v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract i
Abstrak ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of Contents v
List of Figures viii List of Tables
xi List of Abbreviations, symbols, specialized nomenclature
xii
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
1 1.2
Problem Statement 2
1.3 Objectives
3 1.4
The Methodology 3
1.5 Scope
4 1.6
Structure of Thesis 4
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Composite 6
2.1.1 Polymeric Matrix Composite PMC 8
2.2 Matrix 10
2.2.1 Thermoplastic
11 2.2.1.1
Polypropylene 13
2.2.1.2 Polyethylene 13
2.2.2 Thermoset 15
2.2.2.1 Polyester 16
2.2.3 Fiber 18
2.2.4 Reinforcement use 20
2.3 Natural Fiber Reinforcement in Composite 22
2.3.1 Kenaf
23
vi 2.3.1.1
Introduction 23
2.3.1.2 Procesing of Kenaf Fiber
24 2.4
Processing 25
2.4.1 Closed Mould
26 2.4.2
Open Mould 27
2.4.2.1 Hand Lay-up
27 2.5
Composite Properties 29
2.5.1 Tensile Test 29
2.5.2 Fluxural Test 31
2.5.3 Impact Test
32 2.5.4
Hardness Test 35
2.6 Rule-of- Mixture ROM Equation
35 2.6.1
Tensile Strength 36
2.6.2 Ultimate Tensile Strength
36 2.6.3
Modulus of Elasticity 36
2.6.4 Flexural Strength
37 2.6.5
Tangent Modulus of Elasticity 38
3.0 METHODOLOGIES
3.1 Introduction
39 3.2
Research Flow Chart 39 3.3
Raw Material Preparation 41
3.3.1 Fiber 41
3.3.3 Fiber Treatment
41 3.3.3 Polyester
42 3.3.4 Hardener
42 3.4
Process Sequence of Polyamide-Kenaf Composite 42
3.5 Testing Method
46 3.5.1 Tensile Test
46 3.5.2 Flexural Test
48 3.5.3 Impact Test
49 3.5.4 Hardness Test
51 3.5.5 Testing Analysis
51
vii
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
