Abstract
The mechanical performance of silica modified epoxy at various concentration of sodium hydroxide for surface treatment of multi-axial kenaf has been analyzed. Epoxy resin with amine hardener was modified with silica powder at 20 phr and toughened by treated kenaf fiber that immerses in various concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ranging from 0% to 9% of weight. The composite was analyzed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to ensure complete curing process. The mechanical properties of the composites were analyzed through flexural test, Charpy impact test and DSC to ensure the complete curing process. DSC analysis results show epoxy sample was completely cured at above 73°C that verifies the curing temperature for preparation for the composite. Hence, 3% NaOH treated composite exhibits the best mechanical properties, with 10.6 kJ/m2 of impact strength, 54.1 MPa of flexural strength and 3.5 GPa of flexural modulus. It is due to the improvement of fiber-matrix compatibility. Analysis by SEM also revealed that a cleaner surface of kenaf fiber treated at 3% NaOH shown cleaner surface, thus, in turn, improve surface interaction between fiber and matrix of the composite. The composites produced in this work has high potential to be used in automotive and domestics appliances.
Highlights
Based on the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), sustainability was defined as the needs of the present without compromising the capability of the generation to survive with their own need [1]
The results showed many impurities that covered the surface of kenaf fiber that was indicated by a red circle
The argument from Kalia et al (2009) proven that impurities such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin and highly concentrated with hydroxyl groups densely appeared on the surface of kenaf as it develops rough topography on the surface [11]
Summary
Based on the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), sustainability was defined as the needs of the present without compromising the capability of the generation to survive with their own need [1]. The incremental of the demand for built infrastructure has led to significant waste energy and material used mainly in the construction and manufacturing industries. In this case, the improvement can be made as all industries work together in embracing the reuse of industrial based-product and renewable materials in their own respective industry. The recent studies have proven that the additional additives such as fillers and catalyst with the application of chemical treatment have led the material of natural fiber-based product can substitute the conventional fiber. The replacement of conventional fiber with natural fiber in the manufacturing and automotive industries can gain economic, environmental and social aspects. Good in mechanical, thermal and insulating properties and high resistance to fracture possesses the demand for natural fiber [3]
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