Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Fabrication, characterisation and durability performance of kenaf fibre reinforced epoxy, vinyl and polyester-based polymer composites

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this study, Kenaf fibre–reinforced polymer (KFRP) composites containing 10%, 30% and 40% of fibre volume fractions were produced to examine the effects of ageing on the polymer composites. The samples were exposed to a laboratory environment (the control sample), outdoor environment, along with immersion in water and acid (5 wt.%, H2SO4) for 12- and 24-month exposure periods. The control samples were stored under normal and darkroom conditions followed by the comprehensive characterisation of the physical properties and mechanical performance attributes of the composites. The results revealed significant surface degradation, while fungal growth, surface roughness and discolouration were observed on sample surfaces exposed to outdoor conditions after 12 and 24 months. The unexposed samples displayed higher tensile and compressive properties compared to the exposed samples. The higher fibre volume fractions resulted in higher mechanical properties and weathering degradation. The tensile strength of the Kenaf/epoxy composite with a fibre volume content of 40% was 31%, which is 133% higher than the 10% and 30% fractions. Kenaf/vinyl ester composites displayed the highest mechanical properties followed by the Kenaf/polyester and Kenaf/epoxy composites after 12- and 24-month ageing. Therefore, the KFRP composites are suited for lumber-based floor finishing, wall panels, ceiling finishing, doors and windows panels.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Basri MHA, Abdu A, Junejo N, Hamid HA, Ahmed K (2014) Journey of kenaf in Malaysia: a review. Scientific Research and Essays 9(11):458–470

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. van Dam JE Natural fibres and the environment: environmental benefits of natural fibre production and use. In: Proceedings of the Symposium on Natural Fibres: Common fund for commodities, 20 October 2008, Rome, Italy, 2008. pp 3–17

  3. Gurunathan T, Mohanty S, Nayak SK (2015) A review of the recent developments in biocomposites based on natural fibres and their application perspectives. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf 77:1–25

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Rangappa SM, Siengchin S, Dhakal HN (2020) Green-composites: eco-friendly and sustainability. Applied Science and Engineering Progress 13(3):183–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Razavi M, Babatunde OE, Yatim JM, Razavi M, Azzmi NM (2018) Compressive properties of Kenaf/Vinylester composite with different fibre volume. Adv Sci Lett 24(6):3894–3897

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Chang BP, Mohanty AK, Misra M (2020) Studies on the durability of sustainable biobased composites: a review. RSC Adv 10(31):17955–17999

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Aluko OG, Yatim JM, Kadir MAA, Yahya K (2020) A review of properties of bio-fibrous concrete exposed to elevated temperatures. Construction and Building Materials 260:119671

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Ajouguim S, Stefanidou M, Abdelouahdi K, Waqif M, Saâdi L (2020) Influence of treated bio-fibres on the mechanical and physical properties of cement mortars. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering:1–15

  9. Ouarhim W, Zari N, Bouhfid R, Qaiss Aek (2019) Mechanical performance of natural fibres–based thermosetting composites. In: Jawaid M, Thariq M, Saba N (eds) Mechanical and physical testing of biocomposites, fibre-reinforced composites and hybrid composites. Woodhead Publishing, pp 43–60.

  10. David G, Vannini M, Sisti L, Marchese P, Celli A, Gontard N, Angellier-Coussy H (2020) Eco-conversion of two winery lignocellulosic wastes into fillers for biocomposites: vine shoots and wine pomaces. Polymers 12(7):1530

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Nyakuma BB, Ivase TJ-P (2021) Emerging trends in sustainable treatment and valorisation technologies for plastic wastes in Nigeria: a concise review. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy:e13660

  12. Ogunbode EB, Egba EI, Olaiju OA, Elnafaty AS, Kawuwa SA (2017) Microstructure and mechanical properties of green concrete composites containing coir fibre. Chem Eng Trans 61:1879–1884

    Google Scholar 

  13. Moudood A, Hall W, Öchsner A, Li H, Rahman A, Francucci G (2019) Effect of moisture in flax fibres on the quality of their composites. Journal of Natural Fibers 16(2):209–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Sahu P, Gupta M (2020) A review on the properties of natural fibres and its bio-composites: Effect of alkali treatment. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications 234(1):198–217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Nyakuma BB, Wong SL, Oladokun O, Bello AA, Hambali HU, Abdullah TAT, Wong KY (2020) Review of the fuel properties, characterisation techniques, and pre-treatment technologies for oil palm empty fruit bunches. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-13020-01133-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Babatunde OE, Yatim JM, Ishak MY, Masoud R, Meisam R (2015) Potentials of kenaf fibre in bio-composite production: A review. Jurnal Teknologi 77 (12)

  17. Ali JB, Musa AB, Danladi A, Bukhari MM, Nyakuma BB (2020) Physico-mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester resin reinforced maize cob and jute fibre composites. Journal of Natural Fibers:1–21

  18. Shaker K, Nawab Y, Jabbar M (2020) Bio-composites: eco-friendly substitute of glass fiber composites. In: Kharissova OV, Martínez LMT, Kharisov BI (eds) Handbook of nanomaterials and nanocomposites for energy and environmental applications. Springer International Publishing, Cham, pp 1–25

    Google Scholar 

  19. Thyavihalli Girijappa YG, Mavinkere Rangappa S, Parameswaranpillai J, Siengchin S (2019) Natural fibers as sustainable and renewable resource for development of eco-friendly composites: a comprehensive review. Frontiers in Materials 6 (226).

  20. Wambua P, Ivens J, Verpoest I (2003) Natural fibres: can they replace glass in fibre reinforced plastics? Compos Sci Technol 63(9):1259–1264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Pickering KL, Efendy MA, Le TM (2016) A review of recent developments in natural fibre composites and their mechanical performance. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf 83:98–112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Avanaki MJ, Abedi M, Hoseini A, Maerefat MS (2018) Effects of fibre volume fraction and aspect ratio on mechanical properties of hybrid steel fibre reinforced concrete. Journal of New Approaches in Civil Engineering 2(2):49–64

    Google Scholar 

  23. Manaia JP, Manaia AT, Rodriges L (2019) Industrial hemp fibers: an overview. Fibers 7(12):106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Ho M-p, Wang H, Lee J-H, Ho C-k, Lau K-t, Leng J, Hui D (2012) Critical factors on manufacturing processes of natural fibre composites. Compos B Eng 43(8):3549–3562

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Shesan OJ, Stephen AC, Chioma AG, Neerish R, Rotimi SE (2019) Fiber-matrix relationship for composites preparation. In: Renewable and Sustainable Composites. IntechOpen

  26. Ali JB, Musa A, Danladi A, Bukhari M, Nyakuma BB (2020) Physico-mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester resin reinforced maize cob and jute fibre composites. Journal of Natural Fibers:https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.15442020.11841062.

  27. Abdulkareem S, Adeniyi A, Amosa M, Raji S (2020) Development of plastic composite using waste sawdust, rice husk and bamboo in the polystyrene-based resin (PBR) matrix at ambient conditions. In: Valorization of biomass to value-added commodities. Springer, pp 423–438

  28. Arbaoui S, Evlard A, Mhamdi MEW, Campanella B, Paul R, Bettaieb T (2013) Potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) for phytoremediation of dredging sludge contaminated by trace metals. Biodegradation 24(4):563–567

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Mariod AA, Saeed Mirghani ME, Hussein I (2017) Hibiscus cannabinus L. Kenaf. In: Mariod AA, Saeed Mirghani ME, Hussein I (eds) Unconventional oilseeds and oil sources. Academic Press, United States, pp 45–51

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  30. Sapiai N, Jumahat A, Jawaid M, Midani M, Khan A (2020) Tensile and flexural properties of silica nanoparticles modified unidirectional kenaf and hybrid glass/kenaf epoxy composites. Polymers 12(11):2733

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Mohapatra S, Ray RC, Ramachandran S (2019) Bioethanol from biorenewable feedstocks: technology, economics, and challenges. In: Ray RC, Ramachandran S (eds) Bioethanol production from food crops. Academic Press, United States of America, pp 3-27

  32. Sapiai N, Jumahat A, Shaari N, Tahir A (2020) Mechanical properties of nanoclay-filled kenaf and hybrid glass/kenaf fiber composites. Materials Today: Proceedings

  33. Sharba MJ, Salman SD, Leman Z, Sultan MT, Ishak MR, Hanim MAA (2016) Effects of processing method, moisture content, and resin system on physical and mechanical properties of woven kenaf plant fibre composites. BioResources 11(1):1466–1476

    Google Scholar 

  34. Hasan N, Sobuz HR, Auwalu AS, Tamanna N (2015) Investigation into the suitability of kenaf fibre to produce structural concrete. Adv Mater Lett 6(8):731–737

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Edeerozey AM, Akil HM, Azhar A, Ariffin MZ (2007) Chemical modification of kenaf fibres. Mater Lett 61(10):2023–2025

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Patel M, Weidemann F, Schleich J, Husing B, Angerer G (2005) Tehno-economic feasibility of large-scale production of bio-based polymers in Europe. European Commission. Joint Research Centre (DG JRC). Institute for Prospective Technological Studies:37–49

  37. Crank M, Patel M, Marscheider-Weidemann F, Schleich J, Hüsing B, Angerer G (2004) Techno-economic feasibility of large-scale production of bio-based polymers in Europe (PRO-BIP). Final report. Department of Science

  38. Bourguignon M (2016) Growth, productivity, and utilization of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.): a promising fibre and fuel crop for Iowa. Doctoral Thesis, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

  39. Wang Q, Jones J, Lu N, Johnson R, Ning H, Pillay S (2018) Development and characterization of high-performance kenaf fibre–HDPE composites. J Reinf Plast Compos 37(3):191–200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Saba N, Paridah M, Jawaid M (2015) Mechanical properties of kenaf fibre reinforced polymer composite: a review. Constr Build Mater 76:87–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Saba N, Jawaid M, Hakeem K, Paridah M, Khalina A, Alothman O (2015) Potential of bioenergy production from industrial kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) based on Malaysian perspective. Renew Sustain Energy Rev 42:446–459

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Nayak SY, Sultan MTH, Shenoy SB, Kini CR, Samant R, Shah AUM, Amuthakkannan P (2020) Potential of natural fibers in composites for ballistic applications–a review. Journal of Natural Fibers:1–11.

  43. Ogunbode EB, Nyakuma BB, Jimoh RA, Lawal TA, Nmadu HG (2021) Mechanical and microstructure properties of cassava peel ash-based kenaf bio-fibrous concrete composites. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-13021-01588-13396.

  44. Teng S, Afroughsabet V, Ostertag CP (2018) Flexural behaviour and durability properties of high-performance hybrid-fibre-reinforced concrete. Constr Build Mater 182:504–515

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Zhang P, Li Q-f (2013) Effect of polypropylene fibre on the durability of the concrete composite containing fly ash and silica fume. Compos B Eng 45(1):1587–1594

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Mahjoub R, Yatim JM, Sam ARM, Hashemi SH (2014) Tensile properties of kenaf fibre due to various conditions of chemical fibre surface modifications. Constr Build Mater 55:103–113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Andrew RM (2018) Global CO2 emissions from cement production. Earth System Science Data 10(1):195–217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Wong SL, Nyakuma BB, Nordin AH, Lee CT, Ngadi N, Wong KY, Oladokun O (2020) Uncovering the dynamics in global carbon dioxide utilization research: a bibliometric analysis (1995–2019). Environmental Science and Pollution Research

  49. Ku H, Wang H, Pattarachaiyakoop N, Trada M (2011) A review on the tensile properties of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites. Compos B Eng 42(4):856–873

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. George J, Sreekala M, Thomas S (2001) A review on interface modification and characterization of natural fibre-reinforced plastic composites. Polym Eng Sci 41(9):1471–1485

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. ASTM D3039/D3039M - 14 (2008) Tensile properties of polymer matrix composite materials. Mechanical Properties. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA

  52. Mohammed M, Chai YY, Doh SI, Lim KS Degradation of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) material exposed to tropical atmospheric condition. In: Key engineering materials, 2021. Trans Tech Publ, pp 265-274

  53. Liew Y, Tan K (2003) Durability of GFRP composites under tropical climate. In: Fibre-reinforced polymer reinforcement for concrete structures: (In 2 Volumes). World Scientific, pp 769–778

  54. Yew G, Chow W, Mohd Ishak Z, Mohd Yusof A (2009) Natural weathering of poly (lactic acid): effects of rice starch and epoxidized natural rubber. J Elastomers Plast 41(4):369–382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Potočić Matković V, Skenderi Z (2017) Influence of modification on the structural and tensile properties of polyurethane coated knitted fabrics after natural weathering. Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe

  56. Azwa Z, Yousif B (2013) Characteristics of kenaf fibre/epoxy composites subjected to thermal degradation. Polym Degrad Stab 98(12):2752–2759

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Ismail N, Ishak Z Effect of fibre loading on mechanical and water absorption capacity of polylactic acid/polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate/kenaf composite. In: IOP Conference Series: materials science and engineering, 2018. vol 1. IOP Publishing, p 012014

  58. Bera T, Mohanta N, Prakash V, Pradhan S, Acharya SK (2019) Moisture absorption and thickness swelling behaviour of Luffa fibre/epoxy composite. J Reinf Plast Compos 38(19–20):923–937

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Mazuki AAM, Akil HM, Safiee S, Ishak ZAM, Bakar AA (2011) Degradation of dynamic mechanical properties of pultruded kenaf fiber reinforced composites after immersion in various solutions. Compos B Eng 42(1):71–76

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Engineering, Faculty of Imam Sadegh, Technical & Vocational University (TVU), Babol Branch, Mazandaran, Iran

    Meisam Razavi & Masoud Razavi

  2. Department of Building, School of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

    Ezekiel B. Ogunbode & Temitope A. Lawal

  3. Research Initiative for Sustainable Energy Technologies, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

    Bemgba B. Nyakuma

  4. Department of Structures & Materials, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia

    Jamaludin M. Yatim

Authors
  1. Meisam Razavi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ezekiel B. Ogunbode
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Bemgba B. Nyakuma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Masoud Razavi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jamaludin M. Yatim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Temitope A. Lawal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Ezekiel B. Ogunbode or Bemgba B. Nyakuma.

Additional information

Publisher's note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Razavi, M., Ogunbode, E.B., Nyakuma, B.B. et al. Fabrication, characterisation and durability performance of kenaf fibre reinforced epoxy, vinyl and polyester-based polymer composites. Biomass Conv. Bioref. 13, 9165–9180 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-021-01832-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-021-01832-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation