Effect of Kenaf Fiber on Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Composite

Abstract

In this work polyurethane foam composites were prepared by using kenaf core fiber as filler at different percentages. Polyurethane foam acts as the matrix and was prepared by using palm oil based polyol and isocyanate with ratio of 1:1.1. From the results obtained, composites filled with kenaf core fiber showed lower mechanical properties i.e modulus and compression strength, up to 85% decrease. However the addition of kenaf core fiber decreases the rise time of the polyurethane foam composites. SEM micrograph analysis showed the evidence of irregular cell shape with the presence of kenaf core fiber. The percentage of kenaf core fiber plays crucial role in determining the composites properties.