Impact energy and ductility index of kevlar reinforcement with kenaf polyester composite

This research focuses on the reinforcement of kevlar in treated kenaf composite,specifically in the study of impact properties as well as the characteristics. the kenaf was treated with 6% sodium hydroxide (naoh) solution at a specific period of time before being made into laminates. impact test was conducted using an instrumented drop tower device at 36j level according to the standard astm d7136. microstructures of the fractured specimens were also analyzed. the results of the study indicated that treated kenaf/kevlar hybrid composite has better impact absorption energy than pure kenaf composite. compared to the pure kenaf composite,the hybrid composite absorbs more impact energy and appears to have lower impact damage at the same impact energy level. this is because the kevlar fibres play an important role to prevent and delay the destruction of composites. © 2015,penerbit utm press. all rights reserved.