Effect of MWCNT Surface Functionalisation and Distribution on Compressive Properties of Kenaf and Hybrid Kenaf/Glass Fibres Reinforced Polymer Composites.

Napisah Sapiai,Mohammad Jawaid,Anish Khan,Aidah Jumahat

doi:10.3390/polym12112522

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of surface treated multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on compressive properties of the unidirectional (UD) kenaf and hybrid woven glass/UD kenaf fibre reinforced polymer composites. The MWCNTs were first treated using concentrated acid (a mix of H2SO4 and HNO3) and silane (three-aminoprophyltriethoxysilane) in order to improve the dispersion within the epoxy matrix using a high shear roll milling technique. In this study, nanomodified epoxies were prepared using 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 wt % of pristine MWCNT (PCNT), acid treated MWCNT (ACNT) and silane treated MWCNT (SCNT). These nanomodified epoxies were then used for the fabrication of kenaf and hybrid composites using combination of filament winding and resin impregnation. The uniaxial compression test was conducted using a universal testing machine according to the ASTM D3410 standard. The morphology of fractured samples was observed and analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to evaluate the failure behaviour and mechanisms involved during compression. It was found that the addition of treated MWCNT (ACNT and SCNT) improved the compressive properties of kenaf and hybrid composites as compared to those of untreated-MWCNT (PCNT). The addition of 1.0 wt % of SCNT exhibited good compressive properties in both kenaf and hybrid composite systems. The compressive modulus and strength increased by 73.25% and 20.15%, respectively, for composites made of 1.0 wt % SCNT and Kenaf (1.0SCNT/K). For the hybrid composites, the compressive modulus and strength increased by 21.18% and 7.73% for composites made of 1.0 wt % SCNT filled G/K composites (1.0SCNT/G/K).

Highlights

The concern of environmental pollution and the depletion of petroleum-based resources has attracted material science researchers to develop new eco-friendly green materials based on sustainability principles
The use of multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as nano-filler is being considered in order to improve the mechanical performance of the reinforced polymer composites
The surface functionalisation of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) surface has been regarded as an effective technique in improving MWCNT-matrix interfacial bonding strength and increasing the dispersion of the matrix in various polymer composites

Summary

Introduction

The concern of environmental pollution and the depletion of petroleum-based resources has attracted material science researchers to develop new eco-friendly green materials based on sustainability principles. The natural fibres have already proven that their capability can satisfy the requirement of the global market, especially for industries which are concerned about weight reduction. For this reason, numerous studies have investigated the properties and behaviour of kenaf fibre reinforced polymer composites to improve their performance and widen their scope of applications [1–11]. Even though kenaf fibre reinforced polymer composites have good potential for commercialisation, certain limitations arise with respect to the mechanical properties when kenaf fibres and epoxy resin are used. The majority of epoxy systems are characterised by brittleness, low impact strength and low fracture toughness once they are fully cured Due to these limitations, further studies have been extensively conducted in order to overcome the problems

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