An Evaluation of Mechanical Properties on Kenaf Natural Fiber/Polyester Composite Structures as Table Tennis Blade

Abstract

Nowadays, natural fibers getting attention from researchers and industries to optimize the use it, with combination of polymers as composite structure, due to environmental awareness. Furthermore, it show a few advantage, such as biodegradability, light in weight and non-toxic characteristic. In this study, kenaf natural fibers was used as reinforcement material, with combination of polyester as matrix material, known as polymer matrix composites. The main purpose of this study is to analysis the mechanical properties of kenaf natural fiber/polyester composite structure, in order to know the suitability of kenaf natural fibers as replacement material for table tennis blade structure, instead of using wood. The structural panel of composite laminates has been produced using hand lay-up technique. The experimental works are performed in tension, impact (Charpy) and shear condition. The characteristic of different condition on kenaf composite structure was studied. Based on the result, it found the properties of kenaf composite structure, and it will used as a benchmark, to compare with initial properties of table tennis blade made by wood. In addition, the strength and a weakness of that particular materials and lamination structure will be identified.

Pengaruh Massa Filler-Matriks terhadap Sifat Mekanik dan Daya Serap Air pada Komposit Cangkang Biji Karet

“…Meskipun kekuatan tarik komposit serbuk biji karet lebih rendah dari beberapa jenis komposit dengan bentuk serat yang lebih panjang. komposit cangkang biji karet memiliki kesamaan dengan cangkang asam jawa baik itu pada ketebalan cangkang, dan modulus elastisitas komposit [19]. Dari gambar tersebut dapat dilihat pola patahan kontinyu menunjukkan sifat material getas yang terjadi pada ketiga jenis spesimen.…”

Effects of kenaf filler reinforcement on mechanical properties of molded polypropylene composites: A particle size study

“…Renewable waste produced by plantations are a source of material for biocomposite products such as banana, coconut, pineapple, sugarcane, rice, oil, palm fruit, corn stalk, jute, kenaf, flax, sisal, abaca and kapok. 1 Kenaf specifically is a very fast growing annual plant, from the Hibiscus Cannabinus genus, that is harvested for its bast (35%) & core fibers (65%). 1 Kenaf can grow on various types of soil & climatic conditions yielding 6 to 8 tons per acre.…”

“…1 Kenaf specifically is a very fast growing annual plant, from the Hibiscus Cannabinus genus, that is harvested for its bast (35%) & core fibers (65%). 1 Kenaf can grow on various types of soil & climatic conditions yielding 6 to 8 tons per acre. In a growing season the plant can grown 12 to 15 feet tall in 3-4 month.…”

“…With respect to energy usage, glass fiber production requires nearly 10 times more non-renewable energy compared to natural fiber production. 1 Given this, these particles are just not environmentally sustainable. Renewable resources that are lightweight combined with plastic composites have attributed to lower CO 2 emissions resulting in less dependence on fuel sources.…”

“…Renewable waste produced by plantations are a source of material for biocomposite products such as banana, coconut, pineapple, sugarcane, rice, oil, palm fruit, corn stalk, jute, kenaf, flax, sisal, abaca and kapok. 1…”