Pandanus Tectorius Fiber/ Rice Husk Powder as Green Reinforcement for Lightweight Composites: Evaluation of Impact Strength Properties and Thermal Stability

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, 83115, Indonesia

2 Natural Composites Research Group Lab, Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), Bangkok, 10800, Thailand

3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, 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.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Mechanics of Advanced Composite Structures

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 January 2025

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