Syarifah Yunus

Storage Modulus Analysis of Kenaf Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites

This article presents the storage modulus analysis of kenaf fibre composites that reinforced by two different epoxy matrix systems, named epoxy A and epoxy B. These epoxies are commercially available in Malaysia and been used as a polymer matrix in composite research. Composites were made from hand lay out technique and undergo storage modulus evaluation by using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Fibre content ratios were found to affect the storage capacity in both reinforced epoxy system. However, the addition of 45% kenaf fibre volume ratios reinforced into Epoxy A composites exhibits only week improvement as compared to its rival. The possibility of causes might be attributed to the week interfacial between fibre and matrix.

Tensile and Impact Strength of Coir Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene Composites: Effect of Different Temperature Conditions

This study focuses on tensile properties and impact strength of coir fibre reinforced polypropylene composites under influences of fibre loading and various temperatures conditions. All samples were fabricated by using hot-press technique. Tensile and izod impact samples were prepared in accordance to the standard specifications as closely as possible. Three different ratios of fibre with matrix which were 10%, 20% and 30% were studied. The results revealed that 20% volume fraction of coir fibre demonstrated optimum tensile and impact properties. Significance reduction of impact strength under low temperature condition had been shown for all composites due to the brittleness of both fibre and matrix.

IMPACTED OF VACUUM BAG WOVEN KENAF/FIBERGLASS HYBRID COMPOSITE

This paper discusses the mechanical properties of woven kenaf/fiberglass hybrid composites which has been fabricating using vacuum bag technique. Kenaf fiber had chosen among others natural fibres due to its excellent mechanical properties and potential natural raw fiber to replace plastic or tobacco in manufacturing a multitude of products for the construction, automotive, textile and advanced technology sectors. This study investigates post impact tensile of kenaf hybrid composites and its surface fractured. The impact energy used consists of 4J, 6J, 8J, 12J and 16J. The specimens were clamped between two plate rings with an internal hole diameter of 18mm and impacted with hemispherical nose impactor shape with diameter size of 12.7mm. The results revealed that this kenaf hybrid composite showed significant decreasing of strength and modulus as increasing the impact energy. The damage area affected with fiber fracture occurred much later in fracture process due to high bending stresses.

Performance and Emissions of Jatropha-Palm Blended Biodiesel

This paper deals with performances and emissions of Jatropha-Palm blended biodiesel as fuel for 4-stroke single vertical cylinder diesel engine. Five fuel samples were tested; i) Diesel fuel supplied by Petronas (PDF); ii) 5% of blended Jatropha-Palm biodiesel and 95% Diesel fuel (B5JPB); iii) 10% of blended Jatropha-Palm biodiesel and 90% Diesel fuel (B10JPB); iv) 15% of blended Jatropha-Palm biodiesel and 85% Diesel fuel (B15JPB); and v) 20% of blended Jatropha-Palm biodiesel and 80% Diesel fuel (B20JPB). Engine performances (specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency) and emissions (exhaust gas temperature and Nox emission) were analyzed and have been discussed in this study. All tests were carried out at varied load conditions which were 0.13, 0.15, 0.17, 0.19 and 0.21 kW. The results revealed that B10JPB blended showed better engine performances compared to its other blends and comparable performances compared to PDF. Comparable Nox emitted of all Jatropha-Palm fuel blended biodiesel fuel sample has been demonstrated to those PDF.