Mechanical and physical properties of kenaf fiber mat reinforced unsaturated polyester composites with the presence of graphene as nano filler

Abstract

The aim of this study is to characterize the mechanical and physical properties of kenaf fiber mat (KFM) reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites by introducing graphene as nano filler. The composites were prepared by using hand lay-up and compression moulding techniques. To improve the interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix, the KFM was chemically treated with alkaline treatment (NaOH) and silane. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was used to investigate the changes of fibers chemical constituents after treatment. To further enhance the strength and stiffness properties, graphene at three different percentages (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) was also formulated into KFM reinforced UPE composites. Mechanical (tensile, flexural) and physical (water absorption) tests were carried out to study and compare that properties of untreated and alkaline treated KFM-UPE as well as the presence of graphene in the composites. The result showed that, the introduction of both silane and alkalized KFM significantly enhanced the mechanical and physical properties of UPE composites. On the other hand, the presence of graphene showed tremendous enhancement in mechanical properties of KFM-UPE composites. The morphological analysis of rupture surface of samples has demonstrated the improvement in fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion after chemical treatment and addition of graphene, respectively.