@article{MAKHILLJEAS2017121414646,
    title = {Improving Mechanical Properties of Kenaf/Polyester Composites Using
Sodium Hydroxide Treatment and Fabricated by Vacuum Infusion Process},
    journal = {Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences},
    volume = {12},
    number = {14},
    pages = {3649-3656},
    year = {2017},
    issn = {1816-949x},
    doi = {jeasci.2017.3649.3656},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1816-949x&doi=jeasci.2017.3649.3656},
    author = {A.R.,N. and},
    keywords = {Kenaf fibers,bio-composite,vacuum infusion process,mechanical properties,thermal gravimetric},
    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.}
    }