The Effect of Yarn Linear Density on Mechanical Properties of Plain Woven Kenaf Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composite

To produce a good quality of dry fabric for reinforced material in a natural-based polymer composite, yarn linear density should be in consideration. A woven kenaf dry fabric with three different linear densities of 276tex, 413.4tex and 759tex were produced. The fabrics with different linear densities were been optimize with the assistance of WiseTex software. The optimized dry fabrics were infused with unsaturated polyester to produce composite panel using vacuum infusion process. The composites properties were tested on the tensile strength, flexural strength and the impact strength. The result shows that the mechanical properties of the composite increased when the yarn linear densities increased.