The effects of alkali treatment on the mechanical and morphological properties of Pennisetum purpureum/glass-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites. (26th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ridzuan, M. J. M.; Abdul Majid, M. S.; Hafis, S. M.; Azduwin, K.
• Is Part Of: Plastics, rubber, and composites. Volume 46:Number 10(2017)
• Page Start: 421
• Page End: 430
• Publication Date: 2017-11-26
• Subjects: Alkali treatment -- natural fibre -- mechanical properties -- morphology -- strength; Plastics -- Periodicals; Rubber -- Periodicals; Polymeric composites -- Periodicals; Polymer engineering -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1080/14658011.2017.1368966
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-8011

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The effects of alkali treatment on the mechanical properties, void contents and morphological of Pennisetum purpureum /glass-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites were studied. The composites were produced using the vacuum infusion method. Pennisetum purpureum fibres were treated with 5 and 10% dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution for 6 h. The epoxy resin was mixed with either the treated or untreated Pennisetum purpureum /glass fibres to a ratio of 70:30 (by volume). Tensile and flexural tests were performed on the composites in accordance with ASTM D638 and ASTM D790, respectively. The hybrid composites that contained 5% NaOH-treated Pennisetum purpureum fibres exhibited the greatest tensile and flexural strengths with lower void contents. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy fractography supported the findings showing lesser voids and fibre pull-outs suggesting good interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement. The reduced of the void contents is suspected due to the reduced hemicellulose content within the treated Pennisetum purpureum fibre.