Flexural Strength of Kenaf Fibers/Epoxy Bio-Composites: Content of Kenaf Fiber, Curing Times and Curing Temperatures

Abstract

Kenaf fiber possesses the capability for application in bio-composite materials, owing to its appealing mechanical and physical properties. This research aimed to achieve the optimum flexural strength of kenaf fiber/epoxy bio-composites materials with variations in kenaf fiber content, curing time, and curing temperature using a casting process. This study found that kenaf fiber addition increased the flexural strength of kenaf fiber/epoxy bio-composite, by varying curing time (30, 45, and 60 minutes) and curing temperature (60, 90, and 150 °C). The results showed that the highest flexural strength was obtained at 90°C (72.5 MPa) at 20/80 kenaf fiber content, at various curing temperatures. Meanwhile, the same highest flexural strength value (72.5 MPa) was also obtained for 20/80 kenaf fiber content, 45 minutes at various curing times. SEM image shows that 20 Wt.% kenaf fiber content has a better dispersion compared with 10 Wt.% so that affects the flexural strength value.