Development of natural fiber tensile test apparatus using cantilever structure loading system

Abstract

Measurement of the mechanical properties of natural fiber is an important role in quality control. One of the most important mechanical properties of fiber is its tensile strength. To carry out tensile test fiber required tensile test apparatus. The tensile test apparatus used today is a foreign-made commercial tensile test imported at an exorbitant price. These conditions cause obstacles in the development of basic natural fiber technology in Indonesia. The purpose of this research is to design a natural fiber tensile test apparatus which is cheap and easy to operate. The result of this research is prototype of fiber tensile test which has been successfully tested with: 5N loading capacity, calibration curve accuracy: N = 1.052 V and loading rate 0.014 N/s. The result of tensile test to one natural fiber that used abaca fiber in range 100 MPa - 900 MPa and the data of tensile test results in existing literatures then there is conformity with the value of tensile strength. The results of this study are expected provide benefits for researchers, academics and industry in supporting the development of Indonesia natural fiber industry as well as enhancing competitiveness at international level.