Studies on Tensile and Water Absorption Properties on Kenaf <i>(Hibiscus Cannabinus) </i>Fibre Mat/Polyester Composite Using Chemical Treatment

Abstract

This research investigated the tensile and water absorption properties of kenaf fibre mat/polyester composites. Treatment using acetylation method has been introduced to improve the properties of product manufactured. The effects of acetylation treatment with three variations of time that were 1, 4 and 24 hours on the kenaf fibre mats were investigated. The MOE of the tensile of treated fibre mat/polyester composite for 1 hour was the highest with value 4589.61 MPa. The tensile strength of treated fibre mat/polyester composite for 4 hours was the highest with value 0.6213 MPa. For water absorption test, the results showed that fibre mat/polyester composite with treatment duration for 1 hour had the lowest water absorption that was 1.23% compared with treatment duration for 4 hours and 24 hours. For overall it can be concluded that the treatment duration of 1 hour was recommended for acetylation method when compared with 4 hours and 24 hours duration treatments. Using acetylation treatment on the kenaf fibre mat/polyester composites was showed improvement on composite and was recommended in short duration of treatment.