Characteristics of polyester composite reinforced hybrid Hibiscus tiliaceust bark and palm fibers as harrow comb (leveler) material

In the present research preparation and characterization of polyester composite reinforced hybrid fiber Hibiscus tiliaceust bark fiber (HTBF) and palm fibers (PF). PF is obtained from palm plantation in Kekait village. HTBF has gained from the beach Krandangan, West Lombok, Indonesia. The fibers were treated with alkali by soaking it in 5% NaOH solution for 2 days Composites were made using the vacuum infusion method. The matrix used is polyester resin BTQN 157. The volume fractions between palm fibers (PF) and Hibiscus tiliaceust bark fiber (HTBF) are, 5% : 25%, 10% : 20%, 15% : 15%, and 20% : 10 %. Specimens for tensile testing using the ASTM D638-03 Type I standard and impact testing using the Izod method, specimens using the ASTM D256-03 standard, and further Observation of the specimen fracture was carried out using Canon EOS 700D Kit (EF S18-55 IS STM) camera. The results of this study indicate the addition of the volume fraction of palm fiber (PF), affects the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact toughness and the extent of the fracture shape of the specimen. As the volume fraction of PF increases, the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, fracture area increases, but the impact toughness of the specimen decreases. The specimen is suitable to be used as a leveler, mainly crushing and destroying paddy fields