Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Optimizing Mahogany Peel Powder-Polyester Composites for Sustainable Automotive Interior Panels: Effects of Filler Content on Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Nasmi Herlina Sari 1
Suteja Suteja 2
Deni Wardani 2
I Putu Lokantara 2
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, 83115, Indonesia
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Udayana, Bali, 80234, Indonesia
10.22075/macs.2026.35953.1763
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of mahogany peel powder (MPs) content on the mechanical properties of polyester composites, with an emphasis on flexural strength and modulus. MPS and polyester resin were made in proportions of 7:93, 15:85, 20:80, and 30:70 (% vol.). The composite was created utilizing the press molding technique. The composites' physical, thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties were examined. The findings revealed that at a powder concentration of 7%-20%, the composites' tensile strength, elastic modulus, bending strength, and heat resistance tended to be higher due to the strong interaction between the MPs and matrix. The composite with a 20% volume percentage of MPS had the maximum tensile strength and flexural strength, 42.34 ± 3.84 MPa and 74.95 ± 6.04 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, at a 30% powder concentration, the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the composite degraded due to particle aggregation and lower adhesion between the powder and the matrix. These findings suggest that the created composite could be employed as a material for automotive interior panels.
Keywords
Composite
Mahogany powder
Polyester
Mechanical properties
Microstructure
Subjects
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Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures
Volume 13, Issue 2 - Serial Number 28
November 2026
Pages 439-450