Effect of bio-based nanosilica on the mechanical properties of single empty fruit bunch fibre.

This research emphasizes the application of bio-based nanosilica, which was obtained from rice husk, for the purpose of improving the characteristics of discarded empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers. One of the lignocellulose biomass byproducts from the palm oil industry is EFB fibre, which is typically used as a fuel source in boilers. Lightweight, nonabrasive, and biodegradable characteristics of EFB fibres make them ideal for usage as a reinforcing agent in composite and plastic applications. Unfortunately, the hydrophilic nature of EFB fibre results in weak interfaces because EFB surface and polymer matrix exhibit low interfacial adhesion, which may negatively affect the mechanical characteristics. To remedy this situation, the EFB fibre will be modified via environmental friendly ultrasound assisted alkaline and acrylic acid treatment. The bio-based nanosilica will be introduced during the acrylic acid treatment, in which can further improve the thermo-mechanical properties and control the biodegradability of the composite. The treated EFB fiber was characterized with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and tensile testing. Findings reveal that the impurities on the surface of EFB fibre were washed away after the treatment and impregnation of nanosilica on the surface of EFB fibre were visualised. The results obtained from FTIR confirm that the hemicellulose has been eliminated within the range of 2900-1700 cm−1. Tensile test demonstrates that small amount of bio-based nanosilica improves the mechanical properties by 91.11% as compared to raw EFB fibre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]