Abstract
This work was aimed at applying vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique to reinforced polymer molding products made of vegetable fibers. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L. Malvaceae) bast fibers were preformed into mat by means of a cold press. The unsaturated polyester resin was infused into the preforms at a vacuum pressure of 1.3–1.6 kPa. The examination of the mechanical properties and microstructure of the prepared composites indicated that the modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rapture (MOR), and tensile strength (TS) of the VARTM composites were increased by 65.5%, 30.7%, and 41.7%, respectively, compared to the traditional hot-pressing composites. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the VARTM composite moduli in the temperature range of -50°C–200°C were doubled. The observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mercury porosimetry confirmed that the interfacial compatibility between the kenaf fibers and the polyester resin was substantially improved.
References
Akil, H.M., Omar, M.F., Mazuki, A.A.M., Safiee, S., Ishak, Z.A.M., Abu Bakar, A. (2011) Kenaf fiber reinforced composites: a review. Mater. Des. 32:4107–4121.10.1016/j.matdes.2011.04.008Search in Google Scholar
Brouwer, W.D., van Herpt, E.C.F.C., Labordus, M. (2003) Vacuum injection molding for large structural applications. Composites Part A 34:551–558.10.1016/S1359-835X(03)00060-5Search in Google Scholar
Cecen, V., Sarikanat, M. (2008) Experimental characterization of traditional composites manufactured by vacuum-assisted resin-transfer molding. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 107:1822–1830.Search in Google Scholar
Feng, Z., Alén, R., Niemelä, K. (2002) Formation of aliphatic carboxylic acids during soda-AQ pulping of kenaf bark. Holzforschung 56:388–394.10.1515/HF.2002.061Search in Google Scholar
Francucci, G., Vazquez, A., Ruiz, E., Rodriguez, E.S. (2012) Capillary effects in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding with natural fibers. Polym. Compos. 33:1593–1602.Search in Google Scholar
Halimi, F., Golzar, M., Asadi, P., Beheshty, M.H. (2012) Core modifications of sandwich panels fabricated by vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding. J. Compos. Mater. 47:1853–1863.Search in Google Scholar
Liang, K., Shi, S.Q., Nicholas, D.D., Sites, L. (2013) Accelerated weathering test of kenaf fiber unsaturated polyester sheet molding compounds. Wood Fiber Sci. 45:1–7.Search in Google Scholar
Menta, V., Vuppalapati, R., Chandrashekhara, K., Schumanb, T., Sha, J. (2013) Elevated-temperature vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process for high performance aerospace composites. Polym. Int. 62:1465–1476.Search in Google Scholar
Mohanty, A. K., Misra, M., Hinrichsen, G. (2000) Biofibres, biodegradable polymers and biocomposites: an overview. Macromol. Mater. Eng. 276/277:1–24.10.1002/(SICI)1439-2054(20000301)276:1<1::AID-MAME1>3.0.CO;2-WSearch in Google Scholar
Moriia, T., Tanakaa, A., Hamadab, H. (2001) Influence of molding condition on tensile properties of flat braided fabric reinforced phenolic composite. Composites Part A 32: 1505–1511.10.1016/S1359-835X(01)00050-1Search in Google Scholar
Okuda, N. (2007) Finely milled kenaf core as a natural plywood binder. Holzforschung 61:439–444.10.1515/HF.2007.076Search in Google Scholar
Shih, C.H., Liu, Q., Lee, L.J. (2001) Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding using tackified fiber preforms. Polym. Compos. 22:721–729.Search in Google Scholar
Uddin, N., Vaidya, U.K., Shohel, M.S., Serrano-Perez, J.C. (2006) Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding. Concr. Int. 28:53–56.Search in Google Scholar
Wang, J., Shi, S.Q., Liang, K. (2013) Comparative life-cycle assessment of sheet molding compound reinforced by natural fiber vs. glass fiber. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B 3:493–502.Search in Google Scholar
Zampaloni, M., Pourboghrat, F., Yankovich, S.A., Rodgers, B.N., Moore, J., Drzal, L.T., Mohanty, A.K., Misra, M. (2007) Kenaf natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites: A discussion on manufacturing problems and solutions. Composites Part A 38A:1569–1580.10.1016/j.compositesa.2007.01.001Search in Google Scholar
©2015 by De Gruyter
