The Effect of Glycol Type,Glycol Mixture,and Isocyanate/Glycol Ratio on Flexural Properties of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch-Polyurethane Composites

Abstract

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB)-polyurethane (PU) composites were produced. The effects of the isocyanate (NCO)/glycol (OH) ratio, glycol type, and mixtures (polyethylene glycol PEG 400 (M _w 400) and polypropylene glycol PPG 400 (M _w 400)) on the flexural properties were investigated. The NCO/OH ratio had a significant effect on the flexural properties of the EFB-PU composites. Composites made with PEG 200 exhibited higher flexural properties than with PEG 400 and PPG 400. The flexural properties were also found to be influenced by the PPG 400/PEG 400 ratio.