Thermal properties of pineapple leaf/kenaf fibre reinforced vinyl ester hybrid composites

Abstract

In this modern technology era, the usage of natural fibres has been widely used in various field of applications such as aerospace, maritime, military, automotive as well as structural building. This is due to the reason that they are lightweight, cheap, good sustainability and biodegradable. Only a small amount of research work being conducted on the hybridization of pineapple leaf and kenaf fibres reinforced with vinyl ester (PALF/KF/VE) hybrid composites. Thus, in this present work, the PALF/KF/VE hybrid composites are presented. The thermal properties of PALF, KF, VE as well as hybrid composites were investigated based on their structural components. PALF was in long fibre form while kenaf fibre was in woven form fabricated to form hybrid composites by using the hand lay-up and hot compression moulding. TGA testing was conducted to determine their respective thermal properties. From the experimental testing, the results showed that the thermal stability of hybrid composites enhanced rather than fibres themselves. The thermal degradation of PALF and KF occurred at the range temperature of 250-370°C while neat VE, PALF/VE and PALF/KF/VE occurred at 300-450°C. Thus, these composites can be used for various application such as automotive, aerospace, structural and others.