Physical and Mechanical Properties of Palm Frond-based Fiberboard Composite

Abstract

Novel research has been conducted to characterize fiberboards made from palm frond fibers and polyester resin. In this study, polyester resin served as the matrix, and palm frond fibers with a size of 80 mesh were employed as the filler. The fiberboard composites were produced using a hot press at 70°C for 20 minutes, with varying mass compositions of polyester resin to palm frond fibers: S1 (60%:40%), S2 (65%:35%), S3 (70%:30%), S4 (75%:25%), and S5 (80%:20%). Parameters observed include physical properties (density and porosity), mechanical properties (impact, tensile, and flexural strength), and microstructure analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicate that S5 exhibits optimal properties, including a density value of 1.197 g/mL, low porosity at 0.232%, and mechanical characteristics with an impact strength of 271.251 J/m2, tensile strength of 23.221 MPa, and flexural strength of 149.837 MPa. However, according to the DSC data, S1 stands out with a higher temperature water evaporating point at 82.48°C, indicating greater thermal stability. In addition, SEM results for the S5 sample reveal minimal voids, enhancing the fiberboard composites’ physical and mechanical properties and demonstrating high stability. This fiberboard can be classified as a High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) according to JIS A 5905:2003. It is a viable alternative for household furniture, offering a substitute for traditional wood.