Study of Mechanical Properties of Chemically Treated Kenaf Fiber and Its Composites

Abstract

In this experiment, kenaf fiber is subjected to sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) and benzoyl chloride chemical treatment. Chemical composition, tensile properties of individual kenaf fiber, and interfacial strength of kenaf fiber and PLA matrix were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the surface topography of the fiber. Results revealed that the fiber surface has become rough and there was an appreciable improvement in tensile modulus and interfacial strength of kenaf fiber and its composites. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.