Authors : Alireza Setoodeh, Mohammad Sadegh Soltani and Navid Sokhandani
Abstract: The use of natural fibers is expanding as an alternative to synthetic fibers in many different industries. Theuse of natural fibers which once were a dream for environmentalists, 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 hydrophilic and polar in nature. On the other hand, thermoplastic and thermoset 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 modification of natural fibers with chemical agents. One method of making polymer matrix composite which has attracted the attention of industrialists and researchers in the past two decades is making composite by using vacuum infusion method. Vacuum infusion process in a closed-mold method that reduces the toxic and volatile substances. It has advantage such as high quality, low cost, repeatability and manufacturing large parts compared to the hand layup process. In this study, fibers surface modified for 1 h in a solution of sodium hydroxide at a concentration of 5, 10 and 15%. Then, the tensile strength and energy absorbing of kenaf/polyester composite made by vacuum infusion process were studied. Tensile test results showed that the tensile strength of kenaf/polyester composite modified with 10% sodium hydroxide is 207/95 MPa which has an increase of 31.7% compared to composite without surface modification. The results of Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform spectroscopy (FR-IR) of modified fibers compared with those of without modification. To determine the effect of sodium hydroxide on the kenaf fiber we used Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). To determine the fracture mechanism of kenaf/polyester composite we also used scanning electron microscope.
Alireza Setoodeh, Mohammad Sadegh Soltani and Navid Sokhandani, 2017. The Mechanical Properties of Kenaf/Polyester Composite Modified with Sodium Hydroxide and Made by Vacuum Infusion Process. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 12: 9230-9235.