Investigation of acrylamide‐modified melamine‐formaldehyde resins as a compatibilizer for kenaf‐unsaturated polyester composites

Abstract

Kenaf fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. A novel compatibilizer was prepared from melamine, formaldehyde, and acrylamide. The treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer significantly increased the flexural properties and reduced the water uptake of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites. The effects of the total solids content, the molar ratios of melamine/formaldehyde/acrylamide, and the pH value of the compatibilizer solution in the treatment of kenaf fibers on the flexural strength, flexural modulus, as well as the water uptake of the kenaf–UPE composites were studied in detail. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the compatibilizer was covalently bonded to kenaf fibers. Scanning electron microscopy images of the fractured kenaf–UPE composites confirmed that the treatment of kenaf fibers with the compatibilizer improved the interfacial adhesion between kenaf fibers and UPE resin. The mechanisms for the improved flexural properties and the reduced water uptake by the treatments of the kenaf fibers were proposed and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers

Replacement of styrene with acrylated epoxidized soybean oil in an unsaturated polyester resin from propylene glycol, isophthalic acid, and maleic anhydride

“…Kenaf fiber mats were prepared in accordance with a previously described method . Specifically, kenaf fiber bundles (130 g, 1 inch in length) were fed into a LOUET drum carder for separating the large fiber bundles into small bundles or individual fibers.…”

“…Kenaf fiber mats were prepared in accordance with a previously described method. [18][19][20] Specifically, kenaf fiber bundles (130 g, 1 inch in length) were fed into a LOUET drum carder for separating the large fiber bundles into small bundles or individual fibers. Through the carding, layering, and needle-punching process, a large piece of fine, unidirectionally oriented fiber mat was formed.…”

Kenaf fibers reinforced unsaturated polyester composites: A review

“…UPE has a 40% market share of all thermosetting resins for composite applications. 6 In recent decades, natural fibers have attracted the attention of academics and industrialists as an alternative reinforcement in polymer composites due to having advantages over conventional glass and carbon fibers. 2,7,8 Natural fibers are extracted from various parts of the plant such as stem bark, leaves, and fruits.…”

“…2,4 Unsaturated polyester (UPE) is one of the thermosetting polymers which is extensively used as polymer matrix in natural fiber-reinforced composites. 5,6 It has good curing capability and mechanical properties, low cost, and produces no by-products during the curing reaction. These favorable characteristics contribute to the widespread application of polyesters.…”

A study on the photostabilizer additives on the textile fiber reinforced polymer composites: Mechanical, thermal, and physical analysis

“…In the recent decades, economic and environmental concerns push the researchers to search for the natural resources for the alternative reinforcement fibers in the composite industry instead of glass fibers and other synthetic materials. The natural fibers such as coir , kenaf , oil palm , wood , etc are light, nonhazardous, cheap, and they can be even come from the wastes. According to the estimations of US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2012, textile wastes occupy nearly 5% of all landfill space.…”