Experimental investigation on mechanical joint of lontar (Borassus flabellifer) fiber reinforced polyester composites under static flexural test

Abstract

This study has been conducted to investigate the flexural strength of Borassus Flabellifer Fiber (BFF) reinforced polyester composite joint under static condition. Tests were carried out to study the flexural strength of double strap butt joint and single lap joint of BFF polyester composite. In addition, post observation of macroscope was used to map failure behavior. The results showed that the flexural strength of single lap joint is higher than that of material with double strap butt joint of BFF polyester composite. The larger cross-sectional area and the existence of gap area could be the main reason for lower flexural strength generated by double strap butt joint of BFF polyester composite. The failure of BFF polyester composite joints under flexural test indicated the brittle failure behaviour. Fiber breakage was found to be the final failure mechanism, starting with matrix crack and fiber-matrix debonding failure mechanisms.