Flammability Characteristics of Chemical Treated Woven Natural Fabric Reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde Composites

Abstract

In recent years, natural fiber-reinforced composites are finding new applications in many sectors as they can yield economic, environmental and social benefits. In certain industries, such as building and transport, reduced material flammability is a key requirement. The aim of this paper is to examine, flammability property on Naturally Woven coconut tree leaf sheath (CLS) reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) composites. CLS composite were prepared in both treated and untreated forms with volume fraction of 60% of sheath and 40% of Phenol Formaldehyde resin. CLS were chemically treated using 5% of NaOH and composites plates were prepared by using a hydraulic hot press at 1400C. Flammability of these composites was evaluated using Underwriters Laboratory test (UL 94) and limiting oxygen index (LOI). The UL flammability tests include a standard burning test applied to vertical (UL 94V) and horizontal test (UL 94HB) bars from which a general flammability rating is derived. In treated composites, the mass loss rate and flame propagation rate of treated composites has been decreased and resistances to flame has been increased and it is proved in both UL 94V and UL 94HB tests. And in Limiting oxygen index test, alkali treated composites requires more oxygen than untreated composite material to burn. The result obtained revealed that the alkaline treated CLS fiber with PF resin has more compatibility. Hence treatment of CLS fibers will improve the flammability of the composite material indicating that, materials have promising applications in construction and decorative purposes.