Bio-Composite Kenaf Fibres For Pallet Product

Mohd Yuhazri, Yaakob (2011) Bio-Composite Kenaf Fibres For Pallet Product. Project Report. UTeM. (Submitted)

Preview

PDF (24 pages) Bio_Composite_Kenaf_Fibres_For_Pallet_Product_-_24_Pages.pdf - Submitted Version Download (874kB) | Preview

Abstract

Bio-composite is a material formed by res1n as a matrix and a reinforcement of natural fiber. The objectives of this research are to determine the impact of chemical treatment on mechanical properties and water absorption of bio-composite kenaf fiber. The long bast kenaf fibers were treated by chemical method using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to improve fiber properties. The effects of the modification on fibers have been analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological analyses proved that sodium hydroxide have effective to remove impurities on the fiber surface. By using vacuum infusion process (VIP), the bio-composite kenaf fibers panel is produced. Vacuum infusion method offers benefits over hand lay-up method due to the better fiber to resin ratio and resulting in stronger. In this study, mechanical tests were performed to evaluate the effect of chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of bio-composite kenaf fiber. It has been found that the alkalization treatment has improved the mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties of kenaf/polyester composites were found to increase with increase in concentration of NaOH. Otherwise, it decrease when immerse time is up from 12 to 24 hours. The tensile and flexural strength was achieved as high as 90.81 MPa and 93.35 MPa, respectively. In spite of its high tensile and flexural properties, kenaf polyester composites treated with 9 percent NaOH for 12 hours demonstrated relatively low impact strength. As better impact properties are demonstrated by high strain to failure value, it is believed that too high concentration of NaOH possibly lower the fiber strain to failure value. The ability of water absorption among the composite also have been analyzed in this study. The percentage of moisture uptake proven that fiber treatment have effected on the water absorption of the composites. Lastly, it has been summarize that chemical treatment on kenaf fibers as well as manufacturing process played important role to fabricate a good mechanical properties of composites.

Actions (login required)

View Item