Recent Developments in Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) Fiber Composite

Abstract

The materials sector has grown significantly over the last few decades. One from the community worldwide has embraced using natural fibers and biopolymers in many products due to significant problems with petroleum supplies and concerns about using synthetic plastics as biomaterials. The availability of lignocellulosic fiber polymer composites worldwide, in addition to their low carbon emissions and biodegradability, has caught the enthusiasm of scientists and engineers. One of the main crops grown in Indonesia is oil palm, which has the potential to provide lignocellulosic fibers for composites. The increase in fiber increased the mechanical properties of the composite. The compatibility of OPEFB with other materials in the composite is essential to ensure specific applications. There is still a little detailed examination of the mechanical properties of OPEFB biocomposite and factors, including polymer type and fiber size, that can impact mechanical performance. However, according to various articles, OPEFB is a potential raw material for reinforcing material in composites without being continuously developed, so research innovations on OPEFB composites are needed.