Properties of Empty Fruit Bunches Eco-Composite Boards from Elaeis guineesis

Abstract

This studies investigated on the properties of eco-composite boards made from Elaeis guineesis empty fruit bunch. The empty fruit bunches (EFB) collected from a private Elaeis guineesis plantation in Selangor. The EFB refined using fiber cutter and particle crusher. Hardeners and wax added at 1% and 3% during the mixing process. Boards with densities of 700, 600 and 500 kg/m³produced using resin urea formaldehyde as the bonding agent at 10, 12 and 14%. The boards conditioned in a conditioning chamber set at 20±2°C and 65% relative humidity before undergoing subsequent testing. Preparation for boards and tests samples follows BS and EN Standards specifications. Maximum modulus of rupture (MOR) were 22.91 N/mm²and modulus of elasticity (MOE) 2059.56 N/mm². The internal bonding recorded at 0.98 N/mm², for the edge and face screw withdrawal were at 467.47 N/mm² and 512.37 N/mm² respectively. The boards with 700 kg/m³ density and 14% resin content met the required standard with good dimensional stability. In the thermogravimetric analysis the maximum rate of decomposition for the EFB boards occurred at 380.83°C. The board's overall properties are influence by the density and resin content applied.