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Gomuti fibre is obtained from Arenga pinnata tree and is known with other names such as sugar-palm fibre, gomutu, ijuk, serat aren and black fibre. This article presents a review on the physical, mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of gomuti fibre in comparison with other common natural fibres. Furthermore, this article reviews the mechanical properties of gomuti fibre composites with thermoset polymer resins based on the existing published literature. It is observable that gomuti fibre has a close similarity to coir fibre in its physical and mechanical properties than the other natural fibres. It has the characteristics of lower density, strength and modulus, but higher elongation. The composites with gomuti fibre also exhibit properties similar to coir fibre composites.

In this study, gomuti fibres/polyester composites are examined for tensile and flexural properties. The specimens are produced by hand lay-up method for practicality. Fibre forms are in four variations that are random original layout, chopped random, unidirectional and woven mat. The fibres are not chemically treated for the purpose to initially evaluate and determine the properties of untreated gomuti fibres/polyester composites. Results showed that specimens with unidirectional orientation have the highest average tensile strength. Meanwhile, woven mat specimens have the highest flexural strength. It is noted from the experimental results that gomuti fibres have a potential prospect as fibre reinforcement in composites.

Gomuti is a natural fibre obtained from Arenga pinnata tree. In its native countries, the fibre has been used as roof, rope, insulation and water filter. This paper presents a study into the physical, mechanical and thermal characteristics of gomuti fibre to observe its viability as natural fibre composite material. The study includes observations of fibre morphology, diameter, density, single fibre tensile testing and observation of fibre thermal stability. It was found that diameter of the studied gomuti fibre was in a range of 81-313 mm, with an average of 168 mm. Density of gomuti was $1.40 g/cm 3 . The average strength of single gomuti fibre was 173.9 MPa and the average modulus of elasticity was 3847 MPa. Alkali treatment with sodium hydroxide was conducted to evaluate modifications in the fibre's characteristics. The treated gomuti fibres show altered diameter range, density, single fibre tensile properties and different thermogravimetric plots. Based on the results, gomuti fibre can be considered viable to be developed into natural fibre composites.