TITLE:
The Effect of Epoxy Concentration and Fibre Loading on the Mechanical Properties of ABS/Epoxy-Coated Kenaf Fibre Composites
AUTHORS:
Hafsat R. Saliu, U. S. Ishiaku, M. K. Yakubu, E. G. Kolawole, S. S. Adefila, M. B. Abu Bakar, Z. A. Moh’d Ishak
KEYWORDS:
Thermosetting Resin, Kenaf Fibre, Engineering Thermoplastic, ABS
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Composite Materials,
Vol.5 No.2,
April
16,
2015
ABSTRACT: In this work, thermosetting resin, epoxy and fibre loading were used in optimizing the strength at
which ABS/epoxy coated kenaf fibre (EKF) composites would perform apparently during mechanical
stress. Kenaf bast fibres were resin coated before incorporated into engineering thermoplastic
ABS at its processing temperature (230°C), cured in-situ at internal mixer and later compression
moulded at 210°C under 65 kg/cm2pressure. The results showed the optimum level of tensile
strength with thermoset and fibre loading as well as increase in strong interfacial bonding while
the hardness values increased with increasing thermosetting and fibre contents. Both the tensile
and flexural modulus apparently increased as the fibre contents increased.