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Cement bonded composites of 1250 kg/m³ were made in the laboratory either as single layer composed of exclusively oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB); Tropical hardwood sawmill residue (THSR) or randomly mixed particles (40% of EFB and 60% of THSR oven dry wt/wt) OR of 3-layer composed of 1:2:1 ratio (for face layer of THSR; core layer of EFB and back layer of THSR particles, wt/wt, respectively). Composites were produced at 4 levels of CaCl₂ addition (0, 1, 2 and 3% wt/wt based on cement wt) and 6 levels of initial water content of the cement/aggregate mixture (2.5:1:0.5; 2.5:1:1; 2.5:1:1.5; 2.5:1:2; 2.5:1:2.5 and 2.5:1:3; ratio wt/wt based on cement wt plus oven dry wt of particles). Proximate chemical analysis of representative samples reveal hollocellulose content (77.35 and 74.11%); a-cellulose (43.51 and 52.01%); Hemicellulose (22.9 and 20.2%). Lignin (17.8 and 22.5%); Ash (0.91 and 1.85%) and solubility in Alcohol-benzene (1.6 and 3.98%); cold water (2.42 and 3.15%); Hot water (2.93 and 5.06%); and 1% NaOH (23.4 and 26.11%) respectively for EFB and THSR. Also Morphological studies reveal mean fiber length (1.06 and 1.18mm); Fiber diameter (11.75 and 17.40μm), slenderness ratio (55.79 and 35.98) and Rigidity co-efficient (0.38 and 0.47) respectively for EFB and THSR. The above make both particle sources suitable substitutes for virgin fiber/particles from hardwoods. A total of 192 composites were made representing two panels per production mix. Composites were sampled and tested in accordance with provisions of ASTM D1037-2007. Composite properties ranges are MOR (2.61–20.81 MPa); MOE (2180–5764 MPa); IB (0.28–0.75 MPa). WA (16.41–28.11%) and TS (1.26–5.98%). Properties were evaluated and only production mix that met both the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (10S 8335–1987) and Malaysian Standard Institute (MS 934–1984) were recommended. Acceptable composites were produced from production mix of initial water content ≥1.5 or 30% (based on cement wt + oven dry wt of particles, wt/wt) and 2 or 3% CaCl₂ additive in case of single layer composites while ≥ 2 or 36.36% of initial water content is required in 3-layer composite using same additive level. The effects of furnish type and composition, additive level and initial water content on properties were all found significant (P > 0.01) in factorial analysis.

The objective of this study was to determine the pulping and paper making potentials of oil palm (E guineensis). Fibrous material from the whole trunk (WT), empty fruit bunch (EFB, fronds (FDS) and depithed trunk (DT) were evaluated using proximate chemical analysis, fiber morphological and related characteristics. Effect of active alkali (AA) % as Na₂O on kraft pulping properties and the handsheet paper propertie was studied. Proximate chemical analysis reveal acceptable cellulose content for EFB (43.51%), FDS (51.13%) and DT (53.80%) while WT (32.44) is unacceptable. Low lignin content obtained (17.8−21.8%) suggests easier pulping characteristics. The high % NaOH solubility of WT (26.05%) and FDS (32.1%) suggest potential of high effluent loads. Fiber morphological studies revealed that approximately 83% of fibers are ≤ 1.5 mm in length thus putting oil palm as a short fiber source. The slenderness ratio ranges from 33.44 to 82.80; Runkelratio from 0.40 to 0.63; flexibility co-efficient from 57.20 to 71.46 and rigidity co-efficient from 0.29 to 0.43. Studies of pulping properties reveal that as active alkali % was increased the percentage total pulp yield, % screened pulp yield, % screened rejects, pulp kappa number, klason lignin and tear index of resultant pulp/handsheet all/each decreased. Conversely, as active alkali % was increased the Brust index, double fold number, breaking length, tensile index of paper handsheets and pulp brightness were each enhanced. It was concluded that in pulping of WT AA% should be < 14 and EFB pulping should be ≤ 14 in order to have acceptable yield. Also in order to have acceptable tear index, AA% should be ≤ 16. It is being recommended that trunks should be depithed in order to have acceptable yield. The fibrous material from oil palm make acceptable raw material for paper making and are good hardwood substitutes. Paper produced when bleached can be used for printing and writing papers while the unbleached grades can be used for wrapping and package papers and for corrugated boards.

The impact of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) treatment on the tensile strength of an alkali-treated pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced with tapioca-based bio resin (cassava starch) was studied.

The PALF was exposed to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment in varying concentrations of 2.0, 3.7, 4.5 and 5.5g prior to the fiber treatment with KMnO₄. The treated and untreated PALFs were reinforced with tapioca-based bio resin. Subsequently, they were subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and tensile test analysis.

The FTIR analysis of untreated PALF revealed the presence of O-H stretch, N-H stretch, C=O stretch, C=O stretch and H-C-H bond. The tensile test result confirmed the highest tensile strength of 35N from fiber that was reinforced with 32.5g of cassava starch and treated with 1.1g of KMnO₄. In comparison, the lowest tensile strength of 15N was recorded for fiber reinforced with 32.5g of cassava starch without KMnO₄ treatment.

Based on the results, it could be deduced that despite the enhancement of bioresin (cassava starch) towards strength-impacting on the fibers, KMnO₄ treatment on PALF is very vital for improved tensile strength of the fiber when compared to untreated fibers. Hence, KMnO₄ treatment on alkali-treated natural fibers preceding reinforcement is imperative for bio-based fibers.

The purpose of this paper is to develop strategies for potential environmental impacts as a result of institutional arrangement and development of oil palm downstream industry both regionally and nationally.

The research location is in the areas potential for oil palm plantation development, either by plasma through BUMN and BUMS or self-supporting by the society. The research location will be divided into two parts, namely, the land area and the coastal area. The Riau land areas are Regency of Kampar, Rokan Hulu, and Kuantan Singingi, while Riau coastal areas are Regency of Pelalawan, Siak, Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Indragiri Hulu and Rokan Hilir. Both research areas have different productivity due to the different soil fertility levels. The sustainability level of oil palm plantation from the socio-economic and environmental aspects is analyzed using the multi-dimensional scaling approach modified into Rapid Appraisal-Index Sustainability of Palm Oil Management.

In Riau Province, the development of oil palm is quite rapid. This is reasonable for several reasons which include the following supporting factors: the geographical condition of the Riau region is very supportive; the high demand for palm oil derivative products; the existence of market guarantee for oil palm farmers; the higher income oil palm generates than other plantation crops; and the relatively flat area. Most of the problems faced by oil palm farmers are the use of less good seeds, the length of the fruit laying at the location of the plantation, the inadequate production road, the relatively far distance to palm oil mill (POM) (National Agency of Drug and Food Control), the tendency of determining the unilateral revenue of the POM, the collectively measurement of revenue and the general revenue information. The development of oil palm plantations has created an entrepreneurial capability for farmers who are able to capture business opportunities in the agricultural sector, especially the plantation sub-sector.

The originality of this paper shows the comprehensively control strategy, potential of environmental impact and palm oil plantation. The method used for data collection was rapid rural appraisal method because accurate information is needed in a limited time as it relates to decisions related to village development that must be taken immediately. The study area was conducted in Riau Province because Riau Province is one of the biggest palm oil producers in Indonesia. The study sites will be divided into two, namely, the land area and the coastal area.

This paper aims to investigate the resultant optimal ultimate tensile strength, elongation, flexural strength and modulus, compression strength and impact strength of fabricated alkali-treated Lagenaria siceraria fiber (LSF)-reinforced polymer matrix composite by optimizing input factors and microstructural characterization by influencing fiber length, fiber concentration and treatment condition of LSF.

The fabrication of LSF-reinforced composite specimens involved surface treatment followed by custom experimental design using a simple hand layup process. The wear analysis was performed by a multi-tribotester TR25 machine, and the developed model was validated by using statistical software Design Expert V.8 and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The surface morphology of the sample was also analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy.

The alkali treatment for LSFs had reduced the hemicellulose, and enhanced mechanical performance was observed for 30 wt.% concentration of L. siceraria in epoxy resin. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed thermal stability up to 245°C; microstructure revealed fiber entanglements in case of longer fiber length and compression strength reduction; and the surface-treated fiber composites exhibited reduced occurrences of defects and enhanced matrix–fiber bonding. Enhanced mechanical performances were observed, namely, ultimate tensile strength of 17.072 MPa, elongation of 1.847%, flexural strength of 50.4 MPa, flexural modulus of 3,376.31 GPa, compression strength of 52.154 MPa and impact strength of 0.53 joules.

The novel approach of optimizing and characterizing alkali surface-treated LSF-reinforced epoxy matrix composite was explored, varying fiber length and concentrations for specimens by empirical relations and experimental design to obtain optimal performance validated by ANOVA. Enhanced properties were obtained for: 7 mm fiber length and 30 wt.% concentration of fiber in the composite for alkali-treated fiber.

The purpose of this paper is sixfold: first, to know the ability of area carrying capacity to the development of downstream oil palm industry; second, to know the potential for the development of downstream oil palm industry in efforts to improve the community through employment and business opportunities in the regions; third, to find eco-friendly institutional arrangement strategies of oil palm farming in order to spur economic growth and development; fourth, to formulate strategies for potential environmental impact as a result of institutional arrangement and development of downstream oil palm industry, both in regional and national scope; fifth, to predict the economic multiplier effect as impact of institutional arrangement and development of oil-palm-based downstream industry; and sixth, to include production centers and development areas of oil-palm-based downstream industry in potential areas.

Research location was in potential areas of oil palm plantation development, either in the form of plasma through state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and private-owned enterprises (BUMS), or in the form of self-supporting by community. The research locations were divided into two parts, namely the land area and the coastal area. The land area of Riau consisted of Kampar, Rokan Hulu and Kuantan Singingi Regency, while the coastal area of Riau consisted of Pelalawan, Siak, Bengkalis, Indragiri Hilir, Indragiri Hulu and Rokan Hilir Regency. Both research areas had different productivity which was caused by differences in soil fertility. The required data were primary and secondary data.

Plantation activities have increased the mobility of goods in the villages, causing plantation activities to also open business and employment opportunities for people who are able to accept these opportunities. Since post-1998 crisis, the growth of oil palm plantation area in Riau increased sharply, namely in 1998, the area of oil palm plantations was 901,276 ha, in 2012, 1,119,798 ha and increased to 2,103,175 ha at the end of 2017. Through economic activities that produce goods and services required during the plantation process and the development, downstream industries will have backward linkages. The development of oil palm plantations in Riau has had an impact on economic activities in rural areas. The result of the research in the field is that the average income of farmers in the plantation subsector (especially oil palm) is Rp4,576,696 per month or $5,781.09 per year. The impact on investment in the estate subsector has been felt by rural communities. This condition also affects the purchasing power of the people, resulting in the increase of mobility of goods and people. During the period 2009–2016, rural communities enjoyed a high level of prosperity. During this period, the price of fresh fruit bunch at the farm level was quite profitable. On the other hand, the production of the plantation area also increased compared to the previous period. The impact of rising prices and increasing production of farmers is that the farmers’ welfare index in the countryside had a positive value of 0.43. This index showed the increase of farmers’ welfare from the previous period by 43 percent.

There are few previous studies which have comprehensively and specifically reviewed the regional economic empowerment through institutional arrangement and development of oil-palm-based downstream industry. The development of oil palm plantations aims to eliminate poverty and underdevelopment, especially in rural areas. In addition, it also pays attention to equity. In broad sense, agricultural development which is based on plantations aims to improve the welfare of the community so that there is a change in the pattern of life of the surrounding community. On the other hand, the success of plantation development that is based on oil palm agribusiness is expected to reduce income inequality between community groups and between regions.