Mechanical and wear properties of functionalised carbon nanotubes modified kenaf composites / Napisah Sapiai

Natural fibres reinforced polymer composites have been gaining great attention in several applications due to its eco-friendly nature, sustainability, stronger and cost effective. Among all natural fibres available, kenaf fibre has been identified as an attractive option for reinforcing fibres due to its availability, high aspect ratio and superior toughness properties. However, limitation arise with respect to the mechanical properties when kenaf fibres and epoxy resin are used. The combination of these materials has been reported to have poor-matrix interfacial addition due to hydrophilic kenaf fibres and hydrophobic epoxy resin in nature. In addition, majority of epoxy systems are degraded by their brittleness property, low impact strength and low fracture toughness. The objective of this study is to improve the properties of the kenaf fibres reinforced composites by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNT) in epoxy matrix and hybridised with glass fibres. Moreover, the study was focused on the functionalisation of CNT surface via concentrated acid and amino silane. This surface modification aims to enhance the dispersibility of CNT into epoxy matrix and improve the interfacial adhesion bonding between three phases (CNT/epoxy/kenaf fibres) composites. In this study, the modified epoxy with 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 wt% pristine CNT (PCNT)/ acid treated (ACNT)/silane treated (SCNT) was impregnated with kenaf fibres to fabricate the kenaf fibres reinforced composites system. The woven glass fibres (G) plies were placed at top and underneath kenaf fibres (K) in fabrication of hybrid G/K fibres composites system. The effect of CNT addition and functionalised CNT on the longitudinal and transverse tensile, flexural, compressive, impact and wear properties of kenaf and hybrid G/K composites were studied…