Characterization Of Natural Resin And Synthetic Resin In Fiber Composite Laminate
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Date
2022-06-23
Authors
Zan Kuang, Adrian Lim
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Environment and sustainability issues coupled with increased awareness have
urged researchers to focus on natural sources that can substitute synthetic materials.
The goal of this study is to characterize the physical and mechanical characteristics of
three different materials of natural resin and synthetic resin. This will form the
framework for future application for developing natural materials in the manufacturing
industry. Natural resin of cashew and neem, and synthetic resin of polyester is
characterized by conducting four different tests. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) analysis and
nanoindentation technique are used as physical and mechanical characterization test for
the specimens. The results demonstrated that polyester composite has the highest
thermal stability as it has stronger functional groups and structural elements whereas
cashew and neem have low thermal maturity. The molecular structure of polyester
composite is small and compact with low porosity, this resulted in higher hardness
between the specimens. Cashew showed higher yield strength and compressive strength
due to lower porosity than neem resin. The element compositions of the specimens are
similar, this would mean synthetic and natural resin exhibit the same chemical
characteristics but impurity in the resins may alter the reactions. The results from
nanoindentation showed highest elastic modulus in cashew resin. The delamination of
polyester composite layers lead to lower hardness in the mechanical test.