6 - Properties of Betel Nut Husk Reinforced Vinyl Ester Composites

Abstract

Agricultural fibers from betel nut husk (BNH) are the byproducts from the betel nut fruit process. The BNH fibers have the potential to be utilized as reinforcement in polymer composites. Development of green composites from agricultural waste could benefit in adding more value to agricultural waste and broaden the use of natural fiber in polymer composites. To date, BNH fibers are mainly used as domestic fuel after drying. BNH fiber is also finding use in the fabrication of hard boards, nonwoven fabrics, cushions, and pressed boards. After the harvesting season, unmanaged BNH that is left to decay in the fields creates environmental issues such as bad odor. The bad odor problem of agricultural wastes is due to the gases produced by microorganism activity from the piles of these agricultural wastes dumped in fields, as agricultural waste fibers often require a long time to degrade. The BNH fiber can be introduced in polymer composites industry as an alternative reinforcement for polymer composites. The chemical composition (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) and rough fiber surface of BNH fiber are good points to be considered in selecting BNH fiber to serve as a good reinforcing material in polymer composites. BNH fiber should be exploited commercially in the fabrication of composites for automotive parts, building, packaging, construction, and also lightweight military equipment, due to the excellent reinforcing properties provided by BNH fiber at a low cost.