Preparation of Novolak Resin by Liquefaction of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and Characterization of EFB Residue

Abstract

Liquefaction of empty fruit bunches (EFB) in phenol was carried out in the presence of various types of acids as catalyst. Then the nonreacted EFB (residue) was analyzed using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy. The result show that strong acids produce lower residue compared to weak acids. The TGA results show that the residue possesses a better hydrophobicity and better heat resistance compared to the EFB. The XRD results show the crystallinity of cellulose has been reduced tremendously in the residue reacted with sulfuric acid. The FT-IR results show that for the lowest residue, some of the functional groups belonging to the lignin structure have vanished.

Keywords:

• EFB
• Liquefaction
• Novolak resin
• Residue

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We acknowledge the Government of Malaysia for the financial support under project 03-01-02-SF-0030 (MOSTI), UKM-ST-06-FRGS0010-2007 (MOHE), and research University grant UKM-OUT-BTT-28/2007 (MOHE).