Kenaf Core Fiber Research Articles

Thermal Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Reinforced Kenaf Core Fiber with Hybrid Nanofillers of Cellulose Nanocrystal and Graphene Nanoplatelet

Thermal Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Reinforced Kenaf Core Fiber with Hybrid Nanofillers of Cellulose Nanocrystal and Graphene Nanoplatelet

Utilization of Kenaf Core Fiber – Marine Clay Mixture as a Landfill Liner Material

Nowadays, leachate production is a big concern and causes a serious hazard to the soil and groundwater which causes the subsurface soil to be polluted as a result of the loss of soil quality and environmental pollution. This study aims to study the potential of using kenaf core fiber and marine clay mixtures as improved landfill liner material. Relevant laboratory tests such as atterberg limit test, specific gravity test, and particle size distribution were performed to examine basic geotechnical properties of marine clay soil collected from Batu Kawan, Penang. Besides that, compaction test and hydraulic conductivity test were carried out for soil mixed with kenaf core fiber to determine the strength and permeability characteristics. The results found that the marine clay has significantly adequate physical properties to be used as a landfill liner. The permeability test for marine clay soil inclusion of kenaf core fibre indicated that the hydraulic conductivity of the samples admixture for 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% ranged between 6.68 × 10-9 and 1.57 × 10-8 m/s. Compaction of marine clay mix kenaf core fibre samples resulted in maximum dry density, ρdmax that ranged between 0.936 and 1.595 g/cm3 and optimum moisture content, wopt that ranged between 19.8% and 24%. Hence the inclusion of kenaf core fiber in marine clay soil improves the maximum dry density value, decrease permeability of marine clay and could be potentially used for landfill liner material.

Mechanical and physical properties of unsaturated polyester reinforced kenaf core fiber with hybrid cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and graphene Nanoplatelet(GNP) nanofillers

In this study, the exploration of kenaf core fiber (KCF) was done by incorporating into unsaturated polyester (UPE) as to keep the environment sustain and also due to its potential properties which are good mechanical properties, low cost and importantly massively abundant. The hybridization technique also were applied with the incorporation of total loading level of 3 wt% Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) into UPE-KCF bio-composite as to support and provide better performance of UPE bio-composite. In revealing the effect of nanofillers utilization towards mechanical and physical properties of UPE-KCF bio-composite, the fabrication of UPE-KCF/CNC/GNP bio-composite were successfully done by using hand lay-up technique and hot compression moulding. The samples were characterized through tensile and flexural test for mechanical analysis and water absorption for physical analysis. Morphology characterization also was done to support the result. The results showed the incorporation of KCF had contributed for the slightly improvement in tensile modulus while both inclusion of nanofillers help the single reinforcement bio-composite to enhance flexural strength and modulus up to 48.2% and 84.21% respectively. The addition of 2 wt% GNP also positively influence physical properties showed by the least percentage of water absorption.

Isothermal crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties of PLA/Kenaf biocomposite: Comparison between alkaline treated kenaf core and bast reinforcement

Crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties of alkaline treated kenaf core and bast fibres as reinforcement in PLA composites were investigated. The crystallization rate and the percentage of crystallinity values were comparable in both samples, where the values were found to be 1.239 and 49.46% for KCC and 1.119 and 47.28% for KBC, respectively. The addition of kenaf fibre revealed the same reduction of the Avrami index at around 13% for both KBC and KCC indicating that the addition of fibre promotes growth in less spatial dimensions. The improvement on kinetics properties was supported by flexural testing that showed that there is no significant difference in flexural modulus and flexural strength between Kenaf core composite (KCC) and Kenaf bast composite (KBC). These findings shed a light on the potential utilization of kenaf core fibre as filler in matrix composite.

A review on oil spill clean-up using bio-sorbent materials with special emphasis on utilization of kenaf core fibers

Thousands of oil spill incidents regrettably have occurred on a daily basis around the globe. Oil spills are a form of pollution that poses major catastrophic threats to marine ecosystems. Oil spill incidents commonly occur in the middle of the ocean, and the process to remove the oil becomes a great challenge. Absorbents, due to their good oil-absorbing characteristics, are becoming more popular nowadays as one of the effective oil spill clean-up methods. Among the many types of oil absorbents, plant fibers were also being studied to remove the oil spills from the sea surface. This paper reviews factors leading to oil spills, the detrimental effect of the oil spill on the environment, the oil spill removal methods, and the application of plant fibers as oil absorbent material. The paper also will highlight the latest development on the utilization of kenaf core fibers as oil-absorbent material and the use of oil absorbed kenaf core fibers as fuel briquette by taking advantage the high calorific value of the oil spill.

A review on oil spill clean-up using bio-sorbent materials with special emphasis on utilization of kenaf core fibers

Thousands of oil spill incidents regrettably have occurred on a daily basis around the globe. Oil spills are a form of pollution that poses major catastrophic threats to marine ecosystems. Oil spill incidents commonly occur in the middle of the ocean, and the process to remove the oil becomes a great challenge. Absorbents, due to their good oil-absorbing characteristics, are becoming more popular nowadays as one of the effective oil spill clean-up methods. Among the many types of oil absorbents, plant fibers were also being studied to remove the oil spills from the sea surface. This paper reviews factors leading to oil spills, the detrimental effect of the oil spill on the environment, the oil spill removal methods, and the application of plant fibers as oil absorbent material. The paper also will highlight the latest development on the utilization of kenaf core fibers as oil-absorbent material and the use of oil absorbed kenaf core fibers as fuel briquette by taking advantage the high calorific value of the oil spill.

Thermal, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Poly(Butylene Succinate)/Kenaf Core Fibers Composites Reinforced with Esterified Lignin.

In this study, Kraft lignin was esterified with phthalic anhydride and was served as reinforcing filler for poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Composites with different ratios of PBS, lignin (L), modified lignin (ML) and kenaf core fibers (KCF) were fabricated using a compounding method. The fabricated PBS composites and its counterparts were tested for thermal, physical and mechanical properties. Weight percent gain of 4.5% after lignin modification and the FTIR spectra has confirmed the occurrence of an esterification reaction. Better thermo-mechanical properties were observed in the PBS composites reinforced with modified lignin and KCF, as higher storage modulus and loss modulus were recorded using dynamic mechanical analysis. The density of the composites fabricated ranged from 1.26 to 1.43 g/cm3. Water absorption of the composites with the addition of modified lignin is higher than that of composites with unmodified lignin. Pure PBS exhibited the highest tensile strength of 18.62 MPa. Incorporation of lignin and KCF into PBS resulted in different extents of reduction in tensile strength (15.78 to 18.60 MPa). However, PBS composite reinforced with modified lignin exhibited better tensile and flexural strength compared to its unmodified lignin counterpart. PBS composite reinforced with 30 wt% ML and 20 wt% KCF had the highest Izod impact, as fibers could diverge the cracking propagation of the matrix. The thermal conductivity value of the composites ranged from 0.0903 to 0.0983 W/mK, showing great potential as a heat insulator.

Comparison of sawdust and kenaf core fibre as cultivation substrates for grey oyster (Pleurotus sajor-caju) and black jelly (Auricularia auricular-judae) mushrooms

Unlike plants, mushrooms are heterotrophic organisms which require external nutrients to grow the hypha network which supplies nutrients for the growth of reproductive stage. In this study, rubber tree sawdust, kenaf core fibre and mixture of sawdust-kenaf (50:50) were used as the cultivation substrates for grey oyster (Pleurotus sajor-caju) and black jelly (Auricularia auricula-judae) mushrooms. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) composed of fibre-rich substances which consist of an internal woody core and a superficial fibrous bark. This study was conducted to compare between sawdust and kenaf core fibre as the cultivation substrates in terms of growth performance, yield and postharvest quality of grey oyster and black jelly mushrooms. There was no significant difference (P≥0.05) observed in the mycelium growth rate among the substrates used. However, grey oyster mushroom showed higher growth rate 0.74-0.77 cm/day) compared to black jelly mushroom (0.44-0.55 cm/day). Sawdust substrate showed the highest yield (415.5 g) for both mushroom species followed by mixture of sawdust-kenaf and lastly kenaf. There was also no significant different (P≥0.05) found in the postharvest quality of both mushrooms species among different substrates used. In conclusion, in terms of yield, sawdust was the best mushroom cultivation substrate for both grey oyster and black jelly mushrooms.

Effects on MAPP Compatibilizer on Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Core Fibre/Graphene Nanoplatelets reinforced Polypropylene Hybrid Composites

Natural fibre has high potential to be used as reinforcement due to more save, greener and environmentally friendly compared to synthetic fibre. In this research, kenaf core fibre (KCF)-graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were melt blending using Brabender internal mixer and fabricated by compression moulding. This research aims to fabricate and study the effect of different amounts of MAPP on the mechanical properties of the PP/KCF/GNP composites. The difference amount of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) as a compatibilizer in hybrid composite was added to enhance the mechanical properties by improving the interfacial adhesion of matrix and KCF. The pure polypropylene (PP) matrix was used as a control. The mechanical properties (tensile and flexural test) were determined using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Overall, the results show that the presence of MAPP compatibilizer successfully enhanced the mechanical properties as a result of improvement of the fibre-matrix adhesion between the KCF and PP matrix.

Effects of Styrene Butadiene Rubber on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Core Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

In this research, the kenaf core fiber (KCF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) in the presence of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) were melted blending with PP using Brabender internal mixer. The composites then fabricated using compression molding to form a sheet of PP and KCF reinforced PP (KCFPP) composites. Pure polypropylene (PP) matrix was used to serve as control whilst SBR was functionalized as impact modifier to improve the toughness properties of PP. The mechanical properties were determined by tensile test using Universal Testing Machine (UTM) according to ASTM D5803. The results show that the increment in SBR content has given an improvement in impact related properties (elongation at break) but at the expenses of strength and modulus properties.

Effect of Different Filler Loading on Flexural Properties and Water Absorption Behavior of Kenaf Core Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composite

In this investigation, kenaf core fiber (KCF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite was prepared via extrusion and compression moulding. The effect of different ratio of KCF filler with PP on flexural properties of composite had been investigated. PP and KCF filler were prepared with different filler loading of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt% using twin-screw extruder at temperature 180 ºC and rotor speed of 70 rpm, followed by compression moulding at the same temperature. The flexural tests were conducted to evaluate the flexural properties of the composite. The results obtained showed that the incorporation of KCF in PP increased the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the composite. The water absorption behaviour of the composite was also investigated. It was found that water absorption of composites increased with increasing of fiber content.

A Preliminary Study on Tensile Properties of Gellan Gum/KCF Biocomposite Films

In this preliminary study, kenaf core fiber (KCF) was utilized as a natural filler for the preparation of the gellan gum/KCF biocomposite films. The films were prepared by casting gellan gum solutions containing glycerol and KCF, followed by gelation and drying. The weight ratio of gellan gum and glycerol was fixed at 2:3, while the content of KCF varied from 6 to 15 wt.% relative to the weight of gellan gum. The tensile properties of the prepared films have been determined by using a universal testing machine. The tensile test results demonstrated that the tensile extension and tensile energy at break of the biocomposite films have significantly increased with the incorporation of KCF. Nevertheless, the tensile stress and tensile modulus at maximum load have drastically decreased with the increase of KCF content. This study implied that the incorporation of KCF had enhanced the ductility of the gellan gum/KCF biocomposite films and at the same time, reduced the stiffness of the films.

Mechanical Strength, Thermal Conductivity and Electrical Breakdown of Kenaf Core Fiber/Lignin/Polypropylene Biocomposite.

Mechanical strength, thermal conductivity and electrical breakdown of polypropylene/lignin/kenaf core fiber (PP/L/KCF) composite were studied. PP/L, PP/KCF and PP/L/KCF composites with different fiber and lignin loading was prepared using a compounding process. Pure PP was served as control. The results revealed that tensile and flexural properties of the PP/L/KCF was retained after addition of lignin and kenaf core fibers. Thermal stability of the PP composites improved compared to pure PP polymer. As for thermal conductivity, no significant difference was observed between PP composites and pure PP. However, PP/L/KCF composite has higher thermal diffusivity. All the PP composites produced are good insulating materials that are suitable for building. All PP composites passed withstand voltage test in air and oil state as stipulated in IEC 60641-3 except PP/L in oil state. SEM micrograph showed that better interaction and adhesion between polymer matrix, lignin and kenaf core fibers was observed and reflected on the better tensile strength recorded in PP/L/KCF composite. This study has successfully filled the gap of knowledge on using lignin and kenaf fibers as PP insulator composite materials. Therefore, it can be concluded that PP/Lignin/KCF has high potential as an insulating material.

The effect of kenaf loading on the mechanical properties of kenaf-reinforced recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/recycled poly(propylene) (rPET/rPP) composite

Kenaf fibre as a natural lignocellulos is fast receiving encouraging attention in bio-composite material because it offers a range of properties that may be difficult to obtain with other synthetic reinforcements. The aim of this study is to compare the mechanical properties of kenaf bast and core fibre reinforced recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET)/recycled poly(propylene) (rPP) composite with varying fiber loading i.e. 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 phr. The fiber length use in this study is 250 µm. The injection moulding technique was used to prepare the composite specimens for tensile, flexural and impact tests in accordance to the ASTM D5083, ASTM D790 and ASTM D256 respectively. The overall results showed that the composites reinforced with kenaf bast fibre had higher mechanical properties than kenaf core fibre composites. The results also showed that the optimum fibre content for achieving highest tensile properties for bast and core composites was 5 phr. It was also observed that the elongation at break for both composites decreased as the fibre content increased. However, a remarkable enhancement in the impact strength of the composites were observed upon the addition of 20 phr of bast and core fibre loading.

Oil spill removal using kenaf core fibers as biosorbent material

Offshore crude oil exploration has led to oil spillage in the sea and causes an enormous negative impact on the surrounding environment, animals and human beings. In this paper, studies have been carried out to utilize Malaysian grown Kenaf core fibers as biosorbent material to clean-up the spilled oil from the sea. Kenaf fibers have natural oleophilic characteristics and therefore would be suitable to be used as biosorbent material. Studies were conducted to understand the surface characteristics, to evaluate the absorption capacity under simulated sea conditions and to determine oil/seawater sorption characteristics of Malaysia grown Kenaf core fibers. The crude oil/seawater absorption capacity study has indicated that both 20 mesh and 40 mesh Kenaf fibers can absorb 4 times its original weight in crude oil upon short contact time with crude oil/seawater. This study also reveals that the Kenaf fibers tend to absorb seawater upon prolonged contact with crude oil/seawater. Based on the separate crude oil and seawater sorption tests, both 20 mesh and 40 mesh Kenaf core fibers were found to have the ability to absorb 5-6 times and 1-6 times of its original weight in crude oil and seawater respectively, depending on the contact time.

Effect of Halogen Free-flame Retardants on The Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Kenaf/Polyurethane Foam Composites

Kenaf/polyurethane foam (PUF) was synthesized form PUF and kenaf core fiber with expandable graphite (EG) and aluminum hydroxide (ATH) at varying amounts. In the production of polymer foam composites, the processing methods determine the properties of the final products. In this work, the potential of high energy milled on EG has reduced the EG platelet size to improve its dispersion in PUF matrix. From the results obtained, PU/KF/6ATH/10EG shows the highest mechanical properties, i.e. modulus and compression strength, while PU/KF/2ATH/5EG shows the lowest mechanical properties. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) shows the effect of adding kenaf fiber, EG and ATH in PUF to the foam cell structure and size.

Effect of Lignin Modification on Properties of Kenaf Core Fiber Reinforced Poly(Butylene Succinate) Biocomposites.

In this study, the effects of lignin modification on the properties of kenaf core fiber reinforced poly(butylene succinate) biocomposites were examined. A weight percent gain (WPG) value of 30.21% was recorded after the lignin were modified with maleic anhydride. Lower mechanical properties were observed for lignin composites because of incompatible bonding between the hydrophobic matrix and the hydrophilic lignin. Modified lignin (ML) was found to have a better interfacial bonding, since maleic anhydrides remove most of the hydrophilic hydrogen bonding (this was proven by a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer—a reduction of broadband near 3400 cm−1, corresponding to the –OH stretching vibration of hydroxyl groups for the ML samples). On the other hand, ML was found to have a slightly lower glass transition temperature, Tg, since reactions with maleic anhydride destroy most of the intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds, resulting in a softer structure at elevated temperatures. The addition of kraft lignin was found to increase the thermal stability of the PBS polymer composites, while modified kraft lignin showed higher thermal stability than pure kraft lignin and possessed delayed onset thermal degradation temperature.

Effects of kenaf core and bast fibers as dispersing phases on low density fiberboards (engineered wood)

Fiberboards are engineered woods made from a composition of wood chippings, wood fibers, sawdust etc., glued together with adhesives. Low density fiberboards (LDF) are part of the classes of fiberboards widely used in Nigeria because they are readily available, relatively cheap and offer good aesthetic values, compared to conventional woods. However, they possess low strength, durability and lifespan, thus making them susceptible to damage during service. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of kenaf core and bast fibers (Hibiscus cannabinus) as one of the dispersing phases in low density fiberboard production, also known as particleboards. The materials and methods employed in the study, followed procedures in established standards and literatures. The different composite materials were weighed and mixed properly for about 10 minutes to ensure homogeneity in the mixture. Thereafter, the materials were placed in a mould of uniform thickness and compressed to different fiber board samples using a compression press machine, for about 10mins. A series of physio-mechanical tests such as water absorption, density, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture were conducted on the developed fiberboard samples as well as the control samples. The results showed that the average values for water absorption and density of the developed samples enhanced with kenaf core and bast fibers were 5.480% and 0.027 g/cm3 respectively. These values compare well with that of the control samples. Also, the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture of samples enhanced with kenaf gave average values of 31.842 MPa, 2.920 GPa and 16.58 N/mm2 respectively. These values also compare well with that of the control samples. From the results gotten and all the properties determined, the study showed that kenaf core and bast fibers can be employed appreciably as dispersing phases for low density fiber board (LDF) composite production.

Effect of Kenaf Core Fibre (Hibiscus cannabinus) as one of the Dispersing Phases in Brake Pad Composite Production

Brakes are essential parts of all means of transportation. Their function is to slow or stop a vehicle by friction. Asbestos has been widely used in the production of brake pads. However, its application poses adverse effects on human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of kenaf core fibers as one of the dispersing phases in brake pad composite production. The materials and methods employed in the study, followed procedures in established standards and literatures. The materials were grounded into fine powder and sieved into grade sizes of 100 µm and 200 µm. They were weighed on a digital scale according to a specified composition and mixed thoroughly for about five (5) minutes to obtain homogeneity of the mixture. Afterwards, the mixed compositions were placed inside a 5 cm × 3 cm × 2 cm cylindrical mould. These mixtures were then compacted on a hydraulic press and allowed to dry at an ambient temperature of 37°C. A series of physio-mechanical tests such as porosity, ash content, density, compressive strength, hardness and wear rate were conducted on the developed brake pad samples as well as the control samples. The results showed that the average values for porosity, ash content and density of the developed samples enhanced with kenaf core fibres were 0.813%, 57.25% and 1.389 kg/m3 respectively. These values compare well with that of the control samples. Also, the hardness, wear rate and compressive strength of the samples enhanced with kenaf fibers gave average values of 121.25 BHN, 10.121×10-2 g/km and 105.75 MPa respectively. These values also compare well with that of the control samples. From the results gotten and all the properties determined, the study showed that kenaf core fibres has good potentials as dispersing phases for brake pad composite production.

Influence of filler content and mixing time on the properties and morphology of kenaf/polyurethane foam composites

Kenaf/polyurethane foam composites were prepared at percentage of 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt% of kenaf fiber. Free rising polyurethane foam was prepared at constant (NCO/OH) ratio 1.5:2, while water was used as blowing agent. The mixture was stirred at 400 rpm using mixing times of 20 and 25 seconds. Rise time and hardness of the composites was determined. From the results obtained, rise time and hardness of polyurethane foam composites were reduced at 25s mixing time. However, as kenaf core fiber increase, the rise time decreased and the hardness of the foam composite increased. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis evidenced the presence of regular cell shape and uniform cell size in the kenaf/polyurethane foam composites. The findings indicate the potential of using kenaf fiber to enhance the properties of the polyurethane foam.