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

Abstract

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.

A Review on Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite for Bullet Proof and Ballistic Applications

“…Huge types of esters are possible depending on the nature of organic acid (anhydrite) applied in the reaction. Acetylation was found to be the most popular esterification method which has been developed in commercial scale, starting first in the United States [ 109 ] followed by Russia [ 110 ]. The scale up of the process by several groups had been progressively done within Europe.…”

Potential of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites in Sandwich Structures: A Review on Its Mechanical Properties

“…The most prominent issues during the fabrication of NFCs include poor water resistance, low durability, and poor fiber–matrix adhesion. The poor interfacial adhesion between natural fibers and their polymer matrix is because of natural fibers’ composition; hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin [ 32 , 42 ]. These components exhibit hydrophilicity, whereby a matrix is usually hydrophobic, causing the natural fiber filler to be easily removed, cracked, fractured, and cratered.…”

“…There are three main fiber treatments for improving the quality of NFCs: alkali, silane, and acetyl treatments [ 44 ]. Alkali treatment, or mercerization, aids the removal of lignin and hemicellulose [ 42 ], whereas silane treatment provides a coating layer on the surface of the natural fibers [ 45 ]. For acetylation, the mercerization process is carried out to remove the hemicellulose, natural fats, lignin, and waxes from the acetylating cellulose [ 46 ].…”

Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata [Wurmb.] Merr) starch films containing sugar palm nanofibrillated cellulose as reinforcement: Water barrier properties

“…Along with growing environmental awareness, it has urged the plastic manufacturing industry to look for alternatives and immediate solutions. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] In addition, the implementation of the conventional petroleum-based polymer also created numerous issues such as environmental sustainability and material accessibility. [8][9][10][11][12] In order to cater to this problem, many natural biopolymers were introduced such as starch, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) to be used as a potential candidate to replace the existing conventional plastic in the packaging sector.…”