A Study on Deformation Micromechanics of Kenaf Fibre and Kenaf/Epoxy Composite using Raman Spectroscopy

摘要

The deformation micromechanics of kenaf fibre and model kenaf/epoxy composites were investigated using Raman spectroscopy. The mechanical properties of kenaffibre were evaluated. A well defined peak at 1095 cm~(-1) was observed in Raman spectra of the kenaf fibre. This peak was found to shift to a lower wavenumber upon fibre deformation. The Raman peak position was also noted to decrease linearly with respect to an increase in strain and stress. The same trend was also observed during the deformation of kenaf fibre-epoxy resin composite using a four-point bending test. The 1095 cm~(-1) peak position returned to its original position after the fibre was deformed in the composite. This indicated that the stress was being transferred from the matrix to the fibre.