Water absorption of kenaf/glass/epoxy hybrid composites for insulator core

Abstract

Kenaf fibres have gained substantial attracted considerable attention due to their economic feasibility and environmental acceptability. Natural fibre (kenaf) has started in mechanical and electrical applications by hybridising synthetic (glass) fibres. In recent years, the hybrid composite has been employed in various functions in industrial engineering. The present study deals with water absorption of glass/kenaf/epoxy hybrid composite materials used in high voltage polymeric insulator rods. Kenaf fibres have substituted two proportions of glass fibres (20 vol% IR20EP and 30 vol% IR30EP) with modified 60% of epoxy resins to fabricate the kenaf/glass/epoxy hybrid composites. The water absorption test was carried out at room temperature, and the water absorption resistance for composites was calculated regarding the rate of water absorption. Remarkable variations in the characteristics of water soaking up of the hybrid composite were obtained demonstrating that the water absorption influence on the insulator rod properties relies on the arrangement profiles and volume fraction of kenaf fibre of composite used. Based on the finding, a minor impact of water absorption on the glass fibre (non-hybrid) composite was noticed. Adding kenaf fibres to the composite fibreglass rod increases the composite’s water absorption. Glass fibres around kenaf fibres have been shown to minimise water absorption. After 330 hours, all the composite specimens attained stability and ceased to soak up water.