Mechanical Properties of Coconut Fiber Hybrids and Non Hybrids Prepared Using Polyester Resin

The use and exploitation of natural fibers as reinforcement in composite materials continues to be developed with the aim of reducing the use of synthetic fibers which have an impact on the environmental problems. This research aims to experimentally study the fiber potential and coconut sticks for the manufacture of hybrid composite materials as one of the natural fiber-based composite materials that have performance for certain applications. The method used is the manufacture of hybrid composites by varying the volume of fiber and sticking with polyester resin matrices. While testing mechanical properties in succession refers to ASTM D 638, ASTM D 790, ASTM D 785 and ASTM D 256 testing standards for tensile strength testing, bending strength, hardness testing, and impact  testing. The results obtained show that the most optimal mechanical properties occur in the composition of the 50% reinforcement volume fraction. Overall, the head stick as a reinforcing material on hybrid composites has not provided significant reinforcement due to the presence of a hard layer around the surface of the stick even though alkaline treatment has been carried out.