Scientific Experiences in Mechanical Engineering

Original Research Articles

Mechanical and FTIR Characterization of Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Coconut Coir Fiber and Pine Fruit Peel Powder

Nasmi Herlina Sari , Salman , Pandri Pandiatmi , Muhammad Nabil Fadhlurrohman Rivlan , Catalin Iulian Pruncu

Published
2 January 2027

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2027): Issue in Progress
Pages e3.1-9

DOI

Open Access
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Abstract

This research looks into the tensile, impact, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) characteristics of hybrid composites reinforced using alkali-treated coconut coir fibers and pine fruit peel powder in an epoxy resin matrix. Coconut coir fibers were extracted using a four-day water retting method and then treated with 3 wt.% NaOH for 2 h to increase fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion. The volume fractions of coconut coir fibers (CF) (5%, 10%, and 15%) and pine fruit peel powder (SP) (10%, 20%, and 30%) were varied to form hybrid composites. The CF5/SP10 composite demonstrated the maximum tensile strength (25.61 MPa) and impact strength (46.5 kJ/m²) in the study. The CF15/SP20 composite has the highest modulus of elasticity (1.46 GPa). Increasing the fiber and filler contents beyond the optimal level often decreased mechanical performance, which may be associated with reinforcement agglomeration, insufficient matrix wetting, and the formation of stress concentration sites. FTIR examination revealed the existence of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and epoxy functional groups. The lower intensity of hydroxyl-related absorption bands suggested potential improvement in fiber–matrix compatibility following alkali treatment. These studies show that coconut coir fiber and pine fruit peel powder can be used as sustainable reinforcements for lightweight engineering composites.

Keywords

Coconut coir fiber; Pine fruit peel powder; Hybrid composite; Tensile strength; Impact strength

References

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Publication Information
Published 2 January 2027
Section Original Research Articles
Copyright Copyright (c) 2027 Nasmi Herlina Sari, Salman, Pandri Pandiatmi, Muhammad Nabil Fadhlurrohman Rivlan, Catalin Iulian Pruncu (Author)
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Keywords
  • Coconut coir fiber
  • Pine fruit peel powder
  • Hybrid composite
  • Tensile strength
  • Impact strength
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