Sains Malaysiana 38(4)(2009): 531–535 

Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre Reinforced PVCComposites: A Review

(Sifat-sifat Mekanik Komposit PVC Diperkuat GentianSemulajadi: Satu Tinjauan)

R. Wirawan, E.S. Zainudin* & S.M. Sapuan

Jabatan Mekanikal dan Kejuruteraan Pembuatan, Universiti Putra Malaysia

UPM 43400 Serdang, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

Diserahkan: 10 Julai 2008 / Diterima: 3 November 2008

ABSTRACT

Poly (vinyl chloride), which is commonly abbreviated as PVC, is widely used due to it being inexpensive, durable, and flexible. As a hard thermoplastic, PVC is used in the applications such as in building materials pipe and plumbing. The factors that should be considered in using PVC is safety and environmental issues. Mixing PVC with natural fibres is an interesting alternative. The main challenge in the research on natural fibre/polymer composites is the poor compatibility between the fibres and the matrix because this will affect their bonding strength. During the mixing with PVC, some natural fibres may acts as reinforcing materials while other natural fibres only act as filler, which contribute less to mechanical strength improvement. However, generally natural fibres also give positive outcome to the stiffness of the composites while decreasing the density.

Keywords: Composites; natural fibre; poly (vinyl chloride)

ABSTRAK

Poly (vinyl chloride) yang dikenali secara amnya sebagai PVC, telah digunakan dengan meluasnya kerana kosnya yang tidak tinggi, berdaya tahan dan fleksibel. Sebagai termoplastik keras, PVC digunakan dalam aplikasi seperti dalam bahan-bahan binaan dan pempaipan. Perkara yang perlu diberi perhatian dalam menggunakan PVC ialah mengenai isu keselamatan dan alam sekitar. Mencampurkan PVC dengan gentian semula jadi adalah alternatif yang menarik. Cabaran utama penyelidikan berkaitan komposit gentian semulajadi/ polimer ialah kelemahan keserasian antara gentian dan damar kerana ia mempengaruhi kekuatan ikatan di antara gentian dan damar. Semasa pencampuran dengan PVC, sebahagian gentian semula jadi akan bertindak sebagai bahan penguat manakala yang lainnya hanya bertindak sebagai pengisi yang kurang menyumbang kepada memperbaiki kekuatan mekanikal. Walau bagaimanapun, secara amnya gentian-gentian semulajadi ada juga memberi kesan positif kepada kekakuan komposit manakala ketumpatan berkurang.

Kata kunci: Gentian semulajadi; komposit; poli (vinil klorida)

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*Pengarang untuk surat-menyurat; email: edisyam@eng.upm.edu.my