The effects of alkali treatment on the mechanical and morphological properties of Pennisetum purpureum /glass-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites

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Abstract
The effects of alkali treatment on the mechanical properties, void contents and morphological of Pennisetum purpureum /glass-reinforced epoxy hybrid composites were studied. The composites were produced using the vacuum infusion method. Pennisetum purpureum fibres were treated with 5 and 10% dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution for 6 h. The epoxy resin was mixed with either the treated or untreated Pennisetum purpureum /glass fibres to a ratio of 70:30 (by volume). Tensile and flexural tests were performed on the composites in accordance with ASTM D638 and ASTM D790, respectively. The hybrid composites that contained 5% NaOH-treated Pennisetum purpureum fibres exhibited the greatest tensile and flexural strengths with lower void contents. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy fractography supported the findings showing lesser voids and fibre pull-outs suggesting good interfacial bonding between the matrix and reinforcement. The reduced of the void contents is suspected due to the reduced hemicellulose content within the treated Pennisetum purpureum fibre.
Funding Information
  • MOE (9003-00515)

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