Effect of hybridization on the water absorption behaviour of pultruded kenaf fibre-reinforced polyester composites

摘要

In this study, pultruded kenaf/glass fibre hybrid reinforced composites (PKGRCs) were subjected to water immersion tests in order to study its water absorption behaviour and its effects on mechanical properties. The study was conducted by immersing composite specimens into distilled water at temperature of 65 °C for a period of six weeks. Water absorption curves were obtained, and diffusion coefficient (D) and maximum moisture content (M_m) were determined. The water absorption behaviour of composite was found to follow a so-called Fickian behaviour. The flexural and compression properties were found to decrease with increasing water uptake. In order to compare between the hybrid composite and conventional composites, pultruded kenaf fibre-reinforced composites (PKRCs) and pultruded glass fibrereinforced composites (PGRCs) specimens were also been prepared and undergo the same study.