Single Edge Notch Bend (SENB) of Kenaf/Fibreglass Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Kenaf is known for many years as a typical crop that can be used in various applications such as in automotive, and building structure. Along with the depletion and environmental issues raised nowadays by excessively used of man-made synthetic fibres make the natural fibre to become popular and favourable to be implemented. This paper discusses on the development of long kenaf fibre reinforced polyester matrix composite. Total weight of about 40% fibre fraction was selected. In this study, the addition of about 10% weight fraction of fibreglass in the composite system is needed in order to strengthen the composite material and also to retain its reliability and robustness in their applications. Thus, preparation of two different layer arrangement of kenaf and fibreglass were conducted viz. (i) kenaf at inner layer and fibreglass at outer layer ([0o90o]K/FG2p/[90o0o]k[0o90o]K) (ii) kenaf at outer layer and fibreglass at inner layer (FG/[0o90o/90o0o]K/FG). All configuration samples were fabricated by hand lay-up and cold press technique. Fracture toughness testing was carried out using a single edge notched bend specimen at a loading rate of 10mm/min. All samples were prepared according to ASTM D5045 (Standard Test Methods for Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness and Strain Energy Release Rate of Plastic Materials). Results obtained from SENB test were then evaluated and discussed. It can be used as a guideline or reference for further research on this type of polymer composite.