Characterization of oil palm fronds panel at different conditions and positions with formaldehyde adhesive

Abstract

This experimental study investigated the fabrications of bio-composite, namely as a panels fronds oil palm (PFOP). The Phenol-formaldehyde (PF) and urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesives used as the coupling agent for binding the fibres together. The frond samples segregated into three conditions which are dried fronds, felled fronds and green fronds. Each frond subdivided into the three positions which are bottom, middle and top. To avoid an incomplete mixture, all unwanted part such as the leaflets and the epidermis removed from the fronds. The samples sliced longitudinally into long thin fibres then compressed into a size of 2-3 mm thickness using a 350mm x 350mm x 20mm mould. Dried compressed layers were mixed with PF and UF at 12-15%, respectively. 1% ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) added as a hardener for composite. A single compressed layer combined with a few layers to forming panel boards. To measure the effectiveness of PFOP, the physical and strength properties was carried out as followed the ISO standards. Results found that the bio-composite PFOP produced possessed properties to be equivalent to the rubberwood properties. The statistical analysis highlighted there are significant differences between PFOP made from each parameter. The modification observed no significant differences in the adhesives types. Fabrication of bio-composite PFOP has considerable potential as an alternative for wood to overcome the shortage of materials in the wood industry.