Effect of Different Conditions of Sodium Chloride Treatment on the Characteristics of Kenaf Fiber-Epoxy Composite Board

Currently, biofibers are used as a reinforcement in polymer composites for structural elements and construction materials instead of the synthetic fibers which cause environmental problems expensive. One chemicals with pH close to neutral that can be potentially modified fiber material is sodium chloride (NaCl). Therefore, this study aims investigate characteristics composite board made from NaCl-treated kenaf fiber. A completely randomized design method was consideration two factors: content NaCl treatment solution (1 wt%, 3 5 wt%) duration immersion h, 2 h). The conducted by soaking different durations. were then rinsed water until reached 7 subsequently dried inside an oven at 80°C 6 h. Kenaf epoxy mixed manually total loading 20 wt% based on dry weight Physical mechanical properties evaluated JIS 5908 particleboard standards. results showed increasing increase physical board. treated h superior modulus elasticity 2.085 GPa, rupture 19.77 MPa, internal bonding 1.8 thickness swelling 3%, absorption 10.9%. contact angle untreated 104°, increased 80° 73° 1 respectively.