The effect of glycidyl methacrylate treatment of empty fruit bunch (EFB) on the properties of ultra‐violet radiation cured EFB‐unsaturated polyester composite

In this study, biofiber composites cured by ultra‐violet, were produced using pulp made from empty fruit bunch (EFB) as the reinforcing agent and unsaturated polyester as the matrix. The conversion of EFB fibers into pulp was carried out using organosolv pulping process. The EFB pulp was then chemically treated with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) to different percentage of weight percent gain and the composites were made with different percentages of pulp loading. Results showed that the Kappa number of EFB decreased as the NaOH concentration in organosolv pulping increased. Composites which were made from GMA‐treated EFB showed better mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact strength) than those of the unmodified. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed peaks that proved the occurrence of grafting between GMA and OH from EFB pulp. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed the evidence of the enhancement of the compatibility between EFB and matrix. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010