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Exploration of natural resources as composite fillers is still under intensive investigation. Previous works mention that nano-size natural fillers provide an alternative solution to improve certain composite properties compared with macro- and micro-size nanofibers. This work prepared biocomposites formulated from recycled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) reinforced by nano powders or long fibers of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). Composite properties in terms of density, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, surface morphology, melt flow rate, tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness were studied. The density of all composites generally increased with increasing filler loading. Composites with nano powder fillers had lesser voids than those composites with the long fiber. Melt flow rate of all composites fluctuated with filler loadings. Increasing filler loadings for composites with long fiber increased brittleness. By contrast, composites with nano powder fillers were more elastic at the higher filler loading. It was confirmed that impact and hardness properties of the composites with nano powder fillers increased with increasing filler loading. Moreover, composites with long fiber fillers decreased their impact and hardness properties with filler loadings increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of helmet prototypes fabricated from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites filled with oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers was evaluated. The fibers were produced using a milling procedure, while the composites were fabricated using a single-screw extrusion. The physical characteristics of the produced fibers, which are water content, size, and density, were investigated. In addition, the mechanical properties of the produced helmets, including shock absorption, yield stress, frequency, and head injury criterion (HIC), were examined. The impact strength of the produced helmets increases with the rise of filler content. In addition, the helmets were also able to withstand a considerable pressure such that the transmitted pressure was far under the maximum value acceptable by the human skull. The present work also found that HICs exhibited by the investigated helmet prototypes fulfill all the practical guidelines as permitted by the Indonesian government. In terms of novelty, such innovation can be considered the first invention in Indonesia since the endorsement of the use of motorcycle helmets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]