| Summary: | The hybridization of thermoplastic natural
rubber based on carbon fiber (CF) and kenaf fiber (KF)
was investigated for its mechanical and thermal properties.
Hybrid composites were fabricated with a melt-blending
method in an internal mixer. Samples with overall fiber
contents of 5, 10, 15, and 20 vol % were subjected to flexural
testing, and samples with up to 30% fiber content
were subjected to impact testing. For flexural testing, generally,
the strength and modulus increased up to 15 vol %
and then declined. However, for impact testing, higher
fiber contents resulted in an increment in strength in both
treated and untreated composites. Thermal analysis was
carried out by means of dynamic mechanical analysis on
composites with 15 vol % fiber content with fractions of
CF to KF of 100/0, 70/30, 50/50, 30/70, and 0/100. Generally,
the storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan d for the
untreated hybrid composite were more consistent and better
than those of the treated hybrid composites. The glasstransition
temperature of the treated hybrid composite was
slightly lower than that of the untreated composite, which
indicated poor damping properties. A scanning electron
micrograph of the fracture surface of the treated hybrid
composite gave insight into the damping characteristics.
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