The objective of this research was to investigate the hydrophilic and mechanical properties of kenaf fiber treated with vinyl tris(2-ethoxymethoxy) silane (VTEMS) and the resulting fiber/resin composite. The hypothesis was that silane-modified kenaf fibers, when used to make Sheet Molding Compounds (SMCs), would improve the water resistance and mechanical properties compared to unmodified kenaf fibers, and these potentially improved SMCs may be a useful material for the automotive and other industries. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the modified fibers and the resulting SMCs, and some silica-lignocellulosic bonding was observed. The water absorption of composites decreased as the loading of the silane reagent increased. The MOR and MOE mechanical properties of the SMCs also initially improved as the silane reagent levels increased from 0 (untreated) to 10% silane, but at levels above 10% VTEMS no further enhancement in the mechanical properties was obtained.

There are many different types of fillers used for bitumen modification such as / silica, limestone, basalt, mica, oyster shells. Filler gives rigidity, stiffness or hardness, regulates thermal expansion and shrinkage, improves heat resistance, and modifies rheological properties of bituminous composites. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of filler type and ratio on mechanical, thermal properties and morphologies of bitumen based composites. It was also aimed to improve the heat resistivity of the bituminous composite to obtain a material with good mechanical and heat isolation properties. Bituminous composites were prepared by using Brabender Plasti-Corder, PLV 151. Mixing was made at 180 &ordm / C with 60 rpm for 15 minutes. Two grades of bitumen as 20/30 and 50/70 penetrations were used. CaCO3, CaO, mica, baryte, kieselguhr and silaned kieselguhr were used as fillers in this study. Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, styrene&amp / #8211 / butadiene rubber, and styrene&amp / #8211 / butadiene&amp / #8211 / styrene block copolymer were used as polymers. According to the test results, using mica at low percentages had the effect of decreasing the viscosity of the bitumen due to its flow alignment property. Baryte gave high heat capacity and low heat conductivity to bituminous material. EVA containing samples showed the best combination on mechanical properties. The silanation process decreased the pore sizes as observed in mercury porosimetry experiments. A decreased amount of bitumen impregnation was obtained by the silanation process, clearly observed in SEM micrographs.