Journal
ADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY
Volume 37, Issue 5, Pages 1420-1434Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/adv.21801
Keywords
alkali treatment; heat treatment; natural weathering; nonwoven kenaf fiber; resin transfer molding
Categories
Funding
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
- RUC [1001/PBAHAN/814134]
- LRGS [1001/PKT/8640012]
- Ministry of Education
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Nonwoven kenaf fiber (KF) mat-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin composites were exposed to a natural weathering environment for 12months. The composites were prepared using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (RTM). Prior to molding, the KF mat was treated by immersing it in 6% NaOH solution for 3hrs and by heating it at 140 degrees C for 10hrs, respectively. The influences of weathering exposure on the composites with respect to the different treatments were investigated using flexural properties, fracture toughness, Fourier transform infrared, thermal stability, color and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Natural weathering reduced the flexural and fracture toughness due to damage to composite structures, the formation of microcracks on the sample surface, discoloration, and chemical content alteration. A relatively better durability in terms of flexural properties was exhibited by alkali-treated KF composites, although poor durability in fracture toughness was observed due to the improved fiber-matrix adhesion.
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