Study on The Characteristics of NaCl Treated Kenaf Fiber Epoxy Composite Board

Abstract

The treatment of kenaf fiber surfaces with chemicals has proven to be an effective method to improve composite properties. Meanwhile, natrium chloride (NaCl) is one of the chemicals that has great potential to be used for modifying natural fibers. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the characteristics of a composite board made from NaCl-treated kenaf fiber and epoxy. The method used was a completely randomized design with two factors, namely the level of NaCl in the treatment solution including 1, 3, and 5%wt, as well as the epoxy content of 10, 20, and 30%wt based on the dry weight fiber. The NaCl treatment was carried out by soaking the fibers in the solution for 1 hour at room temperature, rinsed using water until the pH of the water reached 7, and then dried in an oven at 80ᵒC for 6 hours. Furthermore, the Kenaf fiber and epoxy were mixed manually, while the boards were manufactured using a heat pressing system at 120ᵒC, with a pressure of 3.5 MPa for 10 minutes, and a thickness of 10 mm. The physical and mechanical properties were then evaluated based on JIS A5908. The results showed that the composite board properties were optimum at NaCl 5%, 20% of epoxy, modulus of elasticity and rupture of 2.02 GPa, and 18.63 MPa respectively, internal bonding 1.94 MPa, thickness swelling 2.89 %, and water absorption of 10.49%. The results showed that the physical and mechanical properties of the composite board increased with a high NaCl concentration.