Effects of Surface Treatments on Mechanical Properties and Water Resistance of Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Journal Article · Thu May 17 00:00:00 EDT 2012 · Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 26(18-19):2277-2289

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1163/156856111X623087· OSTI ID:1115850

Ren, Xiaofeng; Qui, Renhui; Fifield, Leonard S.; Simmons, Kevin L.; li, Kaichang

Effects of surface treatments on the strength and water resistance of kenaf fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were investigated. A new coupling agent that consists of 1,6-diisocyanato-hexane (DIH) and 2-hydroxylethyl acrylate (HEA) was investigated for surface treatments of kenaf fibers. The surface treatments were found to significantly enhance the tensile strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting kenaf UPE composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that DIH-HEA was covalently bonded onto kenaf fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the composites revealed that chemical treatment of kenaf fibers with a combination of DIH and HEA improved the interfacial adhesion between kenaf fibers and UPE resin in the DIHHEA-treated kenafUPE composites. The mechanisms by which the chemical treatment of kenaf fiber surfaces improved strength and water resistance of the resulting kenaf UPE composites were discussed.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1115850
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-91410; VT0505000
• Journal Information: Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 26(18-19):2277-2289, Journal Name: Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 26(18-19):2277-2289
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

Natural fiber
polymer composite
surface treatment
interfacial adhesion
coupling agent
covalent bond
co-polymerization