The Properties of Woven Kenaf and Betel Palm (<i>Areca catechu</i>) Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Abstract

Abstract The use of woven betel palm and kenaf lignocellulosic fibers as a reinforcing phase in unsaturated polyester was reported. The morphology, physical properties, and mechanical properties of the natural fibers and resulting woven composites were evaluated. Kenaf fibers exhibit higher tensile properties than betel palm fibers due to the higher amount of cellulose content. From the morphology observation, it is found that the alkaline treatment of the fibers effectively clean the fiber surface and increase the fiber surface roughness. Comparison between treated and untreated woven betel palm and kenaf composites at 7 vol% of fiber content was carried out. Interestingly, untreated woven kenaf composites exhibit comparable flexural strength with those of untreated woven betel palm composites. However, untreated kenaf composites exhibit superior flexural modulus to those of betel palm composites. In general, mechanical properties of the woven composites made from alkali-treated fibers were superior to the untreated fibers. Keywords: Betel palmKenafNatural fiberWoven ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the financial support and facilities from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia (MOSTI) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).