Effect of chemical treatment on mechanical and water absorption properties of kenaf fibre mat reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

Kenaf fiber mat reinforced unsaturated polyester composites have been prepared using compression moulding technique. To improve fibre matrix adhesion, the KFM was chemically treated with 2% and 6% concentration of alkaline while 3% and 6% of peroxide treatment respectively. Fourier transform infrared was used to investigate the changes of fibres chemical constituents after both alkaline and peroxide treatment. The untreated and both alkaline and peroxide treated KFM reinforced UPE composites were characterized by flexural and water absorption properties. Chemical treatment of KFM caused a significant increase in flexural properties of UPE composites especially those treated with peroxide. For water absorption study, the treated KFM showed lower water uptake and thickness swelling in comparison to those of untreated KFM filled UPE composites