Fabrication and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-treated Kenaf Polymer Composites for Weather Resistance Based on a Solar UV Radiation

Polyester/kenaf composites reinforced with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were fabricated. The nanoparticle treatment had a noticeable effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. Kenaf treatments with five different concentrations 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% were performed. The mechanical analysis showed an increased flexural strength stability and break elongation in the functionalized ZnO NPs-treated kenaf polyester resin composites. The polymer nanocomposites with 2% ZnO NPs had stable mechanical properties with moderate elastic properties compared with the remaining ZnO NPs systems. The mechanical properties of the composites that contained different layers of kenaf mat demonstrated positive influence on the polymer nanocomposites. The material increased in stiffness with an increase in layers from 1 to 5. The results of weathering confirmed the stability of the polymer nanocomposites with increased stability. The 2% nanoparticle coating with a 5-layer kenaf layer revealed no remarkable changes in the mechanical degradation throughout the 6-month weathering period. The results of the mechanical properties tests suggested that a 2% ZnO NPs concentration with five kenaf layers had the highest moisture resistance, thus; the ZnO NPs acted as a water repellent agent.