Moisture absorption behavior of epoxy-kenaf composites enhanced with surface-modified nano-clay

Ultrasonication and magnetic stirring were used to disseminate surface-modified Bentonite nano-clay (2 wt%) into the epoxy Kenaf composite, which helped to reduce the problem of moisture absorption of Kenaf Fibers. A combination of compression molding and hand layup processes were employed to create epoxy nano-clay composites and Kenaf reinforced epoxy. The effect of surface modified nano-clay on artificial seawater absorption was studied by immersing the manufactured composite samples in artificial seawater till saturation. The uptake of moisture was calculated by taking regular weight readings and then calculating the diffusion coefficient. The saturation moisture uptake was reduced by 52% and the diffusion coefficient was reduced by 73% when nano-clay was added. It was determined how the tensile and flexural strengths were affected by the artificial absorption of seawater. Composites with epoxy nano-clay reinforcement and those with Kenaf reinforcement had a 27% decrease in tensile strength. The epoxy nano-clay composite showed no noticeable change, however the epoxy composite reinforced with Kenaf had a 19% reduction in tensile modulus. The flexural properties followed a comparable trend. Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) show that nanoclay has mitigated the effect of water absorption on mechanical characteristics.