Identifying the mechanical properties and surface morphology of artocarpus elasticus fiber biocomposites due to the effect of alkali treatment for automotive applications

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2025.337175

Keywords:

Artocarpus elasticus, biocomposites, hand lay-up, mechanical properties, morphology, sodium hydroxide

Abstract

Lantung bark (Artocarpus elasticus), a natural fiber abundant in Bengkulu and other Indonesian regions, was studied as reinforcement in polyester-based biocomposites. The increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials has driven the development of natural fiber-based biocomposites as alternatives to synthetic materials. The main problem addressed is the weak interfacial bonding between untreated Lantung fibers and polymer matrices, reducing composite mechanical performance. To overcome this, fibers were treated with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solutions at 2%, 4%, and 6% concentrations for 2 hours to improve surface morphology and chemical reactivity. After drying, treated fibers were fabricated into biocomposites using the hand lay-up pressing method. Testing included morphological observation via 3D microscopy and mechanical evaluation through tensile and bending tests based on ASTM standards. Results showed that 2% NaOH treatment provided the best biocomposite’s mechanical properties, with a Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of 82.41 MPa and a Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) of 4.71 GPa. These improvements are explained by effective removal of surface impurities without significant fiber damage, enhancing fiber-matrix adhesion. The distinctive feature of this study is identifying an optimal alkali concentration that maintains fiber integrity while significantly improving mechanical performance. The developed Lantung biocomposites have potential applications as eco-friendly interior or non-structural automotive components requiring moderate tensile strength and high flexural performance

Author Biographies

Tri Mulyanto, Gunadarma University

Doctor of Information of Technology, Lecturer

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Firda Aulya Syamani, National Research and Innovation Agency

Doctor, Researcher

Research Centre for Biomass and Bioproducts

Ismadi Ismadi, National Research and Innovation Agency

PhD Candidate, Researcher

Research Centre for Biomass and Bioproducts

Deni Purnomo, National Research and Innovation Agency

PhD Candidate, Researcher

Research Centre for Biomass and Bioproducts

Mona Nurjanah, Gunadarma University

Bachelor of Engineering

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Iman Setyadi, Politeknik Negeri Jakarta

Master of Engineering, Lecturer

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Abdul Azis Abdillah, University of Birmingham; Politeknik Negeri Jakarta

PhD Candidate

CASE Automotive Research Centre

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Lecturer

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Sulaksana Permana, Gunadarma University; Universitas Indonesia

Doctor of Engineering in Metallurgy and Materials, Lecturer

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Department of Metallurgy and Materials

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Identifying the mechanical properties and surface morphology of artocarpus elasticus fiber biocomposites due to the effect of alkali treatment for automotive applications

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Published

2025-08-27

How to Cite

Mulyanto, T., Syamani, F. A., Ismadi, I., Purnomo, D., Nurjanah, M., Setyadi, I., Abdillah, A. A., & Permana, S. (2025). Identifying the mechanical properties and surface morphology of artocarpus elasticus fiber biocomposites due to the effect of alkali treatment for automotive applications. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 4(12 (136), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2025.337175

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 12 (136) (2025): Materials Science

Section

Materials Science

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Copyright (c) 2025 Tri Mulyanto, Firda Aulya Syamani, Ismadi Ismadi, Deni Purnomo, Mona Nurjanah, Iman Setyadi, Abdul Azis Abdillah, Sulaksana Permana

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