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