Mechanical Properties of Silane and Zirconate Coupling Agent-Treated Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber-Filled Acrylic-Impact Modified Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Composites

The influence of untreated and treated OPEFB content on the mechanical properties of acrylic impact-modified PVC was investigated. The formulations were first dry blended before being milled into sheets on a two-roll mill. Test specimens were then hot pressed. The modulus significantly increased while the impact and flexural strength insignificantly improved with increasing of treated OPEFB contents. The reduction in water absorption, the formation of new absorption bands and the slight number of treated fiber pulled-out proved that there was an interaction between fiber and matrix. However, this interaction was insufficient to enhance the impact and flexural strength significantly.