Physical and mechanical properties of thermoplastic composite from oil palm trunk / Jamaludin Kasim …[et al.]

Oil palm (Elaeis Quieensis Jacq) particles were used as fillers in the
manufacture of polypropylene composite. The oil palm particles were
separated from the fibre strand using a vibratory screener and dried
in an oven for 48 hours. Filler loading of 10%, 30% and 50% of
polypropylene by weight were used in the study. Test samples were
then produced using a chrome-plated mould for bending, tensile
and water absorption. Results of the bending and tensile, showed
that with higher filler loading, the bending and tensile strength and
elongation at break decreases while modulus of elasticity increases.
Water absorption decreases with increasing percentage of filler whilst
MAPP addition shows no significant contribution to the composite
properties. As a conclusion, particles of oil palm trunk is a suitable
filler and is recommended to be used in the manufacture of
thermoplastic products that does not require high strength properties.