In this study the effects of fibre loading and coupling agent on the performance of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) fibre composites of oil palm biomass were investigated. The dried EFB were ground in random sizes for composite production. Ground fibre was compounded with polypropylene (PP) by means of a twin-screw compounder for preparing of EFB/PP composites. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was used as a coupling agent. The incorporated fibre contents for EFB composites were 10 to 40% (by weight). The test specimens were prepared by injection moulding. The composites were characterized by melt flow index, mechanical tests such as tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM) and impact strength (IS). Surface morphology was also studied by SEM. Bonding/interaction mechanism was studied by FTIR and thermal stability was studied by TGA analysis form where the activation energy was calculated for different composites. It was found that both coupling agent and fibre content play in important role on composites properties.

The incorporation of lignocellulosic material as a reinforcing component in polymer composites has received increased attention, particularly for price driven and high volume applications. This development has been brought about, as reinforcement by lignocellulosic fibres offers several advantages over their inorganic counterparts, including lower density, greater deformability, less abrasiveness to expensive moulds and mixing equipment and lower cost. Moreover, lignocellulosic based fibres are derived from renewable resources. However, inherent poor adhesion between the fibre and the matrix is a challenge, which results in low durability. This book include the study on interfacial improvement, weathering and recycling of wood plastic composites. Emphasis has been given on thermoplastic composites.