A Comparison Of Mechanical Properties Between Kenaf Core Fiber And Kenaf Bast Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite

Mohamad Ridzwan, Ishak (2007) A Comparison Of Mechanical Properties Between Kenaf Core Fiber And Kenaf Bast Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

	PDF (24 Pages) A_Comparison_Of_Mechanical_Properties_Between_Kenaf_Core_Fiber_And_Kenaf_Bast_Fiber_Reinforced_Polyester_Composite.pdf - Submitted Version Download (104kB)
	PDF (Full Text) A_Comparison_Of_Mechanical_Properties_Between_Kenaf_Core_Fiber_And_Kenaf_Bast_Fiber_Reinforced_Polyester_Composite.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (2MB)

Abstract

The purpose of doing this project is to study the comparison of mechanical properties and microstructure between kenaf core fiber and kenaf bast fiber reinforced polyester composites. The matrix material used in this study was based on commercially available unsaturated polyester, obtained from university’s Polymer Lab. The matrix was mixed with curing catalyst, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) Butanox M50 at a concentration of 0.01 w/w of the matrix for curing. Short kenaf bast and core fibers were separated from mixture bast and core fibers using vibratory screen machine in Wooden Composite Lab, for used as the reinforcement and were provided by Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). A combination of hand lay-up and compression moulding method was used to prepare the kenaf fiber reinforce polyester composite specimens. Moist kenaf bast and core fiber was first dried at 80 °C for 1.5 hours to remove storage moisture in an oven and some of the kenaf bast fibers are left to moist in order to investigate the effect of the moisture fiber composite specimens to the mechanical properties. The mould was coated with a plastic, sprayed with silicone mould release agent and subsequently coated with gelcoat. After pouring the resin, trapped air was gently squeezed out using a roller. The kenaf fiber and polyester resin were then left for about 3 min to allow air bubbles to escape from the surface of the resin. The mould was closed and the composite panel was left to cure in a hydraulic press at a temperature of 25 °C and at a compaction pressure of 10 bars for 24 hours. After being taken out from the hydraulic press, the panel being removed from the mould and was left to fully dry at a temperature of 25 °C for 2 weeks. Subsequently, the panel composites were cut to desired dimension of specimen follows the ASTM standard. The randomly oriented bast and core fiber 5% – 40 % fiber volume fraction and unfilled composite were used to prepare using similar procedure for comparison purpose. The sizes of bast and core fibers used were found that 39.41μm and 563.6 μm respectively using Scanning Electron Machine (SEM) from Zeiss, model EVO 50. The specimens were tested for tensile, flexural, impact and provide the result as totally the kenaf bast fiber indicates the higher strength, the exposure to moisture results in significant drops in tensile, flexural and impact properties due to the degradation of the fiber–matrix interface. The core fiber is found lead in high absorbent rate due their geometry structural after being water absorption test. SEM analysis for surface topography found that the clean surface of bast and non-uniform in term of fiber shape and size of core fiber.

Actions (login required)

View Item