The Effect of Epoxy Concentration and Fibre Loading on the Mechanical Properties of ABS/Epoxy-Coated Kenaf Fibre Composites

Abstract

In this work, thermosetting resin, epoxy and fibre loading were used in optimizing the strength at which ABS/epoxy coated kenaf fibre (EKF) composites would perform apparently during mechanical stress. Kenaf bast fibres were resin coated before incorporated into engineering thermoplastic ABS at its processing temperature (230&degC), cured in-situ at internal mixer and later compression moulded at 210&degC under 65 kg/cm2pressure. The results showed the optimum level of tensile strength with thermoset and fibre loading as well as increase in strong interfacial bonding while the hardness values increased with increasing thermosetting and fibre contents. Both the tensile and flexural modulus apparently increased as the fibre contents increased.