The characterisation of the citronella fiberboards

Abstract

As substitution of wood, citronella has a seen as a great potential substitution of wood for manufacturing of fiberboard composite. However, the problem encountered when there is incompatibility between the matrix and the filler. Surface modification treatment on the citronella fiber has been done to improve the interfacial adhesion between the matrix unsaturated polyester resin and the citronella fiber. The mechanical properties of this fiberboard was determine by undergoes tensile testing, flexural testing and impact test. The composite shows an increment of Young’s modulus by increasing filler loading of citronella fiber treated with alkaline. On the hand a good increment of tensile strength observed by increasing of filler loading. Furthermore, the modified citronella fiber poses a better impact strength as compared to unmodified citronella fiber. The thermal properties have been studied by using Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the result show an increase of thermal stability with increasing of citronella filler.