International Journal of Engineering and Technology

The effect of ultrasonic treatment on water absorbtion of epoxy/kenaf core fiber was studied. Kenaf core fiber was immersed in the 6% wt sodium hydroxide solution for 24 hours. Epoxy/kenaf core fiber then was mixed by using mechanical stirring, and then followed by ultrasonic mixing for 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes before curing process. The cured samples were weighed before and after immersing them in distilled water, sea water and rain water at ambient temperature. The weight of the sample was taken twice per week for 28 days. Epoxy/kenaf core fiber that was treated with ultrasonic for 90 minutes has the lowest water uptake while untreated epoxy/kenaf core fiber has the highest water uptake. The introduction of ultrasonic treatment has helped to reduce water uptake for epoxy/kenaf core fiber composite. Most samples absorbed distilled water the most.