Effects of different coupling agents on the mechanical and interfacial properties of oil palm fiber reinforced polypropylene composites

This study investigates the effects of fiber loading and coupling agent on the performance of EFB fiber composites of oil palm biomass. The dried EFBs were ground in random sizes for composite production. Fiber composition and fiber morphology were evaluated by SEM and EDAX. Ground fiber was compounded with PP by means of a twin-screw compounder for the preparation of EFB/PP composites. Two types of MAPP were used as a coupling agent during compounding. The incorporated fiber contents for EFB composites were 10-40% (by weight). The test specimens were prepared by injection molding. The composites were characterized by melt flow index and mechanical testing such as TS, TM, FS, FM, and IS. Surface morphology was studied by SEM.