Effect of limestone mass concentration on tensile strength and surface morphology of coconut fiber

Abstract

The material processing technology was developed to answer the increasing material needs. The material developed is a composite material based on natural fibers. Among many natural fibers and maximum utilization is coconut fiber. This study aims to determine the effect of limestone as a medium for coconut fiber immersion on the tensile strength of a single fiber and the surface morphology of the fiber. Coconut fiber that has been cleaned is soaked in a solution of lime water for 8 hours with a variation of lime content: 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. Coconut fiber that has been processed is tested by testing a single fiber and SEM. The results obtained from testing a single fiber with 5% limestone content for 8 hours total tensile strength of 236.27 MPa. The tensile strength without treatment, 5% limestone, 7.5% limestone, and 10% limestone are 172,15 MPa, 204.37 MPa, 199.73 MPa and 180.32 MPa. The surface morphology of the fibers with limestone treatment becomes rougher.