LAUSR

Research on composite have been widely done throughout the world. Incorporation of reinforcing materials into matrix can one day replace the use of conventional materials such as polymers, metals, ceramics and woods. In this research, a composite made of oil palm frond fiber and urea formaldehyde is fabricated. As oil palm frond fiber can be obtained in great amount due to high amount of wastage generated, composite can be a way to reduce this wastage. There were two different type of fiber loading prepared which were 40% and 50%. The fiber and UF were mixed until homogenous. It is then placed into the hot press machine to undergo hot press process. After the fabrication, the mechanical properties of the composite will be tested and observed. The mechanical test includes flexural and tensile test. Both tests are done in accordance to the ASTM standard which are ASTM D-790 and ASTM D-638. The morphological characteristic of the composite will also be observed in this study. The results showed that the composite with higher fiber loading, which is 50 %, have better mechanical properties. The composite with 50 % of fiber has a flexural strength of 1.4306 MPa, a modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 1248.9516 MPa and a tensile strength of 3.874 MPa. These composites can be used as an alternative for wood and automotive application.