The effects of kenaf core loading and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) as a compatibilizer on processing torque, mechanical properties, and water absorption were studied. HDPE/soya powder/kenaf core composites were prepared by incorporation of kenaf core powder at different loadings into HDPE/soya powder matrix with an internal mixer (Haake PolyLab) at 180°C and 50 rpm rotor speed. A compatibilizer, i.e., MAPE, was used to improve the matrix-filler interaction and the mechanical properties of the composites. The results indicated that tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with increasing filler loading, whereas stabilization torque, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and water absorption exhibited an increasing trend. The presence of MAPE also enhanced the tensile and flexural properties of the composites.

Composites comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE)/(soya powder)/(kenaf core) were prepared by incorporating different loads of kenaf core powder into HDPE/(soya powder) composites with an internal mixer (Haake PolyLab) for 12 min at 1808C and 50 rpm. The composition of the soya powder used was soluble carbohydrates, 15%; insoluble carbohydrates, 15%; oil, 18%; protein, 38%; and moisture, ash, other, 14%. The effect of kenaf core acetylation on the properties of the HDPE/(soya powder)/(kenaf core) composites was investigated by using a water-absorption test, a tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The acetylation of the kenaf core caused a significant increase in the water resistance, thermal stability, and tensile properties of the composites. The FESEM results showed that better interaction occurred between acetylated kenaf core and HDPE relative to unmodified kenaf core.

This article presents the effects of fiber volume fraction on the existence of a transition region in unidirectional kenaf/epoxy composites. The composites were made from hand Lay-up techniques, with three formulations of fiber volume fraction employed: 0% (neat), 15% and 45%. The results showed that tensile properties such as tensile strength and modulus of elasticity increased as the fiber volume increased. The stress-strain curves showed that the kenaf/epoxy composites exhibited bi-linear responses with reductions in the modulus of elasticity. Surface morphology aided by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the reduction in the modulus of elasticity was due to matrix cracking.

The development of Human Resource (HR) competency models/frameworks is an area that has gained a great deal of interest over the years. Most of the notable HR competency models are developed in the USA and Europe. The aim of the study was to develop an empirically substantiated HR Practitioner Competency Model. The HR Practitioner Competency Model with significant competencies was developed through the administration of a self developed survey questionnaire administered to HR practitioners and HR consultants in Malaysia. The study undertaken is an extrapolation of the notable studies carried out primarily by Brewster et al. (2000), Brockbank and Ulrich (2003), and Ulrich et al. (2008). The competency domains in the generic/behavioural competency category, business competency category, and the technical HR competency category were analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). Altogether 12 competency domains and 103 items were analysed. The competency categories significant in the study were the generic/behavioural competency category and the technical HR competency category. The business competency category was not significant in the study. The competency domains significant in the HR Practitioner Competency Model were: relationship building and process drivers; personal credibility and attributes; resourcing and talent management; and employee relations and compliance. Altogether 14 competency factors were significant in the study and these include process management, flexibility, information seeking, strong initiative, pride at work, pro-activeness, ability to change, leadership, organisation development, career planning, succession planning, human performance improvement, discipline, and occupational safety and health. The empirically tested HR Practitioner Competency Model was derived in a local Malaysian cultural setting and it will benefit the HR practitioners, HR consultants, HR communities of practice, the academia, organisations, and other related individuals.

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