Characteristics polyester matrix composite reinforced hybrid Musa acuminata stem-Hibiscus tiliaceust bark fiber as rear vehicle bumper material

In this study characterizing the polyester matrix composite material reinforced with hybrid fibers (Musa acuminata stem fiber (MASF)-Hibiscus tiliaceus bark fiber (HTBF). The aim is to increase impact toughness and shrinkage due to temperature changes. The fiber length is 10 cm, arranged randomly, with the volume fraction ratio of MASF and HTBF is 5%:25%, 10%:20%, 15%:15%, and 20%:10%. The fiber was treated with alkali by soaking it in 5% NaOH solution for 2 days. The matrix used was polyester BQTN type 157 and was catalyzed by MEKPO. To determine impact toughness and fiber shrinkage due to temperature degradation, impact tests and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were carried out. Specimens were prepared by the vacuum infusion method. The results of this study indicate the highest impact toughness was 0.102 J/mm2 at the volume fraction ratio of the MASF-HTBF hybrid fiber 20 %:10%. If the volume fraction exceeds 20%, the collision energy will again decrease. Based on the TGA test the polyester composite specimens with the best heat resistance were hybrid fiber reinforcement with volume fraction ratio: 5% MASF, with the lowest weight loss of about 73.16%.