Effect of Stitching Density of Nonwoven Fiber Mat towards Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Reinforced Epoxy Composites Produced by Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM)

Abstract

This study will focus on the usage of kenaf as a natural fibre in producing a composite materials consists of epoxy resin by resin transfer moulding (RTM). The variation amount of fiber loading and nonwoven fibre mat condition seems can give significant changes in properties of polymer composite in terms of mechanical aspects. Optimization of stitching density of nonwoven kenaf fibre mat manages to increase the mechanical behaviour. At higher degree of fibre loading, these enhancement properties are more apparent. Depending upon the direction of stitching process in producing nonwoven kenaf fiber mat, the composite obtained exhibit anisotropy behaviour in which the mechanical properties are vary upon the stitching direction of nonwoven mat.