Tensile and tear properties of curly coconut fiber and natural rubber composite

Abstract

Natural fiber composite is a material growing rapidly at this decade. Coconut fiber has good potential to be used as reinforcement in natural fiber composites which is combined with rubber matrix. Tis research aims to investigate the tensile and tear properties of curly coconut fiber and natural rubber composite. The coconut fibers were spun so that its shape becomes curly. The fibers have a function as like a spring and the rubber has a function to hold the fibers. The composition of rubber and fibers was varied for 30:70, 50:50, 70:30 (in weight). The specimens were produced by cutting the composites in accordance to ISO 13934-1 for the tensile test and ASTM D-5034 for the tear test. The result shows that the addition of rubber content enhances the tensile strength and strain of the composites, but its elasticity modulus decreases. Similarly, the tear strength of the also increases along with the addition of rubber. This basic property of the composite should be completed with other properties to fulfill the requirement properties in accordance with its application.