Non-woven Kenaf Fibre Research Articles

Bionanocarbon Functional Material Characterisation and Enhancement Properties in Nonwoven Kenaf Fibre Nanocomposites

Bionanocarbon as a properties enhancement material in fibre reinforced nanobiocomposite was investigated for sustainable material applications. Currently, an extensive study using the micro size of biocarbon as filler or reinforcement materials has been done. However, poor fibre-matrix interface results in poor mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of the composite. Hence in this study, the nanoparticle of biocarbon was synthesised and applied as a functional material and properties enhancement in composite material. The bionanocarbon was prepared from an oil palm shell, an agriculture waste precursor, via a single-step activation technique. The nanocarbon filler loading was varied from 0, 1, 3, and 5% as nanoparticle properties enhancement in nonwoven kenaf fibre reinforcement in vinyl ester composite using resin transfer moulding technique. The functional properties were evaluated using TEM, particle size, zeta potential, and energy dispersion X-ray (EDX) elemental analysis. While the composite properties enhancement was evaluated using physical, mechanical, morphological, thermal, and wettability properties. The result indicated excellent nanofiller enhancement of fibre-matrix bonding that significantly improved the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the bionanocomposite. The SEM morphology study confirmed the uniform dispersion of the nanoparticle enhanced the fibre-matrix interaction. In this present work, the functional properties of bionanocarbon from oil palm shells (oil palm industrial waste) was incorporated in nanaobiocomposite, which significantly enhance its properties. The optimum enhancement of the bionanocomposite functional properties was obtained at 3% bionanocarbon loading. The improvement can be attributed to homogeneity and improved interfacial interaction between nanoparticles, kenaf fibre, and matrix.

Effect of fibre loading on tensile strength of kenaf/glass fibre epoxy hybrid composite for insulator application

This paper discussed the tensile behaviour of epoxy reinforced with kenaf and glass fibre. The non-woven kenaf fibre mat and glass fibre mat were reinforced with epoxy matrix with different stacking sequence viz. neat Epoxy (E), Kenaf/Epoxy(K/E), Kenaf/Glass/Kenaf/Epoxy (K/G/K/E), Glass/Kenaf/Glass/Epoxy (G/K/G/E), Kenaf/Glass/Kenaf/Glass/Epoxy (K/G/K/G/E) and Glass/Epoxy(G/E). The laminate composite samples were prepared using vacuum infusion technique. Tensile strength and modulus evaluation of fibre mat reinforced polymer composite are key study in any structural application, thus the tensile properties of Kenaf/Glass fibre hybrid epoxy composites were characterized followed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies on the fractured surface of the composites. The results show that G/K/G/E composite has the highest tensile strength of 49.0 MPa compared to K/G/K/E composite and pure epoxy. The modulus of G/K/G/E composite was 165 MPa and K/G/K/E composite was 122 MPa. The percentage strain of G/K/G/E composite is recorded at 6.6%, whereas K/G/K/E was only 6.2%. The SEM studies show that the fracture surface has a uniform fibre distribution. Scanning electron microscopy fractography showed fibre cracking, debonding and fibre pulled-out as the main fracture mode of composites and G/K/G/E composite exhibited better interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement compared to other compositions.

Mechanical, thermal and flammability properties of nonwoven kenaf reinforced acrylic based polyester composites: Effect of water glass treatment

Within this current work, polyester resin on acrylic basis will be modified by the incorporation of environment-friendly sodium silicates (water glass). The modified resin system then was applied on non-woven kenaf fibre (KF) mat via resin impregnation process followed by a compression moulding to prepare the composite samples. The purposes of introducing water glass into the resin system were to improve the fibre-matrix wettability and enhancing the fire resistance in the reinforced composites. Mechanical, thermal and surface morphologies of the composites were examined. The variations in water glass composition in enhancing the flame retardant properties of the composites were evaluated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) and UL94 standard. Significant improvement of fire resistance properties of the composites as amount of water glass increases was observed but reduction in mechanical properties of the composites was recorded.

Effect of fibre surface treatment on interfacial and mechanical properties of non‐woven kenaf fibre reinforced acrylic based polyester composites

The interfacial and mechanical properties of nonwoven kenaf fibre (KF) reinforced acrylic based polyester composites fabricated by resin impregnation process were studied. Different types of treatments were applied to KF, i.e. alkali treatment with NaOH at concentration of 6% (at room and elevated temperature of 60°C) and heat treatment at 140°C for 10h. FT‐IR spectral data showed the chemical changes in KF that induced the modification of physical and interfacial characteristics of KF. Alkali treated KF was found to have smaller diameter but higher density. Significant increase in the crystallinity index of treated KF contributed to the improved fibre strength. AFM analysis revealed the exposure of cellulose micro‐fibril network and the increase in the area peak density value of treated KF. Surface energy of KF and surface tension of acrylic resin were obtained through Owens–Wendt–Rabel–Kaelble (OWRK) equation and Du Noüy ring approach, respectively, for the interfacial properties determination. The improved wettability of alkali treated KF was confirmed as higher surface energy of the fibre was recorded exceeding the surface tension of acrylic resin, thereby imparting better flexural properties and dynamic mechanical behavior, but conversely deteriorating the fracture toughness of the reinforced composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E214–E226, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

Interfacial characterisation and mechanical properties of heat treated non-woven kenaf fibre and its reinforced composites

This paper reports on the comprehensive characterisation of heat treated kenaf fibre (KF) and its composites. The kenaf fibres were modified by heating for 2.5–12.5 h inside a drying oven. Heat treatment produces an increase in the crystallinity index and fibre strength of KF. The highest value of KF strength was recorded by applying heat treatment of 10 h on KF. The heat treatment results in the partial removal of impurities/extractives on the KF surface which is detected by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy results signify the decrease of roughness, the increase in peak area density and the increase of the adhesion force on the surface area of heat treated KF. The effect of the heat treatment in enhancing the interface bonding characteristics between the KF and unsaturated polyester matrix can be reflected by the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and dynamic mechanical analysis value of the composites. The flexural properties of the composites showed a similar trend to ILSS. However, the fracture toughness revealed contrasting results. Water absorption induced a drastic loss of the mechanical properties of the composites albeit better retention of properties was observed in the case of heat-treated KF composites.

Quasi-Static Lateral Crushing of Non-Woven Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Composite Hexagonal Tubes

This investigation presents the lateral quasi-static compression crushing testing and load carrying capacity of three different hexagonal angles ranging from 40ο to 60ο. The objective of this study is to understand the effect of hexagonal shape on the progressive deformation, crashworthiness and failure modes. A hand lay-up technique was used to fabricate a hexagonal composite. Quasi-static tests have been carried out on all the specimens tested. From the experimental study, it was found that the tubes crushed with four longitudinal cracks on all sides of the tubes. Furthermore, the energy absorption capability, decreased with the increase of the hexagonal side angles from 40ο to 60ο.

The effect of alkalization on the mechanical and water absorption properties of nonwoven kenaf fiber/unsaturated polyester composites produced by resin-transfer molding

In the present study, mechanical and water absorption properties of the nonwoven kenaf fiber (KF)/unsaturated-polyester composites manufactured by resin transfer molding were investigated. Nonwoven KF mats with an aerial density of 1350 g/m2 were treated with a 6% NaOH solution for 3 h. The influence of the fiber treatment on the properties of the composites was investigated with Fourier transform-infra red (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and dynamic contact angle technique (DCAT). Mechanical properties measurements were conducted via determination of flexure and fracture toughness. A general trend was observed whereby alkalized KF composites gave superior mechanical properties compared to as-received KF composites. The XRD and DCAT results indicated an enhancement of the crystallinity index and surface energy of the alkali-treated KF. SEM and AFM of the treated KF showed the removal of impurities and a reduction of roughness on the KF surface with alkalization. Water immersion induced a drastic loss of the mechanical properties of the composites albeit better retention of properties was observed in the case of alkalized KF composites. The fracture surfaces were inspected by SEM which confirmed the quality of the interface. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3516–3526, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Alkali Treatment of Kenaf Fiber Mat and its Influence on the Performance of Unsaturated Polyester/Kenaf Fiber Mat Composites

Non-woven kenaf fiber mats were prepared from untreated and alkali treated fibers by using a carding machine followed by needle punching. The alkali treatment was carried out by immersing the fiber mats in 6% NaOH solution for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h at room temperature. The untreated and alkali treated fiber mats were impregnated with unsaturated polyester resin via a resin transfer molding technique to form composites. Maximum improvements of flexural strength and flexural modulus of the composites were observed when the fiber mat was alkali treated for 3 h. The improved of both properties can be attributed to better fiber-matrix adhesion between the alkali treated kenaf fiber and the unsaturated polyester matrix most probably via mechanical interlocking. Water absorption tests were conducted by immersing the composite samples in distilled water at room temperature. The water absorption patterns of all the composites were found to follow Fickian behavior. The tendency of the composites to absorb water decreased when the alkali treated fiber mats were used.

Effect of Stitching Density of Nonwoven Fiber Mat towards Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Reinforced Epoxy Composites Produced by Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM)

This study will focus on the usage of kenaf as a natural fibre in producing a composite materials consists of epoxy resin by resin transfer moulding (RTM). The variation amount of fiber loading and nonwoven fibre mat condition seems can give significant changes in properties of polymer composite in terms of mechanical aspects. Optimization of stitching density of nonwoven kenaf fibre mat manages to increase the mechanical behaviour. At higher degree of fibre loading, these enhancement properties are more apparent. Depending upon the direction of stitching process in producing nonwoven kenaf fiber mat, the composite obtained exhibit anisotropy behaviour in which the mechanical properties are vary upon the stitching direction of nonwoven mat.