Mechanical performance of modified epoxy reinforced hybrid natural fiber composite

Abstract

Kenaf fiber that is known as Hibiscus cannabinus, L. family Malvaceae is an herbaceous plant that can be grown under a wide range of weather conditions. The usage of kenaf fibers as a reinforcement material in the polymeric matrix has been widely investigated. In this research, liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) was introduced to the epoxy to increase its toughness. Hybrid kenaf/carbon fibers, with different kenaf/carbon ratio weight, were used to reinforce the epoxy resins (with and without addition of epoxidized natural rubber) as the matrices. The flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness of the rubber toughened epoxy reinforced hybrid kenaf/carbon fiber composites were investigated. The results showed that the addition of liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) had improved the flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness by 9.6%, 13.7%, and less 2% respectively at the ratio of 16:4 wt% fibre loading.