Effects Of Fiber Size Modification On The Mechanical Properties Of Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite

Jafri, Jamaludin (2008) Effects Of Fiber Size Modification On The Mechanical Properties Of Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study and analyzed the effect of fiber size modification on the mechanical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced polyester composite. The main materials used in this project are unsaturated polyester resin and kenaf fibers. Kenaf fibers used in this project are from the core and bast parts. There are two size of kenaf fiber used in this study, fine fiber and coarse. The kenaf fibers used has been refined in Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) beforehand. The size of kenaf fiber is observed by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The fabrication process is done by mixing the 20% composition of kenaf fibers, polyester resin and MEKP hardener. Then the mixture is poured into the mild steel mold and compressed by using the cold pressing machine. After the curing process, the composite panel of kenaf fiber and polyester polymer is cut into specific dimension according to the ASTM testing standard depend on the types of testing. The specimens are tested for the impact testing, tensile testing, flexural testing and water absorption testing. The microstructure of tensile fracture surface is observed by using the SEM. From study, the kenaf bast fiber show the better mechanical properties compared with kenaf core fiber. The larger fiber size of kenaf fiber shows the greater mechanical properties than finer fiber size for flexural and impact properties. The fine size of kenaf fiber shows the better tensile properties than coarser fiber. The coarse fiber size can absorb more water than finer fiber size due to many gap and hole at the composite.

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