Central Composite Design for Optimization of Kenaf-Reinforced Epoxy Composite Bonding Performance

Authors

  • Mohamad Ikhwan Ibrahim Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Noremylia Mohd Bakhori Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Ariff Farhan Mohd Nor Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Roslina Mohammad Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100 Kuala Lumpur
  • Sa’ardin Abd Aziz Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Mohd Yusof Md Daud Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Hoo Tien Nicholas Kuan Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan 94300, Malaysia
  • Melbi Mahardika Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong Science Center, 16911 Bogor, Indonesia
  • Mohamad Zaki Hassan Razak Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 54100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Keywords:

Central composite design (CCD), Tensile properties, Kenaf fiber composite, Response surface method, Natural fiber composite

Abstract

Kenaf fiber is gaining prominence because of its ability as a natural-based reinforced material in advanced composites. However, kenaf contains a hygroscopic natural waxy substance that covers the fiber layer, providing a low surface tension and preventing strong bonding with the polymer matrix. The goal of this study is to optimize the blending parameters of kenaf fiber-reinforced epoxy composites by alkali treatment concentration, length, and fiber-matrix loading using central composite design. The maximum tensile strength was obtained at 6.03 wt% of NaOH concentration, fiber loading of 26.02 wt%, and fiber length at 7.39 mm, which showed a strong correlation between experimental and predicted values. The analysis of variance function model indicated that fiber length, sodium hydroxide concentration, and fiber loading all play important roles in mechanical properties of composites. Based on the fracture surface observations, kenaf fiber composite strength was closely related to bonding at fiber-matrix interfaces. The most common failure modes in the samples were voids, matrix fracture, fiber breakage, weak bonding, and fiber pull-out.

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Published

2023-11-30

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Research Article or Brief Communication