Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Tensile Properties of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fibre/Poly(Butylene Succinate) Biocomposites

Abstract

The present work deals with the utilization of oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF) and
poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) to produce cost-effective biodegradable materials. The
biocomposite was prepared from OPMF and PBS at a weight ratio of 70:30 via a melt
blending technique without addition of any additive. This biocomposite showed
relatively low tensile and water resistance properties. As a consequence, it was
subjected to electron beam irradiation (EBI) treatment under various irradiation dosages
ranging from 5–25 kGy, aiming at improving both its tensile properties and its water
resistance. The results indicated that the biocomposite irradiated with 25 kGy of applied
dosage showed a considerable improvement of 50% in tensile strength, 780% in tensile
modulus and 38% in elongation at break. The water absorption and thickness swelling
of the biocomposites were reduced after EBI treatment. The scanning electron
microscopy showed improvement of the interfacial adhesion between OPMF and PBS
after EBI treatment.