The Impact of Filler Made of Acacia Concinna Pods and Fiber Treatment on the Water Absorption Properties of Kenaf Fiber Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Various research on kenaf fiber reinforced polymer composites (KFRPCs) hybridized with different filler materials have been carried out successfully in recent decades. However, there is still serious concern about their susceptibility to water absorption. The present study focuses on the water absorption properties of composites reinforced with kenaf fibers, which can have varying percentage filler additions and can be composed of fibres with or without chemical treatment. Kenaf fibres (treated and untreated), an epoxy polymer matrix, and different percentages of Acacia Concinna pod fillers (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) were used to fabricate the hybrid composites. A hand layup technique is used to fabricate neat hybrid composites. Later, composite samples are prepared as per the ASTM standard. The water absorption test was conducted by immersing the samples in distilled water for 15 days. After a twelfth day, the composite samples reached equilibrium and stopped absorbing water. According to the results of this investigation, treated fiber composites have a lower water intake character than untreated fiber composites. Although adding Acacia Concinna fillers improves mechanical characteristics, it slightly increases water absorption due to filler absorption.