Performance of kenaf fiber reinforced polymer composites in various environments
Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Abstract
Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Polymer (KFRP) is a composite material, which consists of epoxy, polyester and vinylester as matrixes and Kenaf fibers as reinforcement. Kenaf has been widely cultivated in Malaysia and its fibers can be used to produce composite products for structural applications. Therefore, this study was conducted experimentally to investigate the engineering properties of the composites materials and its performance to the local tropical climate. The effects of quantity of kenaf fibers in the composites and exposure under different environmental conditions were investigated. The tests were conducted in accordance with the requirements of the American Standard of Testing and Materials (ASTM). A total of 2260 samples of kenaf fiber reinforced polymer composites containing 10%, 30% and 40% of fiber volume fractions with 6 mm nominal thickness were produced and tested to obtain their tensile and compressive properties. The samples were exposed to outdoor environment, laboratory environment and immersed in water and acidic liquid with 5% of H2SO4 . The control samples were kept in the room with dark and normal conditions. The samples were tested for physical, tensile and compressive properties. The tests were carried out at 0, 12 and 24 months periods of exposure. Results from physical observation showed that surface degradation occurred significantly after 12 and 24 months and fungal attack developed on the surface of samples exposed to outdoor conditions. Furthermore, surface roughness and discoloration occurred on the top surface of the samples. The unexposed samples had the highest tensile and compressive properties as compared to all other exposed samples. The tensile and compressive properties of most of the samples were generally influenced by the fiber volume fractions as well as environmental conditions. The higher fiber volume fractions result in higher mechanical properties and higher weathering degradation. The tensile strength of Kenaf/Epoxy composites with fiber volume content of 40% was 31% and 133% higher than that of fiber volume fractions of 30% and 10%, respectively. After 12 and 24 months of aging, Kenaf/Vinylester composites had the highest mechanical properties followed by Kenaf/Polyester and Kenaf/Epoxy composites. The experimental data were successfully evaluated by theoretical analysis using the performance model
Description
Thesis (Ph.D (Civil Engineering))
Keywords
Polymer engineering—Research, Kenaf, Composite materials—Testing