Authors : A.R. Setoodeh, N. Sokhandani and M.S. Soltani
Abstract: The use of natural fibers is expanding as an alternative to synthetic fibers in many different industries. Theuse of natural fibers which once was a dream for environment a lists now is a main option in producing composites. Natural fibers have advantages such as low density, low cost and compatibility with the environment. Natural fibers are also hydrophilic and polar in nature. On the other hand, thermoplastic and the rmoset resins are non-polar and hydrophobic. Polar fiber incompatibility with non-polar matrix leads to weak link of the fibers with matrix. One of the most important issues of concern to researchers in the field of bio-composites is the surface treatment of natural fibers with chemical agents. One method of making polymer matrix composite which has attracted the attention of manufacturers and researchers in the past two decadesis making composite by using Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP). The VIP is a closed-mold method that reduces the toxic and volatile substances. It has advantages such as high quality, low cost, repeatability and manufacturing large parts compared tothe hand-lay up process. In this study, fibers surface are pre-treated for 1 h in a solution of sodium hydroxide with different concentrations of 5, 10 and 15%. Then, the tensile strength and energy absorbing of the kenaf/polyester composites made by VIP are studied. The tensile test results demonstrate that the ultimate strength of the kenaf/polyester compositepre-treated with 10% sodium hydroxide is 207.95 MPa which exhibits a significantly increase of 31.7% compared to the composite without surface treatment. To comprehensively studying the influences of surface treatment on fibers, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FR-IR) tests are prepared. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is employed to investigate the fracture mechanism of bio-composite as well as the effect of sodium hydroxide on thekenaf fibers treatment.
A.R. Setoodeh, N. Sokhandani and M.S. Soltani, 2017. Improving Mechanical Properties of Kenaf/Polyester Composites Using Sodium Hydroxide Treatment and Fabricated by Vacuum Infusion Process. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 12: 3649-3656.