Effect of Different Catalyst Percentages on Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Polyester Composite Treated with Acetic Anhydride Solution

Abstract

The mechanical properties of natural fibre polyester composite was influenced by bonding efficiency between matrix and polyester matrix. This efficiency was related with the natural fibre and matrix characteristics. The natural fibre has a hydrophilic properties where else the polyester has a hydrophobic properties. The existent of organic and inorganic substances on the surface of natural fibre also contribute to the bonding strength. The modification using chemical treatment such as acetylation can overcome this problem. The chemical reaction participates in a long period cannot be completed in a short duration. The addition of some catalyst as an agent to speed up the reaction make the chemical reaction totally completed in short duration. In this study kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) polyester composite were manufactured and treated with acetic anhydride solution in 3 different percentages of catalyst that were 0.013%, 0.026% and 0.039% . In order to speed up the process modification in acetic anhydride solution catalyst (FeCl3) was added. Catalyst acts as a medium to complete reaction in limited time.It was found that,mechanical properties of polyester composite with addition of catalyst showed an increased trend and the highest was polyester composite with addition 0.036% of catalyst.