Effect of fibre contents toward manufacturing defects and interfacial adhesion of Arenga Pinnata fibre reinforced fibreglass/kevlar hybrid composite in boat construction

Abstract

In recent years, Arenga Pinnata fibre has been found with great potential to be used as fibre reinforcement in material matrix composites. This study investigates the effect of fibre contents toward manufacturing defects and interfacial adhesion of Arenga Pinnata fibre reinforced Fiberglass/Kevlar hybrid composite material in boat construction. The composite testing coupons were prepared based on the volume fraction of Arenga Pinnata fibre which are 30%, 45%, 60%, and 75%. The long Arenga Pinnata fibre was placed and arranged into the mould by hand lay-up technique. The testing coupon have been arranged with a thickness of 5mm. Manufacturing defects and interfacial adhesion had determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. The SEM results showed that specimen D (60%) of Arenga Pinnata exhibits the less manufacturing defects with a good interfacial and well bonding between the fibre and matrix among other testing specimens. Meanwhile, specimen E (75%) shows the highest manufacturing defects. As a conclusion, 60% of Arenga Pinnata fibre contents showed less manufacturing defects and exhibited good interfacial adhesion. SEM had significantly determined the manufacturing defects and interfacial adhesion of Arenga Pinnata fibre reinforced Fiberglass/ Kevlar hybrid composite material.