Agro-hybrid Composite: The Effects on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Oil Palm Fiber (EFB)/Glass Hybrid Reinforced Polyester Composites

• Published in: Journal of reinforced plastics and composites Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 203 - 218
• Main Authors: Khalil, H. P. S. Abdul, Hanida, S., Kang, C. W., Fuaad, N. A. Nik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA SAGE Publications 01-01-2007; Sage
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; chopped strand mat (CSM) glass fibers; hybrid laminate composite; oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers (EFB); Laminate; Ester polymer; Fiber reinforced material; Plant fiber; Mechanical properties; Tensile property; Hardness; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Hybrid composite; Composite material; Impact strength; Natural fiber; Concentration effect; Water absorption; Agricultural waste; Unsaturated polymer; Glass fiber
• ISSN: 0731-6844; 1530-7964
• DOI: 10.1177/0731684407070027

In this research, the combination of oil palm fiber and glass fiber as reinforcing fibers in polyester composites was evaluated. The mechanical and physical properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch/glass hybrid reinforced polyester composites were studied. Hybrid laminate composites with different weight ratios (w/w) of chopped strand mat (CSM) glass fibers: oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber (EFB) 3: 7, 5: 5, 7: 3, 9: 1 were prepared. The hybrid effect of glass and EFB fibers on the tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness of the composites were investigated. Water absorption and thickness swelling were also conducted. In general the hybrid composites exhibited good properties compared to the EFB/polyester composites.