Fabrication And Testing Of Treated And Non - Treated Kapok Polyester Composite

Abstract

Strength characteristic of kapok composite mainly relies on fiber - resin ratio and effect of chemical treatment. Certain fibers have its own characteristics that may show compatibility with certain resin. Resin content in composite also impacts mechanical strength of composites and chemical treatment is known to be an effective measure of improving mechanical strength. It changes the structure of kapok fiber which may or may not help its overall strength. This project will determine the best ratio for fiber/resin and the need of chemical treatment to produce greater mechanical strength of kapok fiber. This project will involve the natural fiber namely kapok, fabricated with thermoset unsaturated polyester resin. The mechanical strength tested is tensile strength and will comply with American Standard Testing Method (ASTM) D638 which is Standard Test Method of Tensile Properties for Plastics.