Effect of Polymeric Coupling Agent on Mechanical Properties of Kenaf Fiber / Polystyrene Composites

In order to improve the properties and the processability of kenaf fiber (KF) / polystyrene (PS) composites, the newly synthesized polymeric silane coupling agent (CA) was utilized and evaluated. KFs were reacted with CA in the melt system and in the solvent system. The composites reinforced by the modified KF showed enhanced mechanical properties compared with those reinforced by the unmodified KF. The effect was especially remarkable when the KF was modified with CA in the solvent system. As the CA content increases, the surface of KF recovered from the composites showed the higher Si / C ratio indicating the good reaction between KF and CA. The modified composites also showed a remarkable reduction in water uptake rate.

Interfacial Aspects of Reinforcement of Wood by Mineral Fibers

ABSTRACTSignificant aspects of fiber reinforcement of wood are introduced. The effectiveness of three different silane coupling agents; one monomeric 3-aminopropyltrimethoxy silane, two polymeric aminosilanes (one dimethoxy- and another trimethoxy substituted), was compared by measurement of interfacial shear strength in silane treated single filament composite (SFC) specimens, under dry and wet conditions. The trimethoxypolymeric silane was found to be inferior to the other two, which warrant further investigation in strength tests with basalt fiber reinforced wood specimens. Acoustic emission measurement during the SFC tests has provided evidence for the sizing effect of polymeric silane coatings, as well as for moisture attack at severe surface flaws on the fiber during silane treatment.