Enhancing the Performance of Natural Fiber Hybrid Green Composites through Coupling Agent modification

The search for sustainable resources has led to the use of biodegradable natural fibres in composites. As of now, no study has been performed on the fabrication of hybrid natural fiber green composite through coupling agent modification. Thus, this study investigates the fabrication of green composites using a hybrid blend of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) and Kenaf fibers utilizing coupling agent modification and hot compression method. The FTIR results indicates that the MAH was successfully reacted with the cellulose backbone of the fibers. The SEM result reveal that the surface morphology of green composite has been smooth after MAH modification. The coupling agent also improves fiber-PLA matrix bonding, improving the green composite's tensile strength, modulus, impact strength, and thermal stability. In addition, composites water absorption was shown to be decreased as a result of the treatment of MAH.