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The mechanical properties of composites consisting of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber are reported. Three sizes of EFB at different filler loadings were compounded with a single screw compounder. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) of the EFB-HDPE composites increased and decreased, respectively, with increasing filler loading. Samples with smaller sized particles displayed higher MOE and MOR compared to the larger ones. Flexural toughness and tensile and impact strengths decreased as more filler was incorporated in the composite. Scanning electron microscope micrographs showed that the particles embedded in the matrix were in the form of irregular-shaped fiber bundles and the tensile failure occurred through extensive fiber bundles pull out and debonding.

The effects of oil palm wood flour and vulcanization system on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of oil palm wood flour (OPWF)-natural rubber composites were studied. OPWF loading in the range of 0-50 phr and two vulcanisation systems, conventional vulcanisation (CV) and semi-efficient vulcanisation (semi-EV) were used. Increasing loading of OPWF in the rubber matrix resulted in reduction of tensile strength, tear strength and elongation at break, E b, but increased modulus and hardness of the composites. At a similar filler loading, semi-EV composites show better properties. Swelling studies and curing characteristics indicate that the rubber-filler interaction, scorch and cure times decrease with increasing filler loading.

The mechanical properties of composites consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and oil palm frond (OPF) have been investigated. Three sizes of OPF at different filler loadings were compounded using a single screw compounder. Modulus of rupture (MOR) of the OPF-HDPE composites decreased with increasing filler loading. Samples with smaller size particles displayed higher MOR as compared to the larger ones. The incorporation of OPF into polymer matrix has also reduced the tensile and impact properties of the composites. This has been attributed to poor filler dispersion and increasing tendency for filler-filler interactions as filler loading increases. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has revealed that the OPF particles embedded in the matrix were in the form of irregular shaped-fibre bundles and the failure occurred through extensive fibre bundle pull-out and debonding. This failure mechanism has provided qualitative evidence for the poor tensile and impact strengths of the composites.

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