Effects of Nipa Palm Frond NPF Fiber as a Reinforcement in CLS-LDPE Composite Board/
Urgel, John Vincent M.
Effects of Nipa Palm Frond NPF Fiber as a Reinforcement in CLS-LDPE Composite Board/ John Vincent M. Urgel, Ma. Lyna R. Pango, John Matthew G. Plazo, Shena Mie S. Sister, Julian Nicole M. Tiglao, Cenri Anrei R. Franco..- - Manila: Technological University of the Philippines, 2026. - ix, 96 pages: 29cm.
Bachelor's Thesis
College of Industrial Technology..-
Includes bibliographic references and index.
This capstone study investigates the effects of nipa palm frond fibers (NPFF) as
reinforcement in coconut leaf sheath (CLS)–low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composite
boards, addressing three critical gaps: CLS-LDPE boards not passing modulus of rupture
(MoR) standard, the absence of thermal conductivity data for natural fiber-thermoplastic
composites, and the environmental impacts of agro-waste disposal. Five mix designs were
developed with a fixed 70:30 LDPE:CLS ratio and varying NPFF content (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) after alkali treatment (5% NaOH) to a uniform 15 mm length. Boards were
produced via twin-screw extrusion, two-roll milling, and compression molding. Physical
(density, water absorption, thickness swelling), mechanical (MoR, internal bond, impact
strength), and thermal properties (thermal conductivity) were evaluated following ASTM
D1037, D790, D5420, and C518, and compared with PNS ISO 16893:2017 (P-GP MR2)
standards. Results show that all mixes passed the required limits for water absorption
(<14%), thickness swelling (<12%), and density variation (<±10%). MoR increased from
12.94 MPa (M1, 0% NPFF) to 21.60 MPa (M4, 5% NPFF), exceeding the 13 MPa
requirement. Thermal conductivity (0.0954–0.1114 W/m·K) was comparable to
commercial PVC. Optimal reinforcement was at 5% NPFF (M4), with 1% NPFF (M2) as
an economical alternative. The study concludes that NPFF-reinforced CLS-LDPE boards
meet the P-GP MR2 standard for tropical humid conditions, offering viable ceiling/wall
applications. This work benefits local nipa farmers in Pamplona, Cagayan, and aligns with
the TUP research agenda on “Advanced Industrial and Energy Technologies” and on
UN-SDGs 9, 11, and 12: on sustainable industrialization, resilient communities, and
responsible consumption. Keywords: Nipa Palm Frond Fibers, Coconut Leaf Sheath, Low-Density Polyethylene, Composite Board , Natural Fiber -Reinforced Composite Board
Construction Technology
Nipa Palm Frond Fibers
Coconut Leaf Sheath
BTH TH 870 / U74 2026
Effects of Nipa Palm Frond NPF Fiber as a Reinforcement in CLS-LDPE Composite Board/ John Vincent M. Urgel, Ma. Lyna R. Pango, John Matthew G. Plazo, Shena Mie S. Sister, Julian Nicole M. Tiglao, Cenri Anrei R. Franco..- - Manila: Technological University of the Philippines, 2026. - ix, 96 pages: 29cm.
Bachelor's Thesis
College of Industrial Technology..-
Includes bibliographic references and index.
This capstone study investigates the effects of nipa palm frond fibers (NPFF) as
reinforcement in coconut leaf sheath (CLS)–low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composite
boards, addressing three critical gaps: CLS-LDPE boards not passing modulus of rupture
(MoR) standard, the absence of thermal conductivity data for natural fiber-thermoplastic
composites, and the environmental impacts of agro-waste disposal. Five mix designs were
developed with a fixed 70:30 LDPE:CLS ratio and varying NPFF content (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) after alkali treatment (5% NaOH) to a uniform 15 mm length. Boards were
produced via twin-screw extrusion, two-roll milling, and compression molding. Physical
(density, water absorption, thickness swelling), mechanical (MoR, internal bond, impact
strength), and thermal properties (thermal conductivity) were evaluated following ASTM
D1037, D790, D5420, and C518, and compared with PNS ISO 16893:2017 (P-GP MR2)
standards. Results show that all mixes passed the required limits for water absorption
(<14%), thickness swelling (<12%), and density variation (<±10%). MoR increased from
12.94 MPa (M1, 0% NPFF) to 21.60 MPa (M4, 5% NPFF), exceeding the 13 MPa
requirement. Thermal conductivity (0.0954–0.1114 W/m·K) was comparable to
commercial PVC. Optimal reinforcement was at 5% NPFF (M4), with 1% NPFF (M2) as
an economical alternative. The study concludes that NPFF-reinforced CLS-LDPE boards
meet the P-GP MR2 standard for tropical humid conditions, offering viable ceiling/wall
applications. This work benefits local nipa farmers in Pamplona, Cagayan, and aligns with
the TUP research agenda on “Advanced Industrial and Energy Technologies” and on
UN-SDGs 9, 11, and 12: on sustainable industrialization, resilient communities, and
responsible consumption. Keywords: Nipa Palm Frond Fibers, Coconut Leaf Sheath, Low-Density Polyethylene, Composite Board , Natural Fiber -Reinforced Composite Board
Construction Technology
Nipa Palm Frond Fibers
Coconut Leaf Sheath
BTH TH 870 / U74 2026