Effect of Coconut Fiber – Polyethylene Composite Ratio To The Tensile Properties And Hardness

Abstract

t The innovation of wasted product is important to reduce worst impact to the environment. The coconut
waste can affect the health and environment such as the dusty surrounding resulting to the air and land pollution.
In this situation, the coconut wastes are dumped into certain areas that may trap the water. Coconut fiber
reinforcements offered the added value properties such as the beneficial environmental impact of the renewable
resources and having capabilities of recyclable and biodegradable. The main objective is to fabricate polyethylene
based product mixed with coconut husk. The mixing between polyethylene and coconut fiber were implemented
by using internal mixer. Then, the composition was mixed between coconut fibre and polyethylene. The ratios of
Coconut fiber-Polyethylene were 40%:60%, 50%:50%, 30%:70% and 0%:100%. The coconut fiber-polyethylene
composites were manufactured using the compression moulding method. The effects of ratio between
polyethylene and coconut fiber were analyzed based on output product properties represented. This composite
was measured by tensile test, hardness test and fractography of sample. The tensile strength, elongation and yield
strength increased with the increasing of the polyethylene volume. The hardness test showed the product hardness
would be increased if the matrix volume was more than the fiber volume. Fractography showed the fracture surface
condition. This project hopefully will produce a composite that can be applied in industry such as green products
and eco-friendly products. It is also give benefits to the better environment.