The effect of kenaf loading on kenaf/ABS composites structure and thermal properties

Many manufacturers have recently become interested in using fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPs) in structural applications. Synthetic fibres, such as carbon and glass fibres, have been commercialised internationally for decades, but they cause environmental issues because synthetic fibres are non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle once they have served their purpose, potentially polluting the environment. Thus, natural fibre composites like kenaf is a possible replacement for synthetic fibre due to their superior physical and mechanical properties. Kenaf appears to be the best candidate for replacing synthetic fibres in order to accomplish the goal of environmental preservation while also displaying excellent properties such as equivalent specific strength, low density, and renewable resources. The kenaf fiber was treated in KOH and added to ABS matrix to produce new composites at different loading (10, 15, 20 and 25 wt.%) by using Two Roll Mill machine. The influence of the fiber on the composites properties was evaluated. The produced material was subjected to SEM, MFI, TGA and DSC analysis. The incorporation of the treated kenaf fiber has an influence on the properties of kenaf/ABS composites. The addition of 10 wt.% kenaf was found to be the best loading with MFI value, initial degradation temperature and glass transition temperature at 0.8208 g/10 min, 322.63°C and 130°C respectively. The fiber was well dispersed in the matrix and shown good adhesion to the ABS. The addition of treated fiber contribute to a reduction in the MFI, improved the thermal stability of the composites and typical effects of Tg of the composite compare to pure ABS. The results suggest the need to continue the study in order to further analyse higher kenaf loading and shed more light on the properties of the composites to improve understanding of kenaf/ABS composites. Obtained results are a solution to alternative of synthetic fibers, which may contribute to the sustainable development of composites materials industry through the utilization of kenaf fiber with ABS matrix.