Compressive properties of kenaf/vinylester composite with different fiber volume content

Abstract

This research is about compressive strength of reinforced kenaf fibres with vinylester resin composites by using hand lay-up process to assess its utilisation as a new material in engineering applications. The kenaf fibre reinforced polymer composite has various applications such as automotive, electrical, sporting goods, construction, marine, and household appliances. Kenaf composites possess an edge over synthetic composite due to its biodegradable, non-abrasive, low cost and low density feature. However, despite its applaudable merits, its poor resistance to moisture is one of the disadvantages. Hence, fibre surface treatment was used in resolving this natural fibre problem. In this study, kenaf fibres was treated with 5% NaOH for 3 hours by immersion in order to overcome its moisture absorption disadvantage. The compressive strength and modulus of kenaf fibre vinylester composite with 10%, 30% and 40% volume fraction of fibre were determined. Results indicated that, the compressive strength and modulus of Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Vinylester Polymer composite (KFRVP) was increased as the fibre volume fraction was increased. The result also showed that the compressive strength of Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Vinylester Polymer composite with 40% volume fraction (KFRVP-40%) was 146% and 31% higher than that of KFRVP-10% and KFRVP-30%, respectively.