Synergistic effect of microcrystalline cellulose from oil palm empty fruit bunch waste and tricresyl phosphate on the properties of polylactide composites

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) waste by integrated chemical treatments of delignification, bleaching, and acidic hydrolysis. The obtained MCC (OPMC) and tricresyl phosphate (TCP) were used as additives for polylactide (PLA) composites. The influences of OPMC and TCP contents, separately and in combination, were evaluated on the properties of the composites. Characterization studies confirmed the successful extraction of OPMC from OPEFB waste. With regard to the properties of the PLA composite, the appropriate content of OPMC should be 5 phr. The good distribution of OPMC in the polymer matrix changed the failure behavior of the composite from brittle to ductile. All the PLA composites with TCP and OPMC showed flame inhibition and retarded ignition. The synergistic effect of TCP and OPMC resulted in outstanding improvement of impact strength and flame retardancy of composites. The impact toughness of PT10M5 increased to about 218.4 % and 72.3 % that of neat PLA and PT0M5, respectively. Moreover, PT10M5 achieved V-0 rating with high LOI (38.5 %). All these characteristics promise extended applications for PLA composite in bio, circular, and green (BCG) economies and electronics industries.