Crash-resistant Empty Palm Oil Bunch Fiber Helmets
Inventor
Dr. Siti Nikmatin
Utilization
- This helmet is made from Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch (TKKS) waste. OPEFB waste is processed into fibers of various sizes (long, short, micro and nano). This fiber is the raw material for filler (reinforcement) ABS polymers in the manufacture of helmets.
- The fiber in this helmet serves to absorb collisions that occur when an accident occurs. The hope, this collision energy is not directly on the user’s head, but absorbed by the fiber first, so that the kinetic energy after a small collision and the head is better protected.
Excellence
- Helmets have met the Indonesian National Standard (SNI).
- Helmets are able to absorb collision kinetic energy so that the user’s head is better protected.
- Utilizing palm oil waste thereby reducing waste problems.
- This innovation successfully won the 2016 West Java Community Empowerment, Innovation, Initiative and Pioneer Award
Description
In the hands of Dr. Siti Nikmatin, Lecturer from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) IPB University, Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (TKKS) turned into a high economic value product. Dr. Nikmatin utilizes lignocellulose contained in OPEFB and is processed into microparticle-sized fibers as polymer reinforcement for an additional raw material for making environmentally friendly helmets (Green Composite).
Until 2018, Dr. Nikmatin has produced full face helmets, half face helmets, child helmets and bicycle helmets from TKKS waste fiber. Not stopping here, Dr. Nikmatin continues to develop by adding flame retardant technology to obtain OPEFB fibers that have higher heat resistance. This technology is a substitute for the use of a compatibilizer (coupling agent) which is still imported.
Besides being used to make helmets, Dr. Nikmatin is also developing Sheet Bulletproof Materials and automotive components from OPEFB waste.
