Abstract :
The use of composite materials as alternatives to metal materials in
engineering is increasingly used. This is due to the advantages of the use of
composite materials that have a heavier weight, strong, corrosion-resistant, and
economical. The research aims to identify the effects of the volume fractions of the
coconut coir fibers on composites with polyester resin to the tensile strength as the
car interiors.
In this research the method of manufacture used is a press handlay-up with
coconut fiber material as reinforced and polyester Yukalac 157 BQTN-EX as a
matrix with the type Hardener Mekpo (Methyl Ethyl ketone peroxide). A 5% NaOH
treatment lasts for 1 hour. Fiber is cut in 2 cm with random fiber orientation.
Composites are made with volume fraction variations of 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% of
composite.
Pull test results gained the greatest tensile strength was at 9% volume
fraction of 25.22 MPa. While the lowest strength at the volume fraction was 12% at
17.18 MPa. While, based on the analysis of the Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM), there is a fracture of broken and fiber pulled-out that occurs in volume
fraction 12%.
The result of material testing as an interior material (handle) of the car by
referring standard SAE (Society of Automotive Engineering) is SAE J 1717 with the
tensile test of 20-40 MPa. Therefore it can be recommended that the volume fraction
9% is proper as one of the composite materialsfor the car interior (handle) because it
has a tensile strength value of 25.22 MPa.