EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITES (KENAF FIBER AND POLYESTER RESIN) FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS
Keywords:
Kenaf fiber, polypropylene resin, FRP composite, physical and mechanical properties, structural applicationsAbstract
Natural fibers such as kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) have gained significant attention as reinforcement in polymer composites due to their biodegradability, lightweight nature, low cost, and favorable strength-to-weight ratio. This research investigates the mechanical and physical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced with polyester resin for potential use in structural applications. Composites with varying fiber volume fractions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) were fabricated and subjected to physical and mechanical characterization such as tensile, flexural, impact, compressive strength tests, density and water absorption test in accordance with ASTM standards. The results revealed that at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%; the tensile strength are 21.66, 18.89,16.81, 9.65 and 4.39Mpa; the compressive strength are 83.70, 64.16, 60.40, 47.17 and 33.55Mpa; the flexural strength are 13.49, 10.80, 8.64, 5.78 and 2.49Mpa; the impact strength are 12.5, 10.8, 9.2, 7.5 and 6.1J; the density are 1.13, 1.14, 1.24, 1.21 and 1.22g/cm3 while the water absorption are 1.86, 5.79, 6.78,9.54 and 19.32% respectively. The tests result from some mechanical and physical properties show a decline in strength as volume fractions of kenaf fiber increases. This decline in strength with increasing fiber content suggests that higher kenaf fiber incorporation reduces the matrix–fiber interfacial bonding strength. This implies that as the volume of fiber fractions increases, it should be with proportional increase in the volume of the resin. This study highlights the potential of kenaf fibers as eco-friendly reinforcements in advancing sustainable construction materials.
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