Adhesion Characteristics of Kenaf Fibers

Abstract

This chapter presents adhesion mechanisms in relation to bonding of kenaf fibers. Adhesion mechanisms are dependent on the surface characteristics of various materials. In principle, there are three components for adhesion to occur viz: substrates, adhesive matrices, and interfaces. Being porous, the bond formation in natural fibers generally involves three main adhesion mechanisms: mechanical interlocking, adsorption theory, and chemical bonding. Surface interaction between resin polymer matrices and kenaf fibers is an area that requires more concerted efforts. The bonding characteristics of kenaf were evaluated by determining the wettability through contact angle measurement and the buffering capacity. The characterization of the interface between fiber and matrix provides information on the adhesion strength. The diffusion model explains the concept of adhesion by the compatibility between polymers and the movements that occur in the polymer chains. Chemical bonding is the most widely accepted mechanism for explaining adhesion between two surfaces in close contact.

Thermal Properties of Woven Kenaf/Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composite Panels

“…Therefore, hybridisation of natural fibres with synthetic fibre is recommended in order to decrease the moisture absorption and increase the mechanical properties of the composites. Hybridisation is able to overcome the disadvantages of NFRRC such as poor fibre-matrix bonding adhesion [19,20], higher water absorption and hydrophilic nature [21,22], inferior wettability [23,24], and low thermal properties [25]. Thus, hybridisation with synthetic fibre such as carbon fibre, glass fibre, aramic fibre, and Kevlar is believed to be able to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites.…”

Polysulfone Membrane Tests for Nutrients Reclamation of Kenaf Retted Wastewater

“…Microbes retting were used in the process, which require 14 to 28 days to acclimatized and degrade the pectic materials [5]. A quality of fibre is largely determined by the retting condition and duration [6]. The excessive amount of nutrient in the retted wastewater could influenced the time taken of retting process and adversely affect the quality of kenaf stalk [7].…”