Treated Kenaf Fiber Research Articles

Effects of Kenaf Fiber Strand Treatment by Sodium Hydroxide On Sound Absorption

ABSTRACT Natural fiber capability as an acoustic panel is subjected to physical properties of the fiber. Chemical treatment was implemented in this study to improve kenaf fiber performances and utilized as a sound absorption material. This research aims to use sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment from 1% to 8% concentrations on kenaf fiber. Physical changes on the kenaf fiber strands due to NaOH treatment were observed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The subsequent effects on sound absorption were measured using Impedance Tube to determine the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) and noise reduction coefficient (NRC) values. Findings show that the diameter of kenaf fiber gradually decreased with the increment of the NaOH concentration. The eliminations of the hemicellulose and lignin layer of the strands causing the decreased of the strand diameter which was proven by FTIR analysis. Results from SAC shows that treated Kenaf fiber using 6%, 7%, and 8% of NaOH obtained higher SAC at high frequency range (>2500 Hz). Those samples obtained 0.67 coefficients for their NRC value. This research concludes the sound absorption capabilities of kenaf absorber was better using thinner strands and the 6% NaOH concentration was the optimum concentration to treat kenaf fiber for sound absorber.

Experimental and finite element analysis on flexural behavior of mortar beams with chemically modified kenaf fibers

In this study, raw kenaf fibers (RKF), alkaline treated kenaf fibers (AKF), and alkaline-hydrogen peroxide treated kenaf fibers (AHPKF) were prepared and then incorporated into mortar to evaluate their impact on the flexural behavior of mortar. In addition to the fiber type, the effect of fiber dosage (0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% by weight of cement) on flexural behavior was also studied. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to assist in examining the stress and cracking strain within the mortar specimens. The results show that with the increase of fiber dosage, although the compressive strength and flexural strength of the mortar decrease, a huge improvement of flexural toughness can be achieved. By comparing these three types of kenaf fibers, AKF provides the best performance compared to the other two. With the addition of superplasticizer, the flexural behavior of mortar can be further improved. The microstructure analysis provides some insight into the flexural behavior of mortars with chemically modified kenaf fibers. Lastly, the finite element analysis indicates that the presence of fibers in mortar can increase the residual load, slow down crack propagation, and reduce the cracking strain.

Effect of alkaline treatment on water absorption and thickness swelling of natural fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

Environmental benefits and amazing performance can be obtained by utilizing palm oil fibres and kenaf fibres which illustrate colossal potential in fibre reinforced composites. An investigation has been made to determine the effects of alkaline treatment on water absorption and swelling behaviour of palm oil fibre composites as well as kenaf fibre composites. Untreated and treated natural fibres and were prepared in random orientation with different volume fraction of palm oil fibres and kenaf fibres; 30%, 40%, and 60. All the treated fibres were treated with 1 w/v% and 5 w/v% of sodium hydroxide concentration. Water absorption test was performed by immersing the sample in the distilled water periodically measuring the sample weight. Thickness swelling test was carried out by measuring the thickness of the specimens before and after soaking in the distilled water within certain period of time. All specimens were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to study the fibre morphology. TPOF_30_5SH achieved the least percentage of water absorption (1.44%) when it was compared with the UPOF_30 and TPOF_40_1SH. UPOF_60 shows the highest percentage of thickness swelling (8.96%). TPOF_30_5SH and TPOF_40_5SH show reduction of water absorption when they were compared with UPOF_30 and UPOF_40 respectively. All the treated kenaf fibre composites with 5 w/v% sodium hydroxide concentration such as TKF_30_5SH, TKF_40_5SH and TKF_60_5SH show improved result of thickness swelling. Materials covering the surface of palm oil fibres and kenaf fibres were more effectively removed with 5 w/v% sodium hydroxide than by treatment with 1 w/v% sodium hydroxide while observing under SEM.

The Effect of Incorporation of Cellulose Kenaf Fibers in Composite Resin on Mechanical Properties and Surface Topography Analysis Using Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the flexural and compressive strength of kenaf-reinforced composite resin as well as analyze the length and diameter of kenaf fibers and their surface topography. Materials and Methods Kenaf fibers were alkaline treated and wetted with coupling agent. Kenaf-reinforced composite resin was fabricated manually. Specimens for kenaf-reinforced composite resin (Tetric N Flow [Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein] + 2% kenaf) and control group (Tetric N Flow [Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein]) were prepared using stainless steel molds with dimension of 25 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm and 6 mm × 4 mm for flexural and compressive strength tests, respectively, and tested using Instron Universal Testing Machine (Shimadzu, Japan). Raw kenaf fibers, treated kenaf fibers, and fractured sample from flexural strength test were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (FEI Quanta FEG 450, United States). Data were analyzed using independent sample t-test. Significant level was set at p < 0.05. Results Kenaf-reinforced composite resin has a lower flexural and compressive strength than the control group (p < 0.05). SEM analysis revealed the average fibers’ length to be 1.24 mm and diameter ranging from 6.56 to 12.9 μm. The fibers dispersed in composite as single strand or a bundle with a minimal gap between fibers and composite. Conclusion Flexural and compressive strengths of kenaf-reinforced composite resin were lower than the control group, despite some adaptation between kenaf fibers and composite noted. The fibers’ length and diameter were reasonable for the dispersion in the resin matrix; however, additional treatments of kenaf are required for a favorable result.

Effect of glass fibre hybridization on the water absorption and thickness of alkali treated kenaf-epoxy composites

Abstract Natural and synthetic fibre reinforced hybrid polymer composites have attracted significant attention due to their combined benefits of biodegradability and strength. Kenaf fibres have the potential to replace synthetic fibres in polymer composites due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, their use for high strength and water resistance applications are not found suitable due to their hydrophilic nature. The main aim of this study is to reduce the water absorption capacity of kenaf fibre composites through alkali treatment and glass fibre hybridization. The continuous fibre, alkali treated, unidirectional kenaf-glass–epoxy hybrid composites (K untreated, K Treated, G/K/G, G/K/G/K/G, G) were prepared by the hand lay-up method and their water absorption and thickness swelling behaviour studied. Thereafter the diffusion properties like diffusion coefficient (Dc), corrected diffusion coefficient (Dcc), sorption coefficient (Sc) and permeability coefficient (Pc) of above composites were also calculated. The results show that alkali treated hybrid composites with stacking sequence G/K/G/K/G exhibited the lowest water absorption and thickness swelling capacity in comparison to kenaf fibre composites. The alkali treated kenaf fibre composites reduced the water absorption and thickness swelling capacity by 23% and 13% respectively compared to untreated kenaf fibre composites while the glass fibre hybridization further reduced the water uptake and thickness swelling by 35% and 32% respectively as compared to alkali treated kenaf fibre composites.

Optimization of Alkali Treatment Process Parameters for Kenaf Fiber: Experiments Design

ABSTRACT Alkali treatment of natural fibers will improve the mechanical, chemical, and thermal characteristics of natural fiber reinforced epoxy composites. The influence of alkali treatment on the improvement of mechanical strength of natural fiber reinforced epoxy composites depends on the selection of process parameters of the treatment. In this work, the optimization of four key process parameters for alkali treatment of kenaf fiber has been studied using orthogonal array-oriented fractional factorial experimental design. The concentration of sodium hydroxide solution, process temperature, time, and fiber to solution weight ratio were the four chosen parameters and the tensile strength of the composite sample fabricated with treated kenaf fiber and epoxy resin was taken as output response. The hand layup method was used to fabricate the composite materials, and specimens were prepared for the tensile test. All samples were fabricated by ensuring the fiber weight ratio of 40%. Five samples were prepared at each experiment category, and mean values were taken for analysis. The results revealed that 6% NaOH solution, 30°C process temperature, 8 hours process time, and 1:15 fiber to solution weight ratio are identified as optimum process parameters for a tensile strength of 58.16 MPa.

Thermal and Structural Analysis of Epoxidized Jatropha Oil and Alkaline Treated Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Poly(Lactic Acid) Biocomposites.

New environmentally friendly plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA) kenaf biocomposites were obtained through a melt blending process from a combination of epoxidized jatropha oil, a type of nonedible vegetable oil material, and renewable plasticizer. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the incorporation of epoxidized jatropha oil (EJO) as a plasticizer and alkaline treatment of kenaf fiber on the thermal properties of PLA/Kenaf/EJO biocomposites. Kenaf fiber was treated with 6% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution for 4 h. The thermal properties of the biocomposites were analyzed using a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It must be highlighted that the addition of EJO resulted in a decrease of glass transition temperature which aided PLA chain mobility in the blend as predicted. TGA demonstrated that the presence of treated kenaf fiber together with EJO in the blends reduced the rate of decomposition of PLA and enhanced the thermal stability of the blend. The treatment showed a rougher surface fiber in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs and had a greater mechanical locking with matrix, and this was further supported with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Overall, the increasing content of EJO as a plasticizer has improved the thermal properties of PLA/Kenaf/EJO biocomposites.

Impact of modified kenaf fibers on shrinkage and cracking of cement pastes

In this study, raw, alkaline treated, and alkaline-hydrogen peroxide treated kenaf fibers were utilized in cement paste in order to evaluate their impact on shrinkage and cracking of the paste. Specifically, the effect of fiber dosage and type of fiber modification on autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage cracking of cement pastes were studied. The results show that the addition of kenaf fibers can reduce the autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage cracking of cement pastes significantly, with 0.5% fiber dosage performing better than 0.25% fiber dosage. Of all three types of kenaf fibers, alkaline-hydrogen peroxide treated kenaf fibers can reduce autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage cracking the most. By comparing raw kenaf fibers and alkaline treated kenaf fibers, when 0.25% kenaf fibers are used, alkaline treated kenaf fibers can reduce autogenous shrinkage more but reduce drying shrinkage cracking less; however, when 0.5% kenaf fibers are used, alkaline treated kenaf fibers can reduce both autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage cracking more.

Thermogravimetric and dynamic mechanical analysis of woven glass/kenaf/epoxy hybrid nanocomposite filled with clay

ABSTRACT This research studies the thermogravimetric and dynamic mechanical analysis of woven glass/kenaf/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites filled with clay. Epoxy resin modified with 1.0 wt% silicon is sonicated with varying clay loading of 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 wt%. The resin is then spread onto alternating woven glass and NaOH-treated woven kenaf. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals the benefits of dispersing clay onto the thermal properties of nanocomposite. Higher residue and higher temperature at 10 wt% mass loss is observed in clay nanocomposite. In addition to that, kenaf treatment, woven glass reinforcement and epoxy modification also help in improving the thermal stability of composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals that TKG1% composite possessed the highest storage modulus at room temperature with 136.74% higher than UKG1% composite due to the polymer chain diffusion between well dispersed clay structures. TKG1% also achieved the highest loss modulus which indicates strongest internal friction among other composites. Despite that, TKG1% composite exhibited the lowest Tg which is 72°C. This could be reasoned with the elimination of hemicellulose due to fibre treatment that is responsible for stiffness in natural fibre. Elimination of hemicellulose is proven through Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis conducted on treated kenaf fibre at wavenumber 1514, 1696 and 1726 cm−1.

The optimisation of fabrication process for various chemically treated kenaf fibres in epoxy matrix composites

The fabrication process is crucial since it determines the overall performance of the bio-composites. This study draws from the drawbacks of the natural fibre reinforced composites that are high voids content, low in surface interaction as well as low-stress distribution property especially using a simple mould-press process. The study explores the correlation between various fabrication processes of thermoset matrix towards the composites density, voids content, tensile and morphological properties. The study was carried out by mould pressed only 10 percent (%) filled composites by varying its curing temperatures, moulds type, fibres size and fibres chemical treatments afflicted. The results showed that 50 ˚C of curing temperature, in plunger mould-type, using 0.25 mm mesh size fibre are the optimised parameters. The coated 1:6 composite showing the optimum properties since it improves 6.5% density, 99.95% voids content, 38.1% water uptake and 33.2-50.6% of tensile properties. The suitable processing parameters and high coating penetration might contribute to the total improvement of the coated fibre composites properties. Since it influences the fibres compact-ability that leads to low voids formation as analysed on its fractured surfaces. In summary, a better understanding of the materials characteristic and fabrication processes are needed to obtain the optimum bio-composites performance.

Influence of Montmorillonite Clay Content on Thermal, Mechanical, Water Absorption and Biodegradability Properties of Treated Kenaf Fiber/ PLA-Hybrid Biocomposites

Nowadays, the starring attentions of the polylactic acid based composites are improved due to environmental awareness and diminution of petroleum oil. The bio-plastics were restricted to limited applications due to its higher cost. The bio-plastics filled fiber and or fillers lessen the cost with enhanced properties. In this research, the PLA- biocomposite and PLA-hybrid biocomposites were prepared with twin screw extruder, two-roll mill, and compression molding method. The PLA based bio and hybrid biocomposites are fabricated with 30 wt% of treated kenaf fiber and 0, 1, 2 and 3 wt% montmorillonite clay filler. The influence of MMT clay on thermal, mechanical, water absorption and biodegradable properties of PLA-biocomposite and PLA-hybrid biocomposites has been studied. The PLA-hybrid biocomposites thermal, mechanical and water resistance properties are increased with adding of MMT clay. However, 1 wt% MMT clay included PLA-hybrid biocomposite exhibits increased tensile, flexural and impact properties, and abrasion resistance than other PLA-hybrid biocomposites. The PLA-bio and hybrid biocomposites showed higher tensile and flexural modulus than pure- PLA. The results TGA analysis depicted that inclusion of MMT clay can improve the decomposition temperature of the biocomposite. SEM analysis discloses that, MMT clay it acts as a transfer mechanism. The water absorption and biodegradability properties results illustrates that water resistance of hybrid biocomposites improved and biodegradability decreased due to adding of MMT clay.

Kenaf fibre treatment and its impact on the static, dynamic, hydrophobicity and barrier properties of sustainable polystyrene biocomposites.

Natural fibre-polymer adhesion can be improved by treating the fibre surface or polymer. In this study, resorcinol-hexamethylenetetramine mixture (R-HMT) is used as a chemical treatment for kenaf fibre waste to extend the interfacial adhesion between the fibre-polystyrene matrices. The effect of the untreated and treated kenaf fibre (designated as UK and TK fibre) on the thermal (DSC), viscoelastic, mechanical, hydrophobicity, and barrier properties of polystyrene (PS) was studied. Four different percentages of each type of fibre (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) were used. The chemical structure of the TK fibre was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The compatibility of the fibre-polymer was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the use of the treated fibre at 30 wt%, enhanced the tensile strength by 148% and 212% compared to neat PS and PS/UK-30, respectively, indicating a good fibre bond adhesion. The DMA data demonstrated that the storage modulus increased significantly, especially for the PS/TK-30 composite. Meanwhile, the glass transition temperature (Tg) shifted to a lower temperature for both types of fibre. Also, the hydrophobicity of the PS composites, which was determined by thickness swelling measurements, was improved when the TK fibre was inserted. Furthermore, water vapor and oxygen transmission rates were determined. A good correlation between most of the properties for the PS composite-based treated fibre was observed, which revealed the possibility of using these materials for sustainable automotive components and gas sensitive packaging applications.

Surface Modification of Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Epoxy based Composite

In day today life, the awareness to the public along with the ease in the fabrication of polymers, has let to the frequent polymer useage. Few developing industries have started using the materials that are renewable. In the present work, the mechanical behavior of short un-treated and treated (KmNO4) kenaf fiber reinforced epoxy based composites was investigated. Fabrication of composite materials were carried out with volume percentage (10 %, 20 %, 30%) of treated and un treated kenaf fibers. The polymer used as matrix was epoxy resin. The composite was fabricated by using hand layup method. The various fiber loading was performed and their properties studied. The mechanical strength like tensile, flexural and impact of the composite was analysed. The effect of treatment had showed improvement in the composite properties. It was found that KmNO4 treatment and kenaf fiber loading has enhanced the synergetical effects on the composite. These chemically surface modified composites with natural fiber reinforcement can have a chief role in the development of structural component parts. These materials may be used for light weight applications, especially in automobile sector and structural components.

Impact of chemical treatment on the physiochemical and mechanical properties of kenaf fibers

In order to improve the impact of kenaf fibers on crack resistance, durability and mechanical properties in concrete applications, kenaf fibers were treated by different inorganic chemicals (sodium hydroxide NaOH, potassium permanganate KMnO4, potassium dichromate K2Cr2O7, hydrogen peroxide H2O2, and sodium chlorite NaClO2). The characteristics of raw and chemically treated kenaf fibers were investigated through chemical composition analysis, moisture sorption test, scanning electron microscopy test, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test, thermogravimetric test, X-ray diffraction test, and single fiber tensile test. Compared to raw kenaf fibers, the hydrogen peroxide treatment increased the cellulose content in the fibers by about 40%; while their crystallinity increased by 26.8%. Correspondingly, the tensile strength of the fibers increased by 18.9%. The alkaline, potassium permanganate, and potassium dichromate treatments showed only a slight increase in these properties; whereas the increases were moderate with sodium chlorite treatment.

Physical and damping properties of kenaf fibre filled natural rubber/thermoplastic polyurethane composites

Abstract The paper presents the investigation of the effect of alkaline treatment of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on physical and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) viscoelastic properties of kenaf fibre filled natural rubber (NR)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites. The treated kenaf fiber, NR and TPU were weighed and proportioned according to the required compositions and were blended using hot mixed Brabender machine. The polymer composites were then fabricated using the hot press to form a sample board. The sample was cut and prepared and water absorption, density, thickness swelling and DMA tests were performed. As far as physical properties are concerned, composites with the highest NR amount of shows the best results, which indicates good fiber bonding adhesion. The polymer composites with the highest amount of TPU shows the highest damping properties at high temperature.

Effect of different curing conditions on compressive strength and durability of kenaf fibre reinforced blended cementitious composites

This paper investigates the effect of normal curing (NC), air curing (AC), and burlap curing (BC) under different curing periods on the mechanical strength and durability of kenaf fibre reinforced blended cementitious composites (KFRBCC) with thermally activated alum sludge ash (AASA). The aim is to determine the most efficient condition and period for curing KFRBCC and to assess the effect of accelerated ageing on strength and durability of KFRBCC after wet/dry cycles. Meanwhile, the microstructure of these mixes is observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The KFRBCC is designed to achieve strength beyond 50 MPa after 28 days (d) of curing by adding 2% treated kenaf fibre (KF) and by replacing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) with AASA. The findings suggest that compressive strength and durability of KFRBCC with 40% AASA cured under BC after age of 28 d are enhanced. The addition of treated KF with AASA have helped in limiting the reduction in the compressive strength and durability of the KFRBCC, particularly under prolonged curing period.

Effect of Kenaf Alkalization Treatment on Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy/Silica/Kenaf Composite

The mechanical performance of silica modified epoxy at various concentration of sodium hydroxide for surface treatment of multi-axial kenaf has been analyzed. Epoxy resin with amine hardener was modified with silica powder at 20 phr and toughened by treated kenaf fiber that immerses in various concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) ranging from 0% to 9% of weight. The composite was analyzed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to ensure complete curing process. The mechanical properties of the composites were analyzed through flexural test, Charpy impact test and DSC to ensure the complete curing process. DSC analysis results show epoxy sample was completely cured at above 73°C that verifies the curing temperature for preparation for the composite. Hence, 3% NaOH treated composite exhibits the best mechanical properties, with 10.6 kJ/m2 of impact strength, 54.1 MPa of flexural strength and 3.5 GPa of flexural modulus. It is due to the improvement of fiber-matrix compatibility. Analysis by SEM also revealed that a cleaner surface of kenaf fiber treated at 3% NaOH shown cleaner surface, thus, in turn, improve surface interaction between fiber and matrix of the composite. The composites produced in this work has high potential to be used in automotive and domestics appliances.

The influence of addition of treated kenaf fibre in the production and properties of fibre reinforced foamed composite

This paper describes the investigation of the influence of treatment of fibre on the durability properties includes drying shrinkage test, water absorption test, initial surface absorption test (ISAT), and accelerated weathering test (wet/dry cycling). Additionally, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) analysis was carried out to study the surface morphology under magnified graphics of lightweight foamed concrete with the inclusion of both treated and untreated kenaf fibres. The foamed concrete mixture was set to a target density of 1250 kg/m3 with a tolerance of 75 kg/m3. The cement, sand and water ratio used was 1:1.5:0.45 with 0.45% volume fraction of kenaf fibre inclusion. Correspondingly, the most optimal condition to perform such treatment was studied based on previous researchers, in which the alkaline medium used was 6% sodium hydroxide (NaOH), followed by 12 h immersion period. The study on durability properties of kenaf fibre reinforced lightweight foamed concrete (KFLFC) helps to determine the suitable application for various industrial products in term of lifespan and functionality. The advantageous properties such as low in density and light in weight can reduce the self-weight of structure, by all means, lowering the project cost and time. In this project, the durability tests of the kenaf fibre reinforced lightweight foamed concrete (KFLFC) were conducted according to American Standard Testing Method (ASTM), British Standards (BS EN), and Eurocodes (EC EN). The results showed that alkaline treatment could clean and chemically modify the kenaf fibres surface morphology, rendering to increase in surface roughness which gives better surface adhesion between fibre and cement matrix in terms of adhesion, hydration process, and internal curing process. Similarly, SEM analysis indicating better adhesion of treated kenaf fibre with matrix and lower ductility.

Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Alkali Treated Kenaf Fibers

Research on bio composite for automotive and aerospace application has been extensive with the advancement of natural fiber yarn and woven technology. Malaysia has marked kenaf as its main crop commodity by 2020. Surface modification of natural fibers is one of the significant areas in current biocomposite research. Alkali treatment removes certain amount of lignin, hemicellulose, and wax on the surface of fiber, besides depolymerizing cellulose structure and increasing percentage of crystallinity. Surface modification with NaOH of 3%, 6% and 9% concentration with various lengths of immersion time was conducted. The effect of alkali treatment on the mechanical strength and thermal degradation of kenaf fibre were investigated by means of fiber bundle tensile test and thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). Alkali treatment strongly modifies the thermal behaviour of the fibers, being particularly effective in the removal of noncellulosic matter. In addition, the mechanical properties of kenaf fibers revealed higher tensile strength for NaOH treated fibers.

Thermal Characterization of Alkali Treated Kenaf Fibers and Kenaf-Epoxy Composites

Chemical treatment of natural fibers is a well-defined means of mechanical property improvement in natural fiberreinforced composites. An understanding of mechanical and thermal properties in these media is essential for evaluating heat transfer, thermal degradation, and overall performance of these composites over their product lifetime. However, very little information is available illustrating the effect of such treatment on the thermal properties of kenaf composites. Also, no study to date has reported the thermal conductivity of individual kenaf fibers. This study reports the effects of fiber treatment (in 6 % NaOH) on thermal transport in unidirectionally oriented kenaf-epoxy composites and individual kenaf fibers. The effective thermal conductivities and thermal diffusivities of chemically treated fiber composites show a general increase over untreated fiber composites (0.210 to 0.232 W/m/K at 28 °C, 0.206 to 0.234 W/m/K at 200 °C). This improvement may be attributed to improved interfacial contact between the fibers and epoxy matrix shown in microstructural images after chemical treatment. The thermal conductivity of individual fibers was evaluated at room temperature using two techniques. Results from both techniques showed slight increases after chemical treatment (0.58±0.53 to 1.0±0.13 W/m/K and 1.2±0.54 to 1.6±0.28 W/m/K) but lacked statistical significance. Any improvement in surface crystallinity after chemical treatment does not appear to affect overall fiber thermal conductivity. A better understanding of thermal transport in kenaf fibers and composites enables better estimation of the performance of these composites in different applications. Moreover, the thermal conductivities of individual fibers are useful in understanding the fiber’s contribution to conduction in different fiber reinforcement configurations.