The effects of alkali treatment on the mechanical and morphological properties of Pennisetum purpureum/glass-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

Mohd Jamir, Mohd Ridzuan and Abdul Majid, Mohd Shukry and Sulaiman, Mohd Hafis and Khasri, Azduwin (2017) The effects of alkali treatment on the mechanical and morphological properties of Pennisetum purpureum/glass-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites. Plastics, Rubber and Composites, 46 (10). pp. 421-430. ISSN 1465-8011 E-ISSN 1743-2898

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Abstract

The effects of alkali treatment on the mechanical properties, void contents and morphological of Pennisetum purpureum/glass-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites were studied. The composites were produced using the vacuum infusion method. Pennisetum purpureum fibres were treated with 5 and 10% dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution for 6 h. The epoxy resin was mixed with either the treated or untreated Pennisetum purpureum/glass fibres to a ratio of 70:30 (by volume). Tensile and flexural tests were performed on the composites in accordance with ASTM D638 and ASTM D790, respectively. The hybrid composites that contained 5% NaOH-treated Pennisetum purpureum fibres exhibited the greatest tensile and flexural strengths with lower void contents. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy fractography supported the findings showing lesser voids and fibre pull-outs suggesting good interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement. The reduced of the void contents is suspected due to the reduced hemicellulose content within the treated Pennisetum purpureum fibre.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	9398/85680
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Alkali treatment, natural fibre, mechanical properties, morphology, strength
Subjects:	T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP1080 Polymers, plastics and their manufacture
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Mohd Hafis Sulaiman
Date Deposited:	08 Jan 2021 09:55
Last Modified:	08 Jan 2021 09:55
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/85680

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