Effect of Different Layup Sequences on Vibration Response of Kenaf Core Reinforced Composite Foam

Recently, the use of natural resources tends to replace the use of synthetic resources in the composite field. The natural resource has comparable mechanical properties compared to the synthetic resource. An experimental investigation was conducted to investigate the effect of different layup sequences of different mesh sizes of kenaf core (KC) reinforced composite foam. Composite foam was manufactured using a simple process of mixing and coldpressing to ensure the equivalent thickness of the composite foam formed. A total of 27 layup sequences with two types of resin used were soft epoxy (SE) and polyurethane (PU). 3.0 mm, 20 mesh and 30 mesh of KC size were used and the motor vibration test was used to evaluate the performance of the composite foam. Based on the results, it was found that most of the specimens of reinforced PU composites had better vibration energy absorption properties compared to the specimens of reinforced SE composites. The BAC layup sequence reinforced PU composite shows good agreement in vibration energy absorption properties, which improved 64.78 % compared to pure PU foam. It was also found that the 3.0 mm mesh size of the KC used showed better performance in the absorption of vibration energy.