me 508 mini project kenaf

8/8/2019 ME 508 Mini Project Kenaf

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ME 508 Mini Project

Kenaf

John Fenske

Fall 2010

http://www.jute.org/prod_gallery.htm


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Introduction

Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus)

is a warm season annual

plant originating from Africa

Averages heights of 8 to 14feet in 4 to 5 months

Largest producers are India

and China

Stalks consist of outer fiber(bast) and inner fiber (core)

as seen to the right

6-Dec-102 [1], [3], [4], [8], [9]http://upmkenafteam.blogspot.com/


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6-Dec-103

[8]

Where does

kenaf fit in the

fiber network?


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History

Its use dates back over 4,000 years ago by the

Egyptians in sails for ships (would not rot)

Continued to be used as food source for people and

livestock into today (high protein content) Research in US to use fiber for rope began in 1940s

when imports from Asia were interrupted by WWII

Now its use is being explored

in composite applications

6-Dec-104 [3], [6], [9]

http://picsicio.us/domain/ancientneareast.tripod.com/


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Applications

Materials: Burlap, Paper/newspaper and paper

products, Rope/string

Fertilizer: Potting-mix ingredient

Absorptive: Oil, Animal bedding/litter Cushion: Carpet padding, Packing material

6-Dec-105 [1]


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Composite Applications

Automobile exterior composites

Semi-structural applications

Reinforcing fillers in plastics

Replaces glass fibers in glass fiber composites

Composites for mobile phones

6-Dec-106 [1], [8], [9]

http://ccgconsultinginc.com/kenaf.aspx


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Specific

automotive

applicationsof

naturalfibercomposites

Effectivesound

absorbers

6-Dec-107 [8], [9]


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Advantages

Plant

Very robust-withstands many diseases, insects, weeds,

drought periods, soil conditions

Production

Requires no special equipment for growing/harvesting-process similar to that of hay

Fibers separate easily from each other and rest of plant

Natural fibers

Low cost, low density,

high toughness, favorable

processing properties,

biodegradable

6-Dec-108 [1], [2], [4], [8]

http://www.kenafibers.com/pics.html


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Disadvantages

Plant

Highly susceptible to frost-limits areas for production

Transportation

Must be produced near processing plants as plant is too

bulky for transport

Natural Fibers

Limited heat resistance,

variations in quality and

uniformity, moisture

sensitivity, presence of

dust and short fibers

during processing

6-Dec-109 [1], [2], [4], [8] http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/sa039s-first-biocomposite-processing-plant-starts-up-2007-04-20


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Structure & Properties

Physical Properties

TensileStrength 427 N/mm

Elongation at Break 1.5 %

Youngs Modulus 22 Gpa

Color White

Luster Low

6-Dec-1010 [9]

Composites have strength properties comparable

and are almost twice as stiff as glass fiber reinforcedPP composites

Kenaf reinforced Polypropylene (PP) composites can

be injected molded on existing molds


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Inconsistency of Properties

Differences in properties result from different growing

conditions A and B (Figure 5)

Additionally, fibers closer to the ground are stronger

than those higher from the ground (Figure 6)

6-Dec-1011 [7]


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References

[1] Yibin Xue, Y. D. (2007).StatisticalTensile PropertiesofKenaf FibersanditsComposites.9th

International Conference on Wood & Biofiber Plastic Composites. Madison.

[2]InteractiveEuropean Networkfor IndustrialCropsandtheir Applications. (2002, September 20).

Crops. Retrieved October 17, 2010, from IENICA:http://www.ienica.net/crops/kenaf.pdf

[3] GeorgiaFarmMonitor (2009, October 26). Kenaf FarminginLaurensCounty, Georgia [VideoFile].

Retrievedfromhttp://www.youtube.com/georgiafarmmonitor#p/search/0/CJ3ZRjTCxrc

[4] KentuckyCooperativeExtensionService. (2009, October).Kenaf. Retrieved October 19, 2010, fromUK Ag NewCrop OpportunitiesCenter:

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/NewCrops/introsheets/kenafintro.pdf

[5] Vision Paper. (2005, November 4).About the Kenaf Plant. Retrieved October 17, 2010, from Vision

Paper:http://www.visionpaper.com/kenaf2.html

[6] P.J.LeMahieu, E. O. (1991, April).Kenaf. Retrieved October 17, 2010, from Purdue: Agriculture:

Horticulture & Landscape Architecture:http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/kenaf.html

[7] Ochi, S. (2007).Mechanical Properties of kenaf fibers and kenaf/PLA composites. Miyagi:ElsevierLtd.[8] Bos, H. (2004).The Potential of Flax Fibres as Reinforcement for. Eindhoven: University PressFacilities.

[9] Lutfar, L. B., & Ahmad, S.Jute & Kenaf: Fibers of the Future. InternationalJuteStudy Group.

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Questions

Useful links http://www.dmoz.org/Science/Agriculture/Field_Crops/Fiber_Cro

ps/Kenaf/

http://www.apparelsearch.com/kenaf.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_fibers

http://www.jute.org/index.php

6-Dec-1013

me 508 mini project kenaf

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