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Feasibility Study on Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Cement Board

Conference Paper · October 2015

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 Feasibility Study on Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Cement Board

Mohd Edyazuan Azni1*, Ahmad Sukri Norhan1, Hans Löfflad2 and Siti Noorain Roslan1
1, UniKL MICET, Vendor City, Taboh Naning, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia,
2,
IngenieurbuerofuerBauoekologie, Germany

Email: edyazuan@unikl.edu.my, ahmadsukrinorhan@yahoo.com, info@ifb-leofflad.de and sitinoorain@unikl.edu.my

Abstract—This paper reports on the preliminary work of Marzuki (2014), in which EFB fiber insulation with
non-load bearing wall sample with target density of 300- density of 100kg/m³ achieves 0.042Wmˉ¹Kˉ¹ of thermal
900kgmˉ³ which are material made from empty fruit bunch conductivity was developed. Low thermal conductivity is
(EFB) fiber. To gain the desire strength and achieve the good for thermal insulation. The additional features are
density, cement was added. Combinations of the cement invented to produce a material high in strength that
with the EFB fiber were investigated. Samples were dried
suitable used for non-load bearing wall that made from
for 28 days at ambient temperature after demoulding. A
total of 20 specimens of size 300 x 200 x 40mm³ were made EFB fiber mixed with the cement.
using ordinary Portland cement (OPC) according to ASTM
type 1 or MS 522 with palm oil residue waste, EFB fiber. II. LITERATURE REVIEW
The objective of the study was to determine the sample
strength by compression test, termite, mold and fire. Result A. EFB fiber as an insulation
showed the compressive strength of the EFB fiber with
cement was 0.195Nmm⁻². The subterranean termites against Several studies regarding the material have been
the material is rejected due to the cement contain based on documented and are reviewed. Insulation fiber made from
the mass loss after test. The mold fungi are not inhabited on EFB is suitable use for flexible board panel or loose fills
the material and the material itself is a fire retardant. This insulation in the buildings. Thus the lambda value is very
should be the potential of future wall systems because it is comparable with other material such as kenaf, coconut
practical to implement in Malaysian as the alternative fiber or hemp. However the material is very expensive
solution of green construction culture.
and not as abundantly available as EFB fiber. Others
advantages of the insulation is, it can be use also for the
Keywords—EFB Fiber; Insulation; Non-load bearing;
Thermal conductivity; Lamda value.
roof insulation system[7]. Means the double system is
more effective to avoid the heat circulate in the buildings.
I. INTRODUCTION From the previous research that study on the buildings
thermal insulation summarized that at the mean
Abundant of palm oil residue have been increased from temperature of 20ºC-30ºC the optimum λ-value of oil
each year to a year. Reported from the [1] the amount of palm fiber is at 0.05675Wmˉ¹Kˉ¹ [8]. This supported by
fresh fruit bunch (FFB) produced in Malaysia increased [9] who reported that the ability of EFB as insulation is
from 99.85million tons in 2011 compared to before is fully generated by its low thermal conductivity compared
97.38million tons. Thus the production of empty fruit to the other available materials. Others used
bunch (EFB) is contributing almost 23.8% tons of fresh lignocelluloses fiber as the building thermal insulation
fruit bunch (FFB) [2]. From that calculation, waste of [10], where the optimum λ-value of coconut fiber was
EFB about 23.2 million tons per year is produce in found to be 0.0488Wmˉ¹Kˉ¹ and sugarcane is
Malaysia. This is very huge amount and has potential as 0.0483Wmˉ¹Kˉ¹ at temperature 24ºC.
great waste-to-wealth. Most of the EFB residues will be
use as the plantation fertilizer and some of it used to
generate electricity and industrial steam [3]. Some of
EFB will burn and harm the environment due to
unwanted excessive dust and smoke [4]. Other
application include the use of EFB fiber is as mattress
component, insulation, wall partition, erosion control
mat/blanket for landscaping, medium density fiber board,
paper and pulp production, acoustic medium, fertilizer
and compose medium. However, there is about only 30%
awareness of recycling EFB among Malaysian palm oil
mill [5]. The sources and the access for the product
availability is very easy and should be have the fully
optimize. A research on EFB fiber mix with the cement is
a continuation of the world famous wood wool cement Figure 1. Insulation from EFB fiber.
board that introduced by Austrian carpenter in early 1900
[6]. This study is a continuation of research from work by
B. Thermal conductivity
The definitions of the thermal conductivity is the ability
of substance to conduct or transfer the heat. It was
determined of the heat rate flow through the materials
area and a different temperature on the direction of flow
[11]. The parameter is expressed as k value or λ value in
the unit measurement of Wmˉ¹Kˉ¹. The thermal
conductivity is by predict the heat loss on the piece of
material. It apperas in the Fourier’s Law for the heat
conduction transient method. The method is calculated
the temperature increase of the heating wire before
thermal equilibrium is reached as method given by MS
934:1986 Appendix K.
C. Cement as a binder
Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) conforming with MS
522 or ASTM type 1 is produce from lime (CaO), silica
(SiO2), alumina (Al203), iron (Fe203) and sulfur trioxide
(SO3). Cement defined as a hydraulic binder that
undergoes a process of hydration , when it combine with
water,it will be harden and remain the strenght [12]. The
reinforced palm fiber with the Portlant cement improved
the fiber tensile properties [13].
D. Termite attack
There a few type of the termite species that growth in
Malaysia. The termite category is known as subterranean
termite that consist of Schedorhinotermeslongirostris, S.
malaccensis, Globitermesglobosus, G.sulpureus,
Coptotermers curvignathu [14]. The subterranean termite
lives either underground or on the moist ground by build
their nesting up to 2 meters height. The mud tubes that
they build prevent them from been seen and as the direct
of the subterranean termite to cause damage and heavily
severe damage because of the ability as a cryptic nature
insects [15]. According to [14] the most active termite
attacks oil palm tree is the C.curvignathu. It is very
aggressive killing the young oil palm tree and extensively
build nest on the mature palm oil tree. The soil type and
the residue of wood waste is the main contributor of the
termite population is increased. However, the termite
attacks towards EFB fiber is decreased after the chemical
binder is added because of the chemical properties.
E. Mold
Because of its heterogeneous and hygroscopic nature
lignocellulosic material can be easily attacked by mold or
fungus [16]. EFB fiber which is contain cellulose and
hemicellulose which can accelerate time of degrading
because of the mixed fungal systems [17].
F. Fire retardant
EFB fiber, contain flammable lignocellulose as evidenced
by its potential to replace coal for power generation in
combustion process. In order to be a fire retardant,
chemical may be added as to resist from burning at higher
temperature. The boric acid is usually use in the
insulation and prevent the material burn and easily spread
during ignition [6].
III. METHODOLOGY
A. Raw materials
The EFB fiber stock was collected from Nam bee
Company Sdn. Bhd. located in Gemenceh, Negeri
Sembilan. About 150kg from the mill house went through
the shredding process. According to the manufacturer, the
shredded fibers are sent to a nearby factory to producing
latex gloves. Fibers are used fuel for their boiler system.
The EFB fiber is in a loose form which can be collected
manually from the shredded machine. The size of the
EFB fiber is around 3-6 inches and dried at ambient
temperature without any further process. The moisture
contain of the EFB is less than 20% and 0.5% is dust,
silica and others. The EFB fiber was immersed into the
water for 24 hours to remove oil and dirt. For the binder,
ordinary Portland cement type 1 was prepared for the
next mixing process. The physical operation, preparations
and test procedure was carried at UniKL-MICET,
Malacca and some part in Kuala Lumpur. The selected
locations are accordingly to the facilities provided to
ensure all process run smoothly.
B. Preparing the samples
EFB fiber was mixed together with the cement manually
until all fiber surfaces were coated with the cement. The
amount of water used was 0.6 to the cement weight as in
construction practice. After all are completed, the mixture
was poured into the mould with size 300mm x 200mm x
40mm. To make it easier for demoulding afterwards,
grease was applied on the surface of the mould. On the
bottom side of the mould, a plastic layer was put to avoid
the sample from developing an uneven surface and easier
to demoulding. After the mixture was added to the mould,
it was compress until achieving the desire thickness.
Compression process enhanced by placing a solid weight
on top of the compression plate for a week. Subsequently,
the sample was dried at ambient temperature for about 28
days. After completion, the sample was cut into a few
sample specimens for testing procedure as recommended
by MS934:1986 Appendix A.
Figure 2. EFB fiber size ranging from 3-6 inches.
C. Preparing the testing samples
Where t is the material thickness (m), Q is the sample
A total of 20 pieces of sample were being cut to small
heat flow value (W), A is the surface area of the material
sample guided by the Malaysian standard, MS934:1986
Appendix A (table 1). (m²) and ∆T is the different temperature (K).

Table 1. Sample size for testing. F. Mold test

Size (mm³) The samples for mold testing were exposed to the natural
No Types of test Width x length Quantity environment for a month. 5 samples were prepared.One
x thickness of the samples is rendered a side with cement plaster and
another one is both as to be the actual building wall
1 Compression test 40 x 200 x 40 5 condition. Any observed mold/fungus inhabit was
Thermal evaluated based on the rating system in table 2.
2 conductivity 100 x 100 x 40 3
Table 2. Mold rating system.
3 Termite 40 x 100 x 40 5
4 Mold 150 x 200 x 40 5 Mold occur Classifications
5 Fire 150 x 200 x 40 2 1 Resistant
2 Moderate
D. Compression test
3 Not resistant
The compression test was carried out according to ASTM
D1037-06a for method C (short column) using a G. Termite test
universal testing machine (UTM) model Victory with
capacity 100kN in Fig. 2. The speed of the testing was Subterranean termite species C.curvignathu was found in
0.5mm of length per min. Taman Melati playground and used for the termite test.
The samples are divided into 2 groups based on the
observation method. About 3 samples was exposed
directly on the termite mound nest with the actual
environment (temperature and humidity) and 2 more
samples was expose to 50 worker and 20 termite soldier
in a 2 liter transparent aquarium. The condition of the
aquarium humidity is about 90% by adding wet tissue.
The weight loss of the each sample is recorded after 30
days. The observation on the termite test is indicated
through the rating system in table 3.
Table 3. Termite rating system [18].

Weight loss (%) Classifications

0-25 Resistant
26-50 Moderate
Figure 3. Victory UTM 100kN machine test.
51-75 Slightly
76-100 Not resistant
The compressive strength of the sample was calculated
according to equation (1):
RC= PMax/bd (1)
Where the RC is compressive strength, psi (MPa), PMax
is maximum load, ibf (N), b is width of specimen
measured in dry condition, (mm) and d is thickness of
specimen measured in dry condition, (mm).

E. Thermal conductivity test

The thermal conductivity test was carried out by non-
steady state method from MS934:1986 Appendix K. The
thermal conductivity was calculated based from equation
(2);
(2)
 H. Fire test From the fig. 3, the result data is collected for 3 hours.
The maximum temperature recorded was 159.8 ºC for
Fire test were carried out to determine it resistant to fire sample A and 160.7ºC for sample B. The direct fire
suitability as fire retardant. Even it not instructed under supply temperature recorded was 780ºC-800ºC. The data
the standard legislation the test was carried out to showed only the heat is recorded but no a flame reach to
establish how the panel structure reacts in a fire. The test the backside of the sample.
sample was placed at vertically position in one line with Table 5. Mold test result.
the burner. The burner was positioned within 10-12cm to
the sample surface. The temperature sensor was placed at
Sample Rating Descriptions, Remarks
the back of the fire spot. The overall time and
temperature was recorded and the experiment was A 1 Resistant, one side plaster
stopped when the heat of flame reached the back side
notified by the sensor when temperature is increase. The B 1 Resistant, both side plaster
thickness of the sample is 40mm. Average fire flame on C 1 Resistant, no plaster
the sample surface was extinguished at 2-4 second and
the ember time maintain until 3-5 minute after direct fire D 1 Resistant, no plaster
was extinguished.
E 1 Resistant, no plaster
IV. FINDINGS AND OBSERVATION From table 5, it can been see the mold did not inhabited
on the surface area either with cement plastered or not
From table 4, summarizes the compression test data in
cement plastered sample. Cement composition in the
detail. The average value is taken as the main result of the
mixture stunted the invisibility growth of mold because
test.
lignocellulosic fiber is coated with cement avoided direct
Table 4. Compression test result. contact to the moisture.
Compressive Table 6. Termite test result.
Cross sectional
Sample Max. strength
area (mm²) Sample Weight loss % Descriptions
Load (N) (Nmm⁻²)
A 280 1560 0.179 A 1.1 Resistant (Box)
B 370 1800 0.206
B 1.5 Resistant (Box)
C 420 1560 0.269
D 300 1560 0.192 C 1.9 Resistant (Mound)
E 260 2000 0.130 D 2.1 Resistant (Mound)
Average (Nmm⁻²) 0.195 E 3.2 Resistant (Mound)
Standard deviation (Nmm⁻²) 0.050 The rating result for the termite attack on the sample is
recorded in table 6. There percentage of weight loss for
Table 4 showed the result of EFB-cement board with the sample which is put in the aquarium box is less
density of 300-900kgm⁻³ produced compressive strength compared to the sample in the mound. This is because
as 0.195Nmm⁻². This reveals the cement functions to less worker and soldier termite is test compared to million
improve the mixture by increased the bonding of the EFB termite members in the mound attack. The termite attack
fiber and increased the life time. damage is very small some minor attacks were observed
especially interior parts where the termite entered through
180
160.7 a small gap between the fibers. Others reason also
159.8
160
because of the cement coated provided protection.

140 V. CONCLUSIONS
Temperature, ºC

120
From the overall experiment result, cement-EFB board is
mold, termite and fire resistant. The strength of the
100 mixture is in the target of non-load bearing specification.
80
Thus, it’s showed the compatibility of cement acting as a
SAMPLE A good binder element. The initial observation based on the
SAMPLE B
60 indicative style is proven when the properties of the EFB
40
fiber is resist to the fire, mold and termite problems.

20 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220
The writer would like to wish his sincere gratitude and
Time, min deep appreciation to the Universiti Kuala Lumpur for
their guidance and encouragements for completion of the
Figure 4. Temperature at the back side of the fire spot.
research. Not to forget to the Prof. Löfflad and Mr.
Edyazuan for their support and UniKL’s technician who
give criticize and comment to improve the research.
[15]
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