Mechanical Properties of “Mengkuang” Fibre Reinforced Composite

A natural fibre reinforced polymer is a composite material consists of a polymer matrix
with natural fibre reinforcement. Due to its low cost, eco-friendly, light weight and high
strength characteristics, natural fibre can replace the synthetic fibre. Traditionally,
mengkuang leaves are used for making ropes and woven hand-crafts. Mengkuang
leaves which are abundant in Malaysia have not been process as reinforcement for
composite. The study of mechanical properties of mengkuang leaves reinforced
composite is almost non-existence. Hence, the objective of this project was to evaluate
the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/mengkuang leave composite which
include tensile, flexural and impact properties. PP was used as matrix while mengkuang
leave was used as natural fibre reinforcement. To fabricate the specimens, extrusion and
injection moulding techniques were employed. Tensile, flexural and impact tests were
done according to their respective ASTM standards. Compositions of 80/20, 70/30 and
60/40 wt.% (PP/mengkuang fibre) were compared with neat PP. Mengkuang leave was
cut into an average dimension of 7.5 mm X 1 mm before processing. Both tensile and
flexural properties showed some improvements in the composite compared to neat PP.