The effect of volume fraction on hybrid composites with fiber and trunk powder coconut filler

Hybrid composites are composites composed of multiple matrices and fibers, where the types of fibers include both aligned and randomly oriented fibers. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of volume fraction variations on the mechanical properties of composites reinforced with a mixture of coconut fiber and coconut trunk powder, in order to obtain a hybrid composite with optimal mechanical characteristics.The materials used for the fabrication of the hybrid composite include coconut fiber, coconut trunk powder, polyester resin, and catalyst. The volume fraction variations of fiber and powder were set at 25%:5%, 20%:10%, 15%:15%, 10%:20%, and 5%:25%, with a constant resin content of 70%. Specimen fabrication and testing procedures followed ASTM D3039 for tensile testing and ASTM D256-03 for impact testing. The tests conducted in this study include tensile test, impact test, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results showed that the highest impact and tensile strength wre 0.0087 J/mm² and 14,06 MPa for the composition of 70% resin, 25% fiber, and 5% powder. The morphology of the hybrid composite shows a closed surface structure and a fiber diameter of 10 µm. The bonding between the filler and the fiber is formed.