The effect of retting treatments on properties of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) bast fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites
2009
Khalina Abdan | Jalaluddin Harun | Yeong, Aw Chee Hong
Kenaf bast fibre was combined with thermosetting resin matrix to produce advanced composites and its mechanical properties were investigated. Biological and chemical rettings were applied in order to prepare the fibre. In biological retting, the bast layer of kenaf was submerged into a water-bath filled with sandy soil and water. For chemical retting, the bast layer was submerged in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and boiled under high temperature. The kenaf bast fibre was well incorporated in the unsaturated polyester resin matrix and successfully hot-pressed into panels. The composites were fabricated using unidirectional and cross-ply lamination with different fibre volume fractions. Chemical analysis, tensile, flexural and Izod pendulum impact tests were carried out. Generally, fibre content, lay-up method and fibre type influenced the mechanical properties of kenaf bast fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. The biological retted fibre composites showed better physical and mechanical properties compared to chemical retted fibre composites at the same fibre content and hand lay-up method.
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