Investigation of the properties of composite material produced from mint fiber added waste palm kernel

In this study, polymeric composite material production was carried out using palm kernel, an agricultural waste, and its use as wood material was investigated. Urea-formaldehyde resin was used as a polymeric binder. The mechanical strength of the composite material and the non-flammability properties were investigated at different polymer / filler ratios (1/1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4). The increase in polymer ratio in the stnicture increased both mechanical strength and fire resistance. Mechanical properties of composite material with equal polymer and filler material were 6.2 MPa and Limit Oxygen Index (LOI) value of 50. It has been observed that mint fiber addition to the stnicture has been improved the strength of the material. An increase in the water absorption capacity was also observed with the increase of the filler material in the composite material. The results show that polymeric composite material prepared by using palm kernel can be an alternative to wood materials.