Improving Tensile Properties of Kenaf Fibers Treated with Sodium Hydroxide

AbstractThe study on kenaf short fibers compounded with MAPP/MAPE was successfully conducted. Kenaf has potential reinforced fiber in thermosets and thermoplastics composites. Basically, to produce the new type of composite, this project utilized short Kenaf fiber as the main material. The fiber is soaked with 3%, 6% and 9% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for a day and then dried at 80¡C for 24hours. The composition of short Kenaf used is 100 grams. Two set of combination were produced; combination between kenaf fiber and MAPP as well as kenaf fiber together with MAPE. The fabrication processes started when the mixture is poured into the mould and it is compacted until it perfectly fulfilled the mould. The mixture took about one to two hours to completely dry. The specimens then were cut into standard dimension according to ISO 5275. MAPP and MAPE were used to improve the matrix-filler interaction and tensile properties of the composites. It has been found that the tensile properties of the treated kenaf fibers have improved significantly as compared to untreated kenaf fibers especially at the optimum level of 6% NaOH