Chemically Modified Kenaf Bast Fibres Reinforced Polyster Composites
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Date
2012-05
Authors
Mustahil, Noorul Linda Suraya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Kenaf is locally planted and having great potential as reinforcement in polymer composite. However, the limitation occurs due to the hydrophilic nature of cell wall polymers. The main purpose of this research is to explore the potential of the chemical modification of kenaf bast fibre to be use in high performance composites. Kenaf bast fibre was used as reinforcement and unsaturated polyester as polymer matrix. The chemical modification of kenaf bast fibres was carried out by using propionic and succinic anhydride. Five retention times were set which were 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 minutes at 100 °C. Chemical modification was confirmed by increase in WPG and also FT-IR. The results of WPG for both propionylated and succinylated fibres showed that 180 minutes was an optimum time for modification by giving the highest WPG results. A significant improvement was observed in physical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of treated kenaf bast fibre reinforced polyester composites. Treated composites exhibited excellent water resistance which give very low water absorption. The density of treated composites also increased as compared with untreated composite. Mechanical properties were improved after chemical modification. SEM micrograph showed good fibre matrix interaction as the fibres have embedded well in the matrix which proved the existence of good adhesion between them. TGA revealed that treated composites have good thermal stability as compared with untreated composite.
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Keywords
Chemically modified kenaf bast fibres , reinforced polyster composites