A circular bioeconomy approach for post-bioadsorbent materials from the removal of domestic wastewater contaminants as potential reinforcements

Abstract The study evaluated the performance of raw oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers (R-OPEFBF) within three different size ranges (250–425, 425–600, 600–800 µm) both before and after their utilization in biofiltration processes (as post-adsorbents, P-OPEFBF) to reinforce a polymer matrix of acrylic resin. The research examined the changes in R-OPEFBF composition and morphology caused by microorganisms in biofilters and their impact on the mechanical properties of the composites. Smaller R-OPEFBF particles (250–425 µm) demonstrated superior mechanical performance. Additionally, composites with P-OPEFBF displayed significant enhancements in mechanical properties (3.9–40.3%) compared to those with R-OPEFBF. The combination of the three fiber sizes improved the mechanical behavior of the composites, indicating the potential for both R-OPEFBF and P-OPEFBF as reinforcement materials in composite applications.