Polyester/kenaf composite; effect of matrix modification

Rubber toughened polyester-kenaf composite were prepared by adding various percentage of kenaf fiber in unsaturated polyester resin and subsequently cross linked using methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and accelerator cobalt octanoate 1 %. 3 per hundred rubbers (phr) of liquid natural rubber (LNR) were also added to modify the matrix in producing this composite. The mechanical properties of composite were characterized using Izod impact test, fracture toughness test, three point bending test and morphological analysis using SEM. Result shows that addition of LNR has improved mechanical properties significantly compare to composite without addition of LNR. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of kenaf composite revealed the good adhesion of kenaf and matrix poyester in rubber toughened composite.