Enhancement of technical value of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) waste trunk through modification with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5- dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU)

Malaysia is the biggest producer of palm oil in the world. The production generates over 70 metric tons of waste trunks per hectare during replantation. Such an abundant feedstock should be considered a valuable raw material rather than an agro-waste. An approach for enhancement of low density trunks through the treatment with 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) was investigated. The treatment resulted in a great improvement in the properties of the material: 45 % density gain, water absorption and thickness swelling reduced by 48 and 43 %, respectively, 2.3-fold increase in hardness as well as 3.8-fold and 3.6-fold increase in bending strength and modulus of elasticity, respectively, were observed. Thus, enhancement in the physical and mechanical performance of the material as well as the increased aesthetic value due to the color changes proved the approach to be effective for the conversion of waste biomass to new products

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) biomass in Malaysia: The present and future prospects

Oil palm industry is the largest contributor of biomass in Malaysia. Oil palm biomass are constantly generated in large quantities annually with a small fraction being converted into value added product while a large percentage are left underutilized. Several researchers have reported the various technologies available for the conversion of oil palm biomass into useful bio-products, including bio-fuel, biogas, bio-fertilizers, bio-composite and briquettes. In general, these technologies are either underutilized or inadequate for full conversion of these abundantly available biomass, hence, there is an urgent need for upgrading of such technologies. This review article highlights the availability of oil palm biomass in Malaysia, the chemical compositions, as well as a brief description of current technologies for converting oil palm biomass into value added products. The review also outlines a summary of the various products obtained from oil palm biomass. Steps to achieve maximum utilization of biomass from oil palm industry are also proposed