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Mechanical characterization and water absorption behaviour of interwoven Kenaf/PET fibre reinforced epoxy hybrid composite

2015 , Yakubu Dan-mallam , Tan Wei Hong , Mohd Shukry Abdul Majid

The development of interwoven fabric for composite production is a novel approach that can be adopted to address the challenges of balanced mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of polymer composites. In this paper, kenaf and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fibre were selected as reinforcing materials to develop the woven fabric, and low viscosity epoxy resin was chosen as the matrix. Vacuum infusion process was adopted to produce the hybrid composite due to its superior advantages over hand lay-up technique. The weight percentage composition of the Epoxy/kenaf/PET hybrid composite was maintained at 70/15/15 and 60/20/20, respectively. A significant increase in tensile strength and elastic modulus of approximately 73% and 53% was recorded in relation to neat epoxy. Similarly, a substantial increase in flexural, impact, and interlaminar properties was also realized in relation to neat epoxy. This enhancement in mechanical properties may be attributed to the interlocking structure of the interwoven fabric, individual properties of kenaf and PET fibres, strong interfacial bonding, and resistance of the fibres to impact loading. The water absorption of the composites was studied by prolonged exposure in distilled water, and the moisture absorption pattern was found to follow Fickian behaviour.

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Publication

Mechanical characterization and water absorption behaviour of interwoven kenaf/PET fibre reinforced epoxy hybrid composite

2015 , Yakubu Dan-mallam , Tan Wei Hong , Mohd Shukry Abdul Majid

The development of interwoven fabric for composite production is a novel approach that can be adopted to address the challenges of balanced mechanical properties and water absorption behaviour of polymer composites. In this paper, kenaf and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fibre were selected as reinforcing materials to develop the woven fabric, and low viscosity epoxy resin was chosen as the matrix. Vacuum infusion process was adopted to produce the hybrid composite due to its superior advantages over hand lay-up technique. The weight percentage composition of the Epoxy/kenaf/PET hybrid composite was maintained at 70/15/15 and 60/20/20, respectively. A significant increase in tensile strength and elastic modulus of approximately 73% and 53% was recorded in relation to neat epoxy. Similarly, a substantial increase in flexural, impact, and interlaminar properties was also realized in relation to neat epoxy. This enhancement in mechanical properties may be attributed to the interlocking structure of the interwoven fabric, individual properties of kenaf and PET fibres, strong interfacial bonding, and resistance of the fibres to impact loading. The water absorption of the composites was studied by prolonged exposure in distilled water, and the moisture absorption pattern was found to follow Fickian behaviour.

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Publication

Unveiling physico-mechanical and acoustical characteristics of fly ash geopolymers through the synergistic impact of density and porosity

2024-08-15 , Jia-Ni L. , Liew Yun Ming , Heah Cheng Yong , Tan Wei Hong , Part Wei Ken , Phakkhananan Pakawanit , Tee Hoe-Woon , Hang Yong-Jie , Ong Shee-Ween , Ooi Wan-En

This paper investigates the physico-mechanical and acoustic properties of fly ash geopolymers via casting and pressing methods. The existing research lacks comprehensive insight into the relationship between variations in geopolymer density and their impacts on both physico-mechanical properties and sound insulation and absorption capabilities. Geopolymers, as sustainable construction materials, are pivotal in mitigating noise and providing structural strength. To surpass these limitations and achieve either higher or lower densities in geopolymers, alternative approaches are necessary. Casting (non-foamed and foamed with 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 foam-to-geopolymer paste ratio) and pressing methods were employed to produce a range of geopolymer densities between 1400 kg/m3 – 2200 kg/m3. The pressing method produced a highly dense geopolymer with an excellent compressive strength of 116 MPa. While the lightest geopolymer produced by adding a foaming agent had a compressive strength of 13 MPa. Good sound transmission loss (66.1 dB) was achieved by highly dense pressed geopolymers. Highly porous geopolymers achieved an excellent sound absorption coefficient of 0.79. The density variation and preparation methods greatly affected the pore size and distribution which subsequently affected the acoustical properties of the geopolymers. Manipulating the density and porosity of the geopolymers is essential for creating spaces with optimal acoustics to meet building codes and noise control regulations.