The effect of post-curing temperature on mechanical properties of coconut coir fiber reinforced polyester composite

Abstract

This study used post-curing training as a method of strengthening. The smoking process was a process carried out in the form of heating the specimen at a certain temperature to improve the properties possessed by the composite. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of post-curing temperature on the impact strength of coconut coir fiber composites with temperature variations of 600°C, 700°C, 800°C, 900°C, 1000°C. Specimens were prepared using a mixing method for mixing ingredients and a hand lay-up where in the composite volume fraction is prepared according to each specimen, which is 70% polyester and 30% coconut coir fiber. Each specimen is heated for 60 minutes in a conventional oven. Average impact strength and impact energy per unit area increases with the increase in post-curing temperature due to the fact that the movement of composites as well as the reduction of holes in the composites and adhesion to one another (suturing) can improve mechanical testing. The highest strength values obtained in the specimen with an increase in T = 100°C, ie 18,509 J for the average impact energy and 0,1434 J/mm2 for impact energy per unit area average.