Renewable resource based “all green composites” from kenaf biofiber and poly(furfuryl alcohol) bioresin

The present study investigated the interphasic and physico-mechanical properties of “all green composites” obtained from kenaf natural fiber and poly(furfuryl alcohol) bioresin. The water absorption behavior and the effect on performance properties of the green composites is also a prime focus of this study. The optimum properties of the green composites were achieved by 20 wt% fiber loading which showed the significant increments in tensile strength (310%), storage modulus (123%), and flexural strength (48%). Tensile moduli were compared with theoretical calculations from the rule of mixture (ROM). Adequate retention of mechanical properties after water absorption – up to 83% for tensile, 89% for flexural and 82% for impact strength – were observed after subjecting the composites to boiling water. The maximum water uptake (7.7%) at saturation point was obtained from non-Fickian water absorption curves. These composites appear compact and void-free, and possess good fiber–matrix interactions.

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► Properties of poly(furfuryl alcohol)/kenaf ‘all green composite’ were studied.
► Present composites showed significant improvement in mechanical properties.
► Composites have very good moisture stability nature.
► Excellent retention of mechanical properties after water absorption test.
► Composites hold high potential to be used in exterior structural applications.