Comparative Study of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Kenaf Fiber and Different Types of Microparticles

Reinforcement of both fibrous and particulate materials can improve composite properties for various applications, such as biomedical applications. The alkali-treated kenaf fibers (SiO2, bentonite, CaCO3) microparticles 400 mesh in size reinforce the epoxy matrix hybrid composites. bending impact composites, well their water absorption, are compared. composites were prepared a compression mold using hand lay-up technique at 100°C 20 – 50 minutes consisting 28 vol.% short ~5 mm length, 2 each type microparticle, 70 resin. flexural kenaf/silica/epoxy indicated highest strength (58.37±3.9 MPa), modulus (4.68 ± 0.17 (7.49 kJ/m ) . addition reduced absorption appeared to be stable immersion time near 216 hours. Other microparticle-filled did not show this pattern. incorporation silica kenaf/epoxy potentially enhanced mechanical composite, with expectation it developed material.