Preliminary Studies on the Effect of Size Reduction on Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Particle Reinforced Polymer (K-PRP) Composites for Industrial Application

Aims: The present study aims to investigate the effect of size reduction on mechanical properties of kenaf particle reinforced polymer (K-PRP) composites for industrial application.

Study Design: Decorticated kenaf mixed (core & bast) fibres were sourced from Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan. Decorticated core and bast kenaf fibres were separated and chopped into pieces followed by fibre modification and composite fabrication.

Results and Discussion: The results showed that the optimum fibre loading and particle size for achieving the highest tensile strength of reinforced composite was 30% and 80 µm respectively. The elongation break of the composite decreased as the fibre loading is increased. It is revealed that the fabricated composite sheets applying optimum fibre loading and particle size were stable to an aggressive hygrothermal environment. Prototype packaging material was fabricated and this project gears towards attaining Nanoparticles (K-NPs) for strength enhancement and structural flexibility.

Conclusion: The properties of composites depend on interfacial compatibility and adhesion between hydrophilic fibre and hydrophobic matrix. The unmodified fibre used in composite fabrication showed high moisture absorption, poor wettability, and environmental instability.