Effect of CaCO3 Particles Size and Content on Impact Strenght of Kenaf/CaCO3/Epoxy Resin Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Thermoplastic and thermoset polymer composites reinforced with kenaf fiber or CaCO<sub>3</sub> have been extensively investigated. However, the study on the combination of kenaf fiber and CaCO<sub>3</sub> reinforced epoxy resin is rare. This research discussed the effect of CaCO<sub>3</sub> particle size and the ratio of kenaf to CaCO<sub>3</sub> content on the impact strength of alkali-treated kenaf/ CaCO<sub>3</sub>/epoxy resin hybrid composites. Thirty % of the hybrid kenaf fibers and CaCO<sub>3</sub> particles reinforced epoxy resin composites were fabricated by hand lay-up technique followed by cold press. Impact test of the composite specimens was conducted using a Charpy Impact test according to ASTM D 6110. The morphology of impact fracture surface was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the impact strength of the hybrid composite increased with the decrease of CaCO<sub>3</sub> particle size, and increasing the ratio of kenaf to CaCO<sub>3</sub>. Interfacial bonding between the reinforcement (kenaf and CaCO<sub>3</sub>) and epoxy resin matrix, the uniform dispersion of kenaf and CaCO<sub>3</sub> within the epoxy resin matrix are two crucial factors influencing the impact strength of the composite.