Pandanus Tectorius Fiber/ Rice Husk Powder As Green Reinforcement For Lightweight Composites: Evaluation Of Impact Strength Properties And Thermal Stability

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 University of Mataram, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

2 King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), 1518 Pracharat 1, Wongsawang Road, Bangsue, Bangkok 10800, Thailand. Ph. No.: (+91) 9035814366, (+66) 806300745

3 Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, The Sirindhorn International Thai – German Graduate School of Engineering,

4 University of Brawijaya, Indonesia

Abstract

Agricultural wastes such as Pandanus tectorius fiber (DPs) and rice husk powder (RHs) are cost-effective, low-density, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly materials. This study investigates the impact strength and thermal properties of polyester composites with varying DPs/RHs ratios. DPs treated with 20% NaOH were combined in 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% (vol.), while RHs was varied from 5% to 10% (vol.). The results showed that increasing fiber content improved the composite's impact strength and thermal stability. The highest impact strength was achieved by sample G30/10 (30% DPs: 10% RHs) at 55.8 ± 1.89 KJ/mm², while the lowest was X10/5 (10% DPs: 5% RHs) at 22.23 ± 3.4 KJ/mm². Sample X30/5 (30% DPs: 5% RHs) exhibited the best thermal stability with only 4.47% weight loss, whereas sample G15/10 (15% DPs: 10% RHs) experienced 67% weight loss. SEM analysis revealed fiber-matrix interactions influencing impact properties. These findings suggest that DPs/RHs composites could be applied in lightweight, green thermal insulation solutions, and automotive components, promoting sustainable waste utilization.

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