Research article

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In order to improve the poor interfacial adhesion of the kenaf fiber and polystyrene (PS) in their composite material, the surface of the kenaf fiber was modified using a synthesized polymeric coupling agent to promote adhesion with PS matrix. The dynamic thermo-mechanical properties of the composite composed of modified kenaf fiber and PS were also investigated. The polymeric coupling agent treatment of the kenaf fiber increased the fiber-matrix interaction through a condensation reaction between alkoxysilane and hydroxyl groups of kenaf cellulose. DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis) results showed that the modified fiber composites have higher E′ and lower tanδ than those with untreated fiber indicating that a greater interfacial interaction between the matrix resin and the fiber. It was also found that the storage modulus increases in proportion with the Si/C ratio on the fiber surface.