The characterization of mechanical property and fatigue life of betel-falm fiber composite as environmentally-friendly material

Abstract

Composites with natural fiber reinforcement have good potential to be developed. Natural fibers such as: palm fiber, coconut fiber and other natural fibers as a nonconventional and environmentally friendly material have not been studied completely yet. This research is to characterize the mechanical properties of betel-palm fiber as reinforcement in composite material. One of the most common ways of increasing composite properties is by performing chemical treatments, such as alkali (NaOH) to fiber. The method of this research was conducted experimentally to find out the mechanical properties of the composite, Tension test and Charpy-impact test were conducted to the specimens in order to get the tensile strength value and impact energy respectively. The tests were conducted either without alkali treatment or with alkali treatment. The fibers were treated with NaOH 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6% and 7% were soaked for 2 hours. Than the specimens were cleaned by using water and dried naturally. The composite volume fraction used 10% fiber and 90% polyester resin. The results of the test obtained showed the tensile stress and the largest composite tensile strain are 0.6276 kg/mm2 and 2.271% in a 5% NaOH bath for 2 hours. The highest value of the impact strength of 10.9303 Joule was found out in the treatment of 5% alkali (NaOH).