Evaluation OF Flexural and Water Absorption Properties of Short Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Green Composites

Abstract

The present work study flexural behavior and water absorption properties of short Kenaf fiber reinforced composites. The fibers are chemically treated in 2% NaOH solution at room temperature. Short fibers of 4mm and 8 mm are used in the present work. The composite lamina is prepared by hand molding using isopthalic polyester resin. Flexural test and water absorption tests are carried out as per ASTM standards. The flexural strength and flexural modulus and water absorption behaviour of composite lamina are evaluated. Effect of Fiber surface Treatment on flexural properties and water absorption behaviour is also observed. .The Flexural Strength is increased by 13.8%, 12.8%, and 1.6% for Kenaf T-4 mm laminate, Kenaf T-8 mm laminate, Kenaf UT-4 mm laminate respectively when compared to resin lamina. . But it is observed that the Flexural Strength is decreased by 4.4% for Kenaf UT-8mm laminate when compared to resin lamina. Surface treatment of fiber had a significant effect on fiber/matrix adhesion due to this there is an increase in Flexural strength. Water Absorption capacity is less for Kenaf T-8mm laminate when compared to other composite laminates but it is high when compared to pure resin laminate..