Author : Anthony N. Anyakoraa

The impact properties of composite panels made from polyester matrix reinforced with untreated (as raw) and silane-treated oil and date palm frond fibres have been studied. Theses fibres were used in two distinct tangled mass; untreated (as raw) and treated forms. Composites of these fibre wastes up to 70% by weight in polyester matrix were fabricated by hand lay-up technique and analyzed. The results obtained indicate that fibre content and surface treatment cannot lead to improved impact strength of fibre composite panels. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) showed presence of higher ash content in the treated oil and date palm frond fibre composite panels. The results revealed a correlation between ash content and impact properties, thus it can be inferred that the use of oil, and more stable date palm frond fibres in the development of composite materials for some low-to-medium structural load applications is promising, especially in the production of low cost housing products. The use of this composite will assist in achieving better economic value with the use of agricultural waste and saving on foreign exchange will be achieved.

Keywords: Oil and date palm frond fibres, polyester, izod impact strength, and silane.

Article published in International Journal of Current  Engineering  and Technology, Vol.3,No.2 (June- 2013)