DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v27i3.417

Keywords: Kenaf; flexural; mechanical properties; SiC; bamboo fiber; kenaf fiber

Abstract

Composites of alkaline-treated Kenaf (KF) and bamboo fiber (BF) reinforced with Silicon carbide (SiC) and polyester are described here with respect to their tensile, flexural, compression, impact, and hardness characteristics. The process of creating hybrid composite materials that are more effective for use in many contexts around the world is ongoing. However, natural fiber composites have the potential to replace manufactured fiber composites as an alternative design material due to its exceptional and extensive range of inconsistency. Because of their wide variety of features and characteristics, natural fiber composites (NFC) can be difficult to deal with. Here, BF serves as the foundational material, with SiC and KF serving as the filler components. We kept the BF weight percentage fixed and altered the other two fiber fillers. The NFC was subjected to mechanical property tests following ASTM guidelines after being hand-layup-created. These tests included tensile, compression, flexural, impact strength, and hardness testing. Addition of natural fibers and fillers improved the mechanical qualities indicated above, according to the trials. The effective resistance performance is also attributed to the improved interlinking capability of the NFC and polyester matrix. Composites like these have applications in many areas of engineering.