A comparison of the natural fibers to produce automotive interior parts

Abstract

This research aims to compare the mechanical properties of materials made from hyacinth, pineapple and sugarcane fibers, and also to study the feasibility of producing automotive interior parts from natural fibers. The 9 specimens that made from natural fiber such as water hyacinth, pineapple leaf fiber, sugar can and husk and there are also three different binders: glue, polymer and polymer plus hardener were produced. All of specimens were controlled mass and density. The specimens were classified into 2 types: 1) thin type, with a size of 3.5x14x1 cm in order to test the flexibility 2) thick type with a size of 6.5x6.5x20 cm for testing the ability to absorb energy. The test results showed that the specimen produced from sugar cane and husk using adhesive bonding able to receive bending stress and modulus of elasticity more than other specimens up to 80.63% and 69.19% respectively. While the ability to absorb energy from work piece made from pineapple leaf fiber and husks using polymer bender was able to absorb energy more than other work pieces 51.58%.