Influence of Kenaf on Mechanical Properties of Glass Epoxy Composites

Composite materials are replacing with traditional materials, because of its superior properties such as high tensile strength, low thermal expansion, high strength to weight ratio. Kenaf were processed by retting process then treated with sodium hydroxide and were cut using crusher. Mixing of kenaf fiber with glass is finding increased applications due to its versatility. Present study focuses on the development of kenaf glass fiber reinforced composites by the aid hand lamination technique. The composite is investigated for their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strengths. The results indicated that the incorporation of kenaf fiber with GFRP can improve the properties. Further, the fractured specimens are analysed for their failure mechanism using optical microscopic study. (paper)