Abstract :
The innovation of fiber composites from banana stem fibers is used to increase
the economic value of banana stem fibers, therefore a fiber utilization plan from
banana stem fibers is designed for composite reinforcement with biodegradable
natural fiber materials. This is to support the use of environmentally friendly
composites and reduce the use of pollutant synthetic fiber composite materials. The
aim of the research was to analyze the mechanical and physical properties of
natural fiber composites made from eco-friendly banana fiber materials. The
research method for making fiber-reinforced composites from banana stems was
soaking 5% NaOH for 2 hours with a volume fraction of 7% fiber and without pure
fiber resin as a comparison. Fiber composite from banana stems with epoxy resin
matrix and hardener. Mechanical testing was carried out by bending tests using the
ASTM D-790 standard. And macro photos were taken on the specimens to get
physical results on the composite, natural fibers showed the toughness of the
composite load at a fiber volume fraction of 7% resin 93% with an average value
of 14.201 kgf and without fiber to get an average value of 10.41 kgf. This showed
an increase in the fiber volume fraction of 7% with 5% NaOH immersion would
improve the mechanical properties of bending NaOH immersion had an effect on
the absorption of banana fronds on the matrix which could increase the adhesion
between the fiber reinforcement and the matrix thereby increasing the mechanical
properties of bending and strengthening when the specimen was tested bending so
that the stress or the load is well distributed. Compared to without fiber when the
specimen is loaded or bent it will break easily because there is no composition to
strengthen the composite.