Oil Palm Frond (OPF) or Coir Fiber (CF): Effect of particle sizes on the tensile properties and morphology of natural fiber reinforced HDPE

Abstract

Oil palm fiber (OPF) and coir fiber (eF) were compared as the reirforang agent in HDPEthermoplastic. Mechanical properties ojOPF.HDPE and CF-HDPE are studied by investigating the tensile properties ofthe sample. Primarily, (he samples were dried and blended by using Brabender Plasti-Corder at temperature 160"(; and speed 45-50 rpm fo r 15 minutes. Tensile testing ofthe prepared samples was undertaken on lnstron Model 5567 tensile mach ine. From the results, both samples showed that the modulus increases with decreasing particle size ofthe fiber. Although similar trend was observed, CF reinforced HDPE have higher tens ile strength and elongation at break compared to OPF reinf orced HDPE. The Young Modulus of CF-HDPE increase with addition of the CF but decrease with the increase in particle sizes. Whereas Young Modulus ofthe OPF-HDPE decrease with the addit ion ofOPF and with the particle size increment. Morphology of the samples ore investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Fiber with large particle size interact poorly with the HDPE matrix probably due to the small surface area. Small surface orea results in less interaction between surfaces. Failure occurs when CF and OPF were pull out and debondedfrom HDPE matrix and is shown by the presence ofholes on the fracture surface left behind by the debonding ofthe fibers.