Development of reinforced thermoplastic elastomer with kenaf bast fibre for automotive component

This paper compared mechanical properties of kenaf fibre (KF) composites in different matrix systems namely; thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) and polypropylene/ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (PP/EPDM). Both composites were produced via melt blending method using Haake internal mixer, and then compression moulded. The ratio of thermoplastic:elastomer was 70:30 for both polymer blends. The composites were reinforced with 20% kenaf fibre by volume. In addition, maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) was also added as a compatibilizer in the case of treated composite. From the tensile tests, it was found that the tensile strength for TPNR is about 12% higher than the PP/PPDM matrix system. However the present of KF and MAPP has significantly increased the tensile strength of the PP/EPDM composite by approximately 81% while only 55% increment attained in TPNR-KF-MAPP as compared to unreinforced TPNR. This shows that KF has imparted its strength to the PP/EPDM system with good interaction provided by the compatibilizer agent. From the scanning electron micrographs (SEM), it has revealed that the improvement achieved in mechanical properties was due to the interaction between both matrix systems and kenaf fibre. As a conclusion, development of reinforced PP/EPDM with kenaf fibre has a potential to be applied as automotive component

Biodegradation properties of poly (Lactic) acid reinforced by kenaf fibers

This study was conducted to study the degradation of poly (lactic acid) and its composites under natural landfill burial. Composites reinforced with natural fibres were expected to degrade faster than polymer itself. PLA was compounded with kenaf bast fibre (KBC) and kenaf core fibre (KCC) with twin screw extrusion at temperature range 150-160 degrees C and being compression moulded at 170 degrees C for 8 minutes. Samples were then cut prior to testing by burying under composting area in UiTM Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia for 6 month period. Samples were measured and observed monthly for the degradation of composites by weight loss and microscopic observation. As expected weight loss for kenaf bast composite (KBC) and kenaf core composite (KCC) was found to be higher, 15.9% and 17.1% respectively, than that of pure PLA of only 4.14%. Microscopic observation confirms degradation has occurred on surface of composites by making cracks, holes, and black spots on all samples, however degradation was more obvious on composites. FTIR analysis shows that spectra of exposed composites were reduced compared to those of unexposed composites