| ABSTRACT |
Polyurethane foams are amongst the most important class of specialty polymers. It can be divided into three major classes, namely rigid, semi-rigid and flexible polyurethane foams. Rigid polyurethane foams are particularly useful in the construction industries as they are used as components such as polymeric concretes, insulating materials and sealants. In addition, flexible polyurethane foams are as cushion in the furniture, bedding and automotive industries.
Several studies have been made composite PU foam materials using synthetic fibers such as glass, carbon, boron, nylon and kevlar as additives which are harmful to human and expensive. Using synthetic fibers as reinforcement agents in PU foam composites poses some disadvantages such as slow deterioration, costly and consumption of non-renewable resources [1]. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new multipurpose eco-friendly foam that achieve desired performance levels, environmental friendly, safer to users and workers, as well as cheaper price than existing products. The use of agro-waste materials such as kenaf fiber, rice husk, sugarcane baggasse and saw dust within this field has signaled the start of a eco-friendly foam industry with enormous potential because it is abundant, renewable resource, cheap, non-harmful to human and environment.
Traditionally, kenaf bast fibers are used and known for rope, twine, and course sacking materials. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as natural fiber is biodegradable and environmentally friendly crop and has been found to be an important source fiber for composites and other industrial applications [2]. Kenaf fiber also has a potential as reinforced fiber in thermosets and thermoplastics composites. Recently, many researchers had conducted research to study the potential of kenaf as reinforcement material in FRP composite for automotif applications. For each 10 tonnes of sugarcane crushed, a sugar factory produces nearly 3 tonnes of wet bagasse. Since bagasse is a by-product of the cane sugar industry, the quantity of production in each country is in line with the quantity of sugarcane produced. The high moisture content of bagasse, typically 40 to 50%, is detrimental to its use as a fuel.
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