Abstract
Untreated and treated kenaf fibers were used in the fabrication of kenaf/polypropylene (PP) composites. The ratio of the fibers as fillers and PP as matrix was 40:60 in wt%. Small amounts of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) were added as a coupling agent. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to estimate the cellulose contained in the treated kenaf fibers. A flexural test of the composites was conducted by referring to JIS (A 5905, 1994, Fiberboards). A composite with alkali-treated fiber had better properties (modulus of rupture (MOR) and elasticity (MOE), absorbed water and thickness in swelling) than that with a combination of steam-alkali and alkali-bleaching treated fibers, and untreated fibers. The dispersion characteristic of the fibers within the polymer matrix has been suggested as one of the significant factors affecting the composite properties. These composites are classified as medium density fiberboard (MDF, JIS, type 30 and 25).
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