Surface treatments on thermal properties of kenaf fibers

Abstract

In recent years, kenaf fibres have received much attention in Malaysia as a result of the government’s recognition to commercialize kenaf fibres as an alternative to tobacco. Kenaf fibres have the potential to become reinforcements in various bio-composite applications. However, it does not have good flammability resistance similar to other natural fibres. This paper aims to examine the influence of Ammonium Polyphosphate (APP), Sodium Hydroxide 6 % concentration (NaOH 6%), and a mixture of both as surface treatments to improve the thermal properties of the fibres. Thermal properties and flammability tests of the fibres were conducted using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Vertical Flammability Chamber according to the ASTM D6413. Results from TGA showed that APP treated fibres displayed the highest degradation resistance with the least weight loss of 66 %, compared to other untreated and treated fibres. The Vertical Flammability Chamber test results indicated 100 % burnt for untreated kenaf fibres, followed by NaOH 6 % (88 %), APP (17 %) and NaOH/APP (14 %) respectively. Based on these findings, NaOH/APP treatments work effectively in suppressing the flammability of kenaf fibres compared to other methods of surface treatments.