Research Article

Influence of Alkaline Treatment Performance on the Mechanical, Thermal and Wettability Properties of Epoxy/Kenaf Fibre Composite

Shuaibu M.A1*, Busuguma A.U2, Mohammed A.B.3, Amina H.B3, Shamsuddeen U.A.4, Ahmad A.5
1 Department of Polymer Technology, Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
2 Department of Pre-Science, Ramat Polytechnic, Borno State, Nigeria
3 Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
4 Directorate of Research and Development, Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
5 School of Basic and Remedial Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
* Corresponding author: shuaibupolymer@gmail.com
Published: Jun, 2025
Pages: 97-111

Abstract

The development of eco-friendly composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal performance remains a challenge, particularly when using natural fibres. The studies on the mechanical and thermal properties of neat epoxy (EPX), EPX/KF and EPX/KF/NaOH at different kenaf fibre loading and at different NaOH treatment. This study investigates the effects of kenaf fibre (KF) loading and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the properties of epoxy-based composites. Neat epoxy (EPX), EPX/KF, and EPX/KF/NaOH composites were fabricated via hand lay-up at varying fibre contents and treatment concentrations. Mechanical, thermal, and wettability analyses were conducted. Results showed that incorporating 30 wt % KF significantly improves tensile strength and Young’s modulus compared to neat epoxy, while additional NaOH treatment further enhances tensile strain and impact strength. The Impact strength improved across all formulations, with the highest value observed at 40 wt % KF loading (3960.38 ± 210.5 J/m2). Linear thermal expansion and viscoelastic parameters also improved, indicating better thermal stability and energy degeneracy. Wettability analysis showed reduced contact angle and wetting energy after fibre treatment, suggesting improved fibre– matrix adhesion. Largely, the kenaf fibre reinforcement combined with the best NaOH treatment yields composites with superior mechanical, thermal, and interfacial properties. Alkalization of kenaf fibre statistically improved interfacial interaction between epoxy and fibre, thermal stiffness and stability, alongside the effect increases with higher curing time. These findings support the use of chemically treated natural fibres in high-performance polymer composites for applications demanding improved durability and thermal stability.

Keywords

Epoxy Kenaf-fibre sodium-hydroxide treatment Mechanical properties Thermal properties and Wettability

References

  1. Abioye, T. E., Zuhailawati, H., Anasyida, A. S., Yahaya, S. A., & Dhindaw, B. K. (2019). Investigation of the microstructure, mechanical and wear properties of AA6061-T6 friction stir weldments with different particulate reinforcement additions. *Journal of Materials Research and Technology*, 8(5), 3917-3928. doi:[https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2019.06.055](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2019.06.055)
  2. Akter, M., Uddin, M. H., & Anik, H. R. (2023). Plant fibre-reinforced polymer composites: a review on modification, fabrication, properties, and applications. *Polymer Bulletin*, 1-85.
  3. Al-Meer, A., & Al-Kuwari, S. (2023). Physical unclonable functions (PUF) for IoT devices. *ACM Computing Surveys*, 55(14s), 1-31.
  4. Asyraf, M., Nurazzi, N., Norrrahim, M., Hazrati, K., Ghani, A., Sabaruddin, F., ... Razman, M. (2023). Thermal properties of oil palm lignocellulosic fibre reinforced polymer composites: a comprehensive review on thermogravimetry analysis. *Cellulose*, 30(5), 2753-2790.
  5. Erbil, H. Y. (2021). Dependency of contact angles on three-phase contact line: A review. *Colloids and Interfaces*, 5(1), 8.
  6. Gokuldass, R., & Ramesh, R. (2019). Mechanical strength behavior of hybrid composites tailored by glass/Kevlar fibre-reinforced in nano-silica and micro-rubber blended epoxy. *Silicon*, 11, 2731-2739.
  7. Gong, F., Ni, Y., & Jia, H. (2022). Effects of specimen size on linear energy storage and dissipation laws of red sandstone under uniaxial compression. *Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment*, 81(9), 386.
  8. Hassan, N. A. A., Ahmad, S., Chen, R. S., & Natarajan, V. D. (2022). Synergistically enhanced mechanical, combustion and acoustic properties of biopolymer composite foams reinforcement by kenaf fibre. *Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing*, 155, 106826.
  9. Huang, Z., Shao, G., Zhou, D., Deng, X., Qiao, J., & Li, L. (2023). 3D printing of high-precision and ferromagnetic functional devices. *International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing*, 5(3), 035501.
  10. Ilyas, R., Sapuan, S., Harussani, M., Hakimi, M., Haziq, M., Atikah, M., ... Nurazzi, N. (2021). Polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposite: Processing, additive manufacturing and advanced applications. *Polymers*, 13(8), 1326.
  11. Jacob, J., & Mamza, P. A. P. (2021). Mechanical and thermal behavior of plantain peel powder filled recycled polyethylene composites. *Ovidius University Annals of Chemistry*, 32(2), 114-119.
  12. Jakes, J. E., Hunt, C. G., Zelinka, S. L., Ciesielski, P. N., & Plaza, N. Z. (2019). Effects of moisture on diffusion in unmodified wood cell walls: A phenomenological polymer science approach. *Forests*, 10(12), 1084.
  13. Javidrad, H., & Javidrad, F. (2023). Review of state-of-the-art research on the design and manufacturing of support structures for powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing. *Progress in Additive Manufacturing*, 1-26.
  14. Khan, Z. I., Habib, U., Mohamad, Z. B., Rahmat, A. R. B., & Abdullah, N. A. S. B. (2022). Mechanical and thermal properties of sepiolite strengthened thermoplastic polymer nanocomposites: A comprehensive review. *Alexandria Engineering Journal*, 61(2), 975-990.
  15. Khoo, P. S., Ilyas, R., Uda, M., Hassan, S. A., Nordin, A., Norfarhana, A., ... Norrrahim, M. (2023). Starch-Based Polymer Materials as Advanced Adsorbents for Sustainable Water Treatment: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. *Polymers*, 15(14), 3114.
  16. KOÇYİĞİT, N. (2023). Wearable Electronic Materials: Types, Properties and Applications. *MAS Journal of Applied Sciences*, 8(3), 471-491.
  17. Krishnasamy, S., Thiagamani, S. M. K., Kumar, C. M., Nagarajan, R., Shahroze, R., Siengchin, S., ... MP, I. D. (2019). Recent advances in thermal properties of hybrid cellulosic fiber reinforced polymer composites. *International Journal of Biological Macromolecules*, 141, 1-13.
  18. Kumar, S. V., Kumar, K. S., Jailani, H. S., & Rajamurugan, G. (2020). Mechanical, DMA and Sound Acoustic behaviour of Flax woven fabric reinforced Epoxy composites. *Materials Research Express*, 7(8), 085302.
  19. Magunga, L., Mohapi, M., Kaleni, A., Magagula, S., Mochane, M., & Motloung, M. (2023). Bioplastics and Biocomposites in Flame-Retardant Applications. *Handbook of Bioplastics and Biocomposites Engineering Applications*, 539-573.
  20. Musthaq, M. A., Dhakal, H. N., Zhang, Z., Barouni, A., & Zahari, R. (2023). The Effect of Various Environmental Conditions on the Impact Damage Behaviour of Natural-Fibre-Reinforced Composites (NFRCs)—A Critical Review. *Polymers*, 15(5), 1229.
  21. Narayana, V. L., & Rao, L. B. (2023). Influence of Alkali Treatment and Stacking Sequence on Mechanical, Physical, and Thermal Characteristics of Hemp and Palmyra-Reinforced Hybrid Composites. *Journal of Natural Fibers*, 20(2), 2213908.
  22. Nurazzi, N., Shazleen, S., Aisyah, H., Asyraf, M., Sabaruddin, F., Mohidem, N., ... Ishak, M. (2021). Effect of silane treatments on mechanical performance of kenaf fibre reinforced polymer composites: A review. *Functional Composites and Structures*, 3(4), 045003.
  23. Parashar, S., & Chawla, V. (2023). Analysis of the Effect of Hybridization of Coconut Shell Particles on Kenaf-Coir Based Epoxy Hybrid Composites. *Energy and Environment Focus*, 7(1), 65-76.
  24. Radzi, F., Suriani, M., Bakar, A. A., Khalina, A., Ruzaidi, C., Nik, W. W., ... Ilyas, R. (2023). Effect of reinforcement of Alkaline-treated sugar palm/bamboo/kenaf and fibreglass/Kevlar with polyester hybrid biocomposites: mechanical, morphological, and water absorption properties. *Journal of Materials Research and Technology*, 24, 4190-4202.
  25. Saba, N., & Jawaid, M. (2018). A review on thermomechanical properties of polymers and fibers reinforced polymer composites. *Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry*, 67, 1-11.
  26. Saha, A., & Kumari, P. (2023). Effect of alkaline treatment on physical, structural, mechanical and thermal properties of Bambusa tulda (Northeast Indian species) based sustainable green composites. *Polymer Composites*, 44(4), 2449-2473.
  27. Shuaibu, M., Hamza, P., Hamza, A., & Isa, M. (2020). Sorption Resistance of Ficus Polita Seed Powder and Calcium Carbonate Filled Polypropylene. *Fudma Journal of Sciences*, 4(1), 218-225.
  28. Sivakandhan, C., Balaji, R., Loganathan, G. B., Madan, D., & Murali, G. (2020). Investigation of mechanical behaviour on sponge/ridge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) natural fiber using epoxy and polyester resin. *Materials Today: Proceedings*, 22, 705-714.
  29. Sooraj, V. (2021). Effect of cutting tool feed rate on contact angle of water drops in non-composite wetting of CNC milled aluminum AA6061 surfaces. *Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part E: Journal of Process Mechanical Engineering*, 235(2), 219-229.
  30. Taj, A., Swamy, R., Naik, K., & Bharath, K. (2023). An evaluation on mechanical properties of vaccum bagging processed kenaf epoxy nano aluminium oxide and nanographene composites. *Engineering Research Express*, 5(2), 025007.
  31. Uusi-Tarkka, E.-K., Skrifvars, M., Khalili, P., Heräjärvi, H., Kadi, N., & Haapala, A. (2023). Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Wood-Fiber-Based All-Cellulose Composites and Cellulose-Polypropylene Biocomposites. *Polymers*, 15(3), 475.
  32. Yang, Y., Wang, D.-Y., Jian, R.-K., Liu, Z., & Huang, G. (2023). Chemical structure construction of DOPO-containing compounds for flame retardancy of epoxy resin: A review. *Progress in Organic Coatings*, 175, 107316.
  33. Yaro, N. S. A., Sutanto, M. H., Baloo, L., Habib, N. Z., Usman, A., Yousafzai, A. K., ... Noor, A. (2023). A comprehensive overview of the utilization of recycled waste materials and technologies in asphalt pavements: towards environmental and sustainable low-carbon roads. *Processes*, 11(7), 2095.
  34. Yunus, S., Salleh, Z., Masdek, N., Jumahat, A., Kushairi, S., Ghazali, F., & Halim, Z. (2023). Normalization of impact energy by different layer arrangement for kenaf-glass hybrid composite laminates. *Materials Today: Proceedings*, 74, 504-508.
  35. Zhang, J., Qiao, L., Zheng, J., Ying, Y., Cai, W., Yu, J., ... Che, S. (2023). The Magnetic Properties of FeSiCr/Epoxy Resin Soft Magnetic Composites for Injection Molding in a Broad Frequency Up To 2000 kHz. *Journal of Electronic Materials*, 52(2), 1024-1035.
How to Cite

M.A, S., A.U, B., A.B., M., H.B, A., U.A., S., & A., A. (2025). Influence of Alkaline Treatment Performance on the Mechanical, Thermal and Wettability Properties of Epoxy/Kenaf Fibre Composite. Nigerian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, 15(1), 97-111.

S. M.A, B. A.U, M. A.B., A. H.B, S. U.A., and A. A., "Influence of Alkaline Treatment Performance on the Mechanical, Thermal and Wettability Properties of Epoxy/Kenaf Fibre Composite," Nigerian Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 97-111, June 2025.

Share this article:
Facebook X / Twitter LinkedIn
Download PDF View Full Text (PDF) Back to Articles