Technical and Economic Evaluation of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches as a Filler Alternative in Wood Polymer Composites for Sustainable Construction Applications

Abstract

Wood polymer composite (WPC), composed of polymer matrices reinforced with natural fibers, is increasingly used in structural and non-structural applications due to its sustainability and performance. Although teak and rice husk are common natural reinforcements, the use of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) remains underexplored despite their abundance as agricultural waste. This study investigates the potential of OPEFB as an alternative reinforcement for recycled polyethylene-based WPC containing 20 wt% fiber and compares its morphology and performance with teak and rice husk. Compositional analysis shows that OPEFB exhibits lignin and cellulose contents as well as crystallinity comparable to teak, while exceeding rice husk in several structural parameters. These characteristics contribute to the highest tensile strength observed among the composites (37.45 MPa). Although its Shore D hardness is the lowest (58.8), the value remains within the acceptable range for construction applications. Combined with its favorable production costs, OPEFB emerges as a viable, resource-efficient alternative to conventional natural fibers, expanding the options for sustainable WPC development.