Effect of NaOH Treatment on Tensile Properties of Kenaf Core Fiber/Unsaturated Polyester Resin Biocomposites

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of chemical treatment on kenaf core fiber (KCF)-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin (UPE) biocomposite using different NaOH treatment concentrations. The concentration used in this study is 0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% of NaOH. The UPE, which serves as a matrix, was hot-pressed with NaOH-treated KFM at 120ºC, heating pressure of 8 MPa, and 10 minutes of heating. Next, the composites were characterized according to their tensile and water absorption properties according to ASTM D5083 and ASTM D570, respectively. The result shows that the KCF/UPE biocomposite with the 2.5% NaOH treatment demonstrated the highest tensile strength and modulus. A water absorption study revealed that 5% of NaOH-treated KCF/UPE biocomposite showed the lowest water absorption result compared to the untreated KCF. The increment of NaOH concentration resulted in lower strength, modulus, and water absorption values. Overall, it can be concluded that alkaline treatment successfully enhanced the mechanical and physical properties of KCF-reinforced UPE biocomposites.