Author/Authors :
AHMADZADEH, ALI Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Science and Technology - School of Applied Physics, Malaysia , ZAKARIA, SARANI Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Science and Technology - School of Applied Physics, Malaysia , RASID, ROZAIDI Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Science and Technology - School of Applied Physics, Malaysia , NABIHAH, SHARIFAH Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Faculty of Science and Technology - School of Applied Physics, Malaysia
Abstract :
Biofiber is used in the polymer based composite as a renewable resource due to its positive environmental benefits, biodegradable properties, low cost and high toughness. Biocomposite was fabricated using oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) as filler in phenolated EFB (PEFB) matrix. Phenolated EFB (PEFB) obtained from liquefaction of EFB in phenol was used as a biopolymer to replace novolak phenolic resin which is commonly used in composite materials. Sulfuric acid was used as a catalyst in the liquefaction reaction. The effect of thermal aging and blending ratio of PEFB matrix and EFB fibers on the mechanical properties of composites has been studied. The flexural data before and after thermal aging revealed the optimum amount of EFB filler is 50% . The result showed better compatibility between EFB and PEFB when compared with EFB and commercial novolak resin
Keywords :
Biocomposite , EFB , flexural , izod impact , liquefaction
