Permanganate Treatment Optimization on Tensile Properties and Water Absorption of Kenaf Fiber-Polypropylene Biocomposites

Kenaf fiber has been studied for biocomposites reinforcement due to its renewable and carbon neutrality. Meanwhile, polypropylene sheets are easily processed considered a prospective thermoplastic matrix source biocomposites. Hence, the combination of both materials is expected form an attractive biocomposite. This study aimed optimize permanganate treatment on tensile properties water absorption kenaf-reinforced propylene It thermally tested kenaf fibers PP using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) before performing compression molding at 185°C 70 bars film stacking method. The variables were untreated, alkaline pre-treated, alkaline-permanganate treated low concentrations 0.01 0.05 wt% KMnO4. Furthermore, this conducted Yarn test Weibull distribution find strength variability statistically. Composite burn tests performed obtain strength, constituent materials, void volume fractions. Composites fractography was implemented examine effect composite uptake behavior electron microscopy. used concentration in treatments than several previous studies. results showed that have 125 MPa, higher studies found value less 80 MPa. contributed green optimization lower chemical but with better impregnation, interfacial, absorption, mechanical or composites.