Laminated Composites from Kenaf Fiber

Laminated composites from kenaf fiber reinforced PLA were prepared by compression molding (29). The mechanical and thermal properties of these composites were assessed dependent on the modification of the kenaf fiber by alkaline and silane treatments, such as 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane which acts as a coupling agent. 

Both treatments result in superior mechanical properties in comparison to the untreated fiber reinforced composites. The deflection temperature of the PLA laminated composites is significantly higher than that of the resin. So, standard PLA resins are very useful in the manufacture of kenaf fiber reinforced laminated biocomposites (29). 

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Huda, M. S., Drzal, L. T., Mohanty, A. K., and Misra, M. (2008). Effect of fiber surface-treatments on the properties of laminated biocomposites from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and kenaf fibers. Composites Science and Technology 68, 424 32. 

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