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Effect of Epoxidized Natural Rubber on Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Reinforced Kenaf Fibre Composites

Abu Bakar, M. A., Ahmad, S. and Kuntjoro, W

Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, Volume 20, Issue 1, January 2012

Keywords: Biocomposite, kenaf fibre, natural rubber, mechanical properties, toughened

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Kenaf fibre that is known as Hibiscus cannabinus, L. family Malvaceae is an herbaceous plant that can be grown under a wide range of weather conditions. The uses of kenaf fibres as a reinforcement material in the polymeric matrix have been widely investigated. It is known that epoxy has a disadvantage of brittleness and exhibits low toughness. In this research, liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) was introduced to the epoxy to increase its toughness. Kenaf fibres, with five different fibre loadings of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% by weight, were used to reinforce the epoxy resins (with and without addition of epoxidized natural rubber) as the matrices. The flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness of the rubber toughened epoxy reinforced kenaf fibre composites were investigated. The results showed that the addition of liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) had improved the flexural modulus, flexural strength and fracture toughness by 48%, 30%, and 1.15% respectively at 20% fibre loading. The fractured surfaces of these composites were investigated by using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) technique to determine the interfacial bonding between the matrix and the fibre reinforcement.

ISSN 1511-3701

e-ISSN 2231-8542

Article ID

JST-0267-2011

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