Abstract
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is one of the most investigated and industrially applied natural fibers for polymer composite reinforcement. However, relatively limited information is available regarding its epoxy composites. In this work, both thermal and chemical properties were, for the first time, determined in kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites. Through XRD analysis, a microfibrillar angle of 7.1° and crystallinity index of 44.3% was obtained. The FTIR analysis showed the functional groups normally found for natural lignocellulosic fibers. TMA analysis of the composites with 10 vol% and 20 vol% of kenaf fibers disclosed a higher coefficient of thermal expansion. The TG/DTG results of the epoxy composites revealed enhanced thermal stability when compared to plain epoxy. The DSC results corroborated the results obtained by TGA, which indicated a higher mass loss in the first stage for kenaf when compared to its composites. These results might contribute to kenaf fiber composite applications requiring superior performance.
Highlights
Sustainable composites reinforced with natural fibers are drawing increasing attention in both research works [1,2,3,4,5,6,7] and industrial applications [8,9,10,11,12,13,14]
Relevant properties are associated with natural fiber composites (NFCs), such as a high degree of flexibility, hygroscopicity, and reduced energy consumption for production due to less abrasiveness to processing equipment
The average density was obtained from the ratio between mass and volume in 100 as-supplied kenaf fibers
Summary
Sustainable composites reinforced with natural fibers are drawing increasing attention in both research works [1,2,3,4,5,6,7] and industrial applications [8,9,10,11,12,13,14]. “Life Cycle Engineering” [16] is able to show the advantages of considering NFCs in terms of environmental and financial impact for designers and engineers to include these materials in future projects emphasizing sustainability strategies In this century, kenaf fiber has been one of the most investigated and industrially applied natural lignocellulosic fibers for reinforcement of polymer composites [17]. Of a cross-section of the kenaf the lumen and secondary walls ofwalls the fiber Various commercial such recognized as high-quality papers, biocomposites for car the kenaf products fiber presents disadvantages inherent to natural door trimmings,fibers, interior bioplastics, materials like medium-density lignocellulosic it shelving, is comparatively a building promising reinforcement for polymer fiberboard, textile, furniture, and many othersand havemicrofibrillar already beenangle developed based on the composites. Xue et al [58] reported on improved mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, tensile strength) of epoxy composites reinforced with kenaf Liberian fibers.
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