Palm-based bio-composites hybridized with kaolinite

This study described the mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid bio-composites from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers and kaolinite. The polyurethane (PU) used as matrix is formed by reacting palm kernel oil (PKO)-based polyester with crude isocyanate. The blending ratio of PU to EFB fibers was fixed at 35 : 65 and kaolinite was added at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% (by weight). The occurrence of chemical interactions between the hydroxyl terminals in both fillers and the PU system was determined via FTIR spectroscopy. Hybrid bio-composites showed improved stiffness, strength, and better water resistance with the addition of kaolinite to an extent. At 15% of kaolinite loading, maximum flexural and impact strengths were observed. The interaction between kaolinite with PU matrix and EFB fibers enhanced the mechanical properties of the bio-composites, which was justified from the FTIR spectrum. However, over-packing of kaolinite was observed at 20% kaolinite loading, which ruptured the cellular walls and degraded strength of the biocomposites. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.