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the morphological structure of the fiber surface, fiber pull out, fracture surface, and fiber–matrix interface. The untreated EFB composites showed hole and fiber end, which indicated that most of the fiber have pulled out breaking during the fracture of composites; however, the treated EFB-benzoylated showed a good adhesion between fiber and matrix.     

Effect of Fiber Esterification on Fundamental Properties of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Biocomposites

A new class of biocomposites based on oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), which is a biodegradable aliphatic aromatic co-polyester, were prepared using melt blending technique. The composites were prepared at various fiber contents of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt% and characterized. Chemical treatment of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber was successfully done by grafting succinic anhydride (SAH) onto the EFB fiber surface, and the modified fibers were obtained in two levels of grafting (low and high weight percentage gain, WPG) after 5 and 6 h of grafting. The FTIR characterization showed evidence of successful fiber esterification. The results showed that 40 wt% of fiber loading improved the tensile properties of the biocomposite. The effects of EFB fiber chemical treatments and various organic initiators content on mechanical and thermal properties and water absorption of PBAT/EFB 60/40 wt% biocomposites were also examined. The SAH-g-EFB fiber at low WPG in presence of 1 wt% of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) initiator was found to significantly enhance the tensile and flexural properties as well as water resistance of biocomposite (up to 24%) compared with those of untreated fiber reinforced composites. The thermal behavior of the composites was evaluated from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential thermogravimetric (DTG) thermograms. It was observed that, the chemical treatment has marginally improved the biocomposites' thermal stability in presence of 1 wt% of dicumyl peroxide at the low WPG level of grafting. The improved fiber-matrix surface enhancement in the chemically treated biocomposite was confirmed by SEM analysis of the tensile fractured specimens.     

Effects of ten year application of empty fruit bunches in an oil palm plantation on soil chemical properties

The oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB), a major waste product of the palm oil mills, were earlier incinerated at the mills and had contributed to air quality problems in Malaysia. This lead to the introduction of the Malaysian Environmental Air Quality Regulation in 1978 which prompted mills to look for alternative management methods in disposal of the EFB. A convenient method is applying the EFB to the oil palm field near the mill for nutrient cycling. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of 10 years of EFB yearly application in an oil palm plantation, as a source of nutrients, on the chemical properties of a well-drained, highly weathered acidic soil, classified as Typic Kandiudult. The experimental plots receiving 3 treatments, i.e. chemical fertilization, without EFB application (CHEM)), application of 150 kg EFB palm⁻¹ year⁻¹ (EFB150) and application of 300 kg EFB palm⁻¹ year⁻¹ (EFB300) with four replications, from 1983 to 1992. The EFB was applied in heaps in the middle of every 4 palms. The cumulative addition of EFB had increased the soil pH by two units with application of EFB300 and a one unit increase with EFB150 in the 0–60 cm soil layer, compared to CHEM. The application of EFB even at the lower rate decreased significantly exchangeable Al contents and the cation exchange capacity increased up to 60 cm soil depth. Overall increases in exchangeable bases were also observed in soils treated with EFB. The increase was more evident in EFB300 compared to EFB150. Organic C in the topsoil increased from 1.49 to 2.50% and 2.73% in EFB150 and EFB300, respectively. There was also an increase in total nitrogen with EFB application but only in the topsoil. An overall analysis of the yield response in the 10 year-period shows that EFB300 resulted in higher fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield than EFB150 and CHEM while the yield of EFB150 was not significantly different from CHEM. This study showed that it is beneficial to dispose the EFB by applying them in the oil palm fields around the mills.     

Co-gasification characteristics of palm oil by-products and coals for syngas production

Large amounts of empty fruit bunches (EFB) are generated annually during the palm oil manufacturing process; however, they are still treated as waste. In this study, gasification experiments were conducted using EFB in a fluidized bed reactor (throughput=1 kg/hr) at an experimental temperature range of 700 to 1,000 oC to assess the use of EFB as a renewable energy resource. To overcome the issues of an unstable EFB supply, co-gasification experiments using EFB with coal were conducted. The resulting syngas yield was approximately 70 vol%, similar to that from EFB gasification. The heating value of syngas was a magnitude of three-times higher than that of EFB gasification. However, the dry gas yield and cold gas efficiency were lower than those of EFB gasification. A coal mixing rate of 20 wt% and 0.6 of ER would be appropriate conditions for continuous production of stable syngas.     

Effect of filler‐to‐matrix blending ratio on the mechanical strength of palm‐based biocomposite boards

The effect of the blending ratio of a polyurethane matrix and oil‐palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers on the mechanical properties of biocomposite boards has been studied. The PU matrix and EFB fibers were used at blending ratios of 25:75, 30:70 and 35:65 (by weight). The mechanical property of hardness was studied. The intention of this study was to produce fiberboard from a vegetable oil‐based polyester as the matrix and biomass from the palm oil industry, namely EFB. It was found that the blending ratio with a lower filler loading (35:65) gave higher impact and flexural strengths due to better fiber encapsulation which enhanced the fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Improving supercritical water gasification of sludge by oil palm empty fruit bunch addition: Promotion of syngas production and heavy metal stabilization

The co-gasification of sewage sludge and palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) in supercritical water (SCW) was conducted at 400℃ with a pressure of over 25 MPa. This study aimed to investigate the influence of EFB addition on the syngas production and its composition. The heavy metal distribution and the leaching potential of the solid residue were also assessed. The results showed that syngas yield significantly increased with the addition of EFB into the feedstock. The cold gas efficiency (CGE) and carbon efficiency (CE) of co-gasification were higher than those of individual gasification. The actual syngas production from co-gasification of sludge and EFB was 45% higher than the theoretical total volume. The results indicated that the addition of EFB to sludge had the synergetic promotion effect on syngas production from sludge and EFB in supercritical water. This enhancement might be due to the dissolution of alkali metals from EFB and the adjustment of organic ratio. In addition, higher percentage of heavy metals were deposited and stabilized in the solid residue after SCWG. The leaching concentration of heavy metals from the solid residues was decreased to a level below the standard limit which enables it to be safely disposed of in landfill. In conclusion, the EFB addition has been proved to promote syngas production, as well as, stabilize the heavy metal in solid residues during co-SCWG.     

Fractional Isolation and Structural Characterization of Lignins from Oil Palm Trunk and Empty Fruit Bunch Fibers

Abstract

The lignins from dewaxed oil palm trunk and empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers were fractionated into 95% ethanol soluble, cold and hot water soluble, and 1% NaOH soluble lignins, respectively. The chemical and structural composition of the lignin preparations was determined by using UV, GPC, FT-IR, ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy and nitrobenzene oxidation. The alkali soluble and 95% ethanol soluble lignin fractions were found to contain low amounts of chemically linked polysaccharides, 2.9-3.9% and 7.5-8.0%, respectively, while the water soluble lignin fractions showed significant amounts of bound polysaccharides (16.2-23.3%). All of the lignin fractions contained a high proportion of non-condensed syringyl units, together with small amounts of non-condensed guaiacyl and fewer p-hydroxyphenyl units. The lignin from oil palm EFB fiber contained a significant amount of esterified p-hydroxybenzoic acid and a minor quantity of esterified glucuronic acid. Trace of ferulic acids was both esterified and etherified to lignin side chains in the EFB fiber cell walls.     

超临界CO2萃取山苍子核仁油的工艺研究

研究了用超临界CO2流体萃取山苍子核仁油的萃取工艺,探讨了各种影响因素对山苍子核仁油萃取率的影响,通过正交试验确定了超临界萃取的最佳工艺为：萃取温度45℃、萃取压力25 MPa、CO2流量220 L/h、萃取时间80 min。在此条件下,山苍子核仁油萃取率84.5%。研究证明了加入溶剂和剥壳均可提高山苍子核仁油的萃取率。     

A Preliminary Study on Ultraviolet Radiation–Cured Biofiber Composites from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

Biofiber composites, cured by ultraviolet (UV) radiation were produced using pulp made from empty fruit bunch (EFB) as the reinforcing agent and unsaturated polyester as the matrix. The EFB fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions. The kappa number of the EFB decreased as the NaOH concentration increased. The flexural and tensile strength of the composites made from 22% NaOH-treated EFB increased as the percentage of EFB increased. Composites with 28% NaOH treated EFB had lower strength as the percentage of EFB increased. Generally, those with EFB fibers treated with 22% 15 NaOH displayed higher flexural, tensile, and impact strength and tensile modulus than those with 28% NaOH-treated fibers. No significant difference was observed for both types of composite with respect to flexural modulus and elongation at break.     

Palm‐based bio‐composites hybridized with kaolinite

This study described the mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid bio‐composites from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers and kaolinite. The polyurethane (PU) used as matrix is formed by reacting palm kernel oil (PKO)‐based polyester with crude isocyanate. The blending ratio of PU to EFB fibers was fixed at 35 : 65 and kaolinite was added at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% (by weight). The occurrence of chemical interactions between the hydroxyl terminals in both fillers and the PU system was determined via FTIR spectroscopy. Hybrid bio‐composites showed improved stiffness, strength, and better water resistance with the addition of kaolinite to an extent. At 15% of kaolinite loading, maximum flexural and impact strengths were observed. The interaction between kaolinite with PU matrix and EFB fibers enhanced the mechanical properties of the bio‐composites, which was justified from the FTIR spectrum. However, over‐packing of kaolinite was observed at 20% kaolinite loading, which ruptured the cellular walls and degraded strength of the bio‐composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Cu nanoparticles for improving the mechanical performances of oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers as analyzed by Weibull model

Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs) were impregnated in oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers via the cationization process. The fiber surface modification by CuNPs has been verified by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray study. Mechanical properties were measured by the tensile test and analyzed by the Griffith and the Weibull models. The 10 mm length EFB fiber modified by CuNPs shows an increment in characteristic strength ( $ \sigma_{ 0} $ σ 0 ) and modulus (Y ₀) by about 20 and 10 % compared to the unmodified fiber, as assessed by the Weibull model. This improvement in mechanical properties is associated with the incorporation of CuNPs in the fibers. Weak-link scaling model has been applied to predict the mechanical properties of unknown fiber.     

Kinetics of oil palm empty fruit bunch phenolysis in the presence of sulfuric acid as a catalyst

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) was successfully phenolyzed in the presence of sulfuric acid as a catalyst at different temperatures, reaction times, and percentage of catalyst used. Sulfuric acid was used as catalyst (5 and 8%) at the reacting temperature of 110–150°C with various reaction times. The kinetics parameters along with the weight of reacted EFB and phenol were calculated using the second‐ and third‐order reaction kinetics models. The weight of the reacted EFB in phenol shows that about 97% of EFB was liquefied during the reaction. However, only 70% of phenol was reacted with EFB. The kinetic studies showed that the EFB phenolysis in the presence of sulfuric acid followed a bimolecular type of the second‐order reaction. The activation energy calculated from the Arrhenius equation was 50.7 and 18.06 kJ/mol when the catalyst concentration was 5 and 8%, respectively. It can be depicted that the activation energy decreased as the catalyst increased. The reaction enthalpy showed that the liquefaction of EFB in phenol had dominantly followed the endothermic reaction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Co-processing of heavy oil with wood biomass using supercritical <Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis>-xylene and <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-dodecane solvents

Heavy oil was co-processed with wood biomass by using supercritical m-xylene and n-dodecane. The effects of the solvent, temperature, hydrogen, and catalyst on vacuum residue (VR) upgrading were evaluated using residue conversion, coke formation, and product distribution as performance parameters. VR was subjected to co-processing with microcrystalline cellulose (cellulose) or oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (EFB), and the parameters were compared with those obtained from VR upgrading. Co-processing of VR/cellulose using a catalyst and hydrogen led to higher conversion (72.6 wt%) than co-processing of VR/EFB at 400 °C and the highest yield of light product (65.7 wt%). Using the Fe₃O₄ catalyst with H₂ for co-processing positively influenced generation of the light product fraction. VR upgrading and co-processing using supercritical solvents could eliminate a certain amount of sulfur compounds from heavy oil. Co-processing of wood biomass with petroleum feedstocks in existing oil refineries can reduce the capital costs of bulk treatment.     

Physicochemical Characterization and Fatty Acid Profiling of Different Philippine Pili Nut (Canarium ovatum,Engl.) Varieties

Canarium ovatum, commonly known as Pili nut, is an endemic crop in the Philippines. This study focused on the assessment of the physical, nutritional, and fatty acid profile of the pulp and kernel of Pili nut varieties. The study included 7 varieties that are cultivated in a single soil condition at the Albay Research and Development Center, Buang, Tabaco City, Philippines. Standard method Association of Official Analytical Chemist for nutritional analysis and DNA barcoding were used in the study. Molecular authentication through DNA barcoding shows that studied Pili nut varieties belong to genus C. ovatum. Split component of the fruit reveals that pulp is the major component (12.6–25.3%) of the fruit, followed by shell (5.97–12.3%), kernel (1.75–3.49%), and testa (0.17–0.34%). Lyophilized Pili nut kernel contains 67.2–74.1% fat, 11.5–13.2% protein, 3.43–9.97% dietary fiber, and 2.93–3.37% ash, and provides 704–749 cal 100 g^?1 energy. Pili nut pulp contains 43.4–53.1% dietary fiber, 20.2–31.7% fat, 8.32–10.9% ash, and 4.53–6.32% protein, and provides 361–432 cal 100 g^?1 energy. Pili nut pulp is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Prominent fatty acid is oleic acid (C18:1) for all varieties, which is higher in the pulp than in the kernel. Other major fatty acids include palmitic (C16:0), linoleic (C18:2), stearic (C18:0), and linolenic (C18:3) acids. Most of the physical and chemical characteristics measured depend significantly on the variety.     

Properties of nylon-6-based composite reinforced with coconut shell particles and empty fruit bunch fibres

Novel natural fibre composites of nylon-6 reinforced with coconut shell (CS) particles and empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibres have been investigated. Fillers were alkali treated before melt compounding with nylon-6. Mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of composites were measured. Tensile modulus was found to improve with both fillers up to 16% for nylon-6/CS composite and 10% for nylon-6/EFB composite, whereas a moderate increase in tensile strength was observed only with CS composites. Differences in the strengthening mechanisms were explained by the morphology of the two fillers, empty fruit bunch fibres having a weaker cellular internal structure. Observation of composite morphology using SEM showed that both fillers were highly compatible with nylon-6 due to its hydrophilic nature. Both fillers were found to cause a slight drop in crystallinity of the nylon matrix and to lower melt viscosity at typical injection moulding strain rates. Moisture absorption increased with addition of both fillers.