Development of natural fiber reinforced composite prepreg
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Date
2018-06
Authors
Saifulmajdy Ahmad Zahiri
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Abstract
Generally, composite is a material made by mixing two or more constituent
materials of different properties to enhance the advantages of the materials. Composite
materials are highly utilized in lately due to their ability of tailored specified properties,
such as high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, inflammable properties,
wear resistance and etc. The need for renewable fiber-reinforced composites has never
been as prevalent as it currently is. Natural fibers offer cost savings and reduction in
density when compared to glass fibers. Even though the strength of natural fibers is not
as great as glass, the specific properties are comparable. In this study, mechanical
properties of biocomposite materials of wet hand layup and prepreg using palm oil
fiber, are to be analyzed and evaluated thoroughly. However, most of them will focus
on the possibility to produce natural fiber prepreg composite and its characteristics.
Fabrication methods includes compression molding, fiber separation and resin curing
process used to manufacture the control specimens and prepreg Then, the mechanical
properties of the specimens are tested using tensile test. There are a few issues
encountered in this study as making prepreg is a complex process. The issues were
solved through further research and development of the specimen. After the specimen
produced tensile test was carried out for analysis and evaluation process. The results of
specimen fabrication show that natural fiber prepreg fabrication is possible although its
mechanical properties are less than fiberglass. In conclusion, natural fiber prepreg is
possible to be developed. However, further research is needed to produce consistent
and better natural fiber composite in the future.