January 2014, Vol.56:68–73, doi:10.1016/j.compositesb.2013.08.019
Title
Development of kenaf-glass reinforced unsaturated polyester hybrid composite for structural applications
Author
A. Atiqah a,,
M.A. Maleque a,
M. Jawaid b,
M. Iqbal c,
aDepartment of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Kulliyah of Engineering, International Islamic University of Malaysia, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
bDepartment of Biocomposite Technology, Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
cPolymer Pilot Plant, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Malaysia
Received 26 November 2012. Revised 28 May 2013. Accepted 12 August 2013. Available online 22 August 2013.
Abstract
The main aim of this paper is to develop kenaf-glass (KG) fibres reinforced unsaturated polyester hybrid composite on a source of green composite using sheet moulding compound process. Unsaturated polyester resin (UPE) and KG fibres in mat form were used at a ratio of 70:30 (by volume) with treated and untreated kenaf fibre. The kenaf fibre was treated with 6% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) diluted solution for 3 h using mercerization method. The hybrid composites were tested for flexural, tensile and Izod impact strength using ASTM D790-03, ASTM D618 and ASTM D256-04 standards respectively. The highest flexural, tensile and impact strength were obtained from treated kenaf with 15/15 v/v KG fibres reinforced UPE hybrid composite in this investigation.
Scanning electron microscopy fractography showed fibre cracking, debonding and fibre pulled-out as the main fracture mode of composites and kenaf treated 15/15 v/v KG reinforced hybrid composite exhibited better interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement compared to other combinations.
Mechanical properties of kenaf fibers and kenaf/PLA composites
Author
Shinji Ochi,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Miyagi National College of Technology, Natori 981-1239, Japan
Received 16 February 2007. Revised 16 October 2007. Available online 27 October 2007.
Abstract
This paper describes the cultivation of kenaf and application to biodegradable composite materials. The unidirectional biodegradable composite materials were made from kenaf fibers and an emulsion-type PLA resin. Thermal analysis of kenaf fibers revealed that tensile strength of kenaf fibers decreased when kept at 180 °C for 60 min. Therefore, biodegradable composites were fabricated at a molding temperature of 160 °C. The unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites showed tensile and flexural strengths of 223 MPa and 254 MPa, respectively. Moreover, tensile and flexural strength and elastic moduli of the kenaf fiber-reinforced composites increased linearly up to a fiber content of 50%. The biodegradability of kenaf/PLA composites was examined for four weeks using a garbage-processing machine. Experimental results showed that the weight of composites decreased 38% after four weeks of composting.
Open Hole Tensile Properties of Kenaf Composite and Kenaf/Fibreglass Hybrid Composite Laminates ☆
Author
Z. Salleh
M.N. Berhan
Koay Mei Hyie
Y.M. Taib
A. Kalam
N.R. Nik Roselina
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA,40450 Shah Alam, Selangor
Available online 12 April 2014.
Abstract
Drilling induced in fibre reinforced polymer resulted in high rate of parts rejection and thus affects the in-service performance of the composite product. Therefore, the tensile testing of hybrid composite with drilled holes is necessary to render them satisfaction in industrial application. The objective of the present research is to develop long kenaf composites and long kenaf/woven glass reinforced polyester resin composites. The tensile properties of those composites with drilled holes were investigated. The measurements were taken from the residual tensile strength of impacted specimens and the open hole specimens. From there, the damage area of the composites could be predicted. It is found that the long kenaf composite was more notch sensitive than long kenaf/woven glass hybrid composite. The hybrid composite was stronger than long kenaf composite. However, the damage progression mechanisms in the two materials were similar. Failure for both kenaf composite and long kenaf/woven glass hybrid composite started around the hole. The polymer matrix failed initially followed by fibre–matrix debonding.
Khalina A., Jalaluddin H., and Yeong H. Aw, Properties of kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) Bast fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composite; chapter in book: Research in Natural fibre reinforced polymer composites, 233-246.
M.M. Davoodi, S.M. Sapuan, D. Ahmad, A. Aidy, A. Khalina, Mehdi Janoobi, Mechanical properties of hybrid kenaf/glass reinforced epoxy composite for passenger car bumber beam, Materials and Design 32 (2010) 4927-4932.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of The Malaysian Tribology Society (MYTRIBOS), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
