Elaboration and Characterization of a Fiber Composite Material Made of Petioles of the Elaeis guineensis (Oil Palm)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to characterize physically and mechanically a polyester/fiber palm petiole composite material. This work made it possible to provide the local database of composite materials but also to develop agricultural waste. According to BSI 2782 standard three formulations [A (10% fiber, 90% polyester); B (20% fiber, 80% polyester) and C (30% fiber, 70% polyester)]. Water Absorption rate, density, compressive and three points bending tests are carried out on the samples obtained by the contact molding method for each formulation. The material composite obtained by adding fibers from palm oil petiole has a density of 17.98% lower than the one made of pure polyester. Fiber reinforcement rate has no impact on the density of the composite. Formulation A most absorbs water while formulation C has good tensile/compression characteristics and the greatest breaking stress in bending among the three formulations.