Abstract :
The utilization and use of natural fibers are increasingly being used. One of
them is the use of natural fiber as an alternative substitute for glass fiber for the
needs of the automotive industry, households, shipping, and even aviation and the
advantages of using natural fibers are low density, corrosion resistance,
environmentally friendly, easily biodegradable, recyclable and relatively low
production costs.
This study aims to investigate the maximum value of fiber volume fractions
on the tensile and impact strength properties of hybrid composites with betel nut
fibers and coconut husk fibers with polyester resin by using the hand lay-up method.
The materials used were betel nut fiber and coconut husk fiber with polyester resin
matrix and MEKPO catalyst. The process carried out was by randomly compiling
betel nut fiber and coconut husk fiber with a fiber length of 10 mm in each volume
fraction variation of 2%, 4%, and 6%. The tensile and impact testing specimens
and procedures referred to the ASTM D638-14 and ASTM D6110-08 standards.
The results of this study showed that the higher the addition of fiber volume
fractions, the tensile strength will increase. The highest tensile strength was found
in the volume fraction of 6% (specimen C) of 94% of polyester resin which was
18.73 MPa and the lowest tensile strength of the volume fraction of 2% (specimen
A) of 98% of polyester resin which was 11.93 MPa. The higher the addition of the
fiber volume fraction will increase the impact strength of the composite. The highest
impact strength was found in the volume fraction of 6% (specimen C) of 94% of
polyester resin which was 0.057 J/mm2 and the lowest impact strength in the volume
fraction of 2% (specimen A) of 98% polyester resin which was 0.049 J / mm2.