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Journal TEKNOSAINS : Jurnal Sains, Teknologi dan InformatikaTEKNOSAINS : Jurnal Sains, Teknologi dan Informatika Abstract

This study aims to examine the strength and durability of natural fiber–based composite materials as environmentally friendly alternatives for automotive structural components. The use of sustainable materials in the automotive industry has become increasingly important due to rising global demands for carbon emission reduction, energy efficiency, and the replacement of high-impact synthetic materials. In this research, three types of natural fibers – kenaf, ramie, and bamboo – were employed as reinforcement in a polymer matrix. Each composite sample was prepared through fiber mixing, molding, and surface treatment processes to enhance interfacial bonding between phases. Mechanical testing, including tensile, flexural, and impact tests, was conducted to evaluate the material strength. In addition, environmental resistance tests such as water absorption and high-temperature exposure were performed to assess the materials stability under vehicle operating conditions. The results indicate that kenaf-reinforced composites exhibit the highest tensile and flexural strength, while ramie-based composites demonstrate superior performance in impact testing. Bamboo fiber composites show lower strength values but remain suitable for non-structural automotive applications. All three natural fiber composites present relatively high-water absorption levels; however, these can be reduced through alkaline treatment. Overall, the findings confirm the significant potential of natural fiber composites as environmentally friendly automotive materials. Their competitive performance, lightweight characteristics, and abundant raw material availability make them ideal candidates for non-structural components such as door panels, dashboards, and other interior parts. These results support the advancement of automotive technology toward the utilization of sustainable and eco-conscious materials.

Conclusion

The research demonstrates the potential of natural fibers as alternatives to synthetic materials in automotive components.Kenaf fiber composites exhibited the best mechanical properties, making them suitable for applications like door panels and interior parts.Ramie fiber composites showed high impact resistance, ideal for components requiring energy absorption.Overall, natural fiber composites offer advantages in weight reduction, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, supporting the automotive industrys transition to sustainable technologies.

Future Research

Penelitian lebih lanjut perlu dilakukan untuk mengoptimalkan sifat mekanik dan durabilitas komposit serat alam melalui modifikasi permukaan serat dan pengembangan matriks polimer yang lebih kompatibel. Studi komparatif yang lebih mendalam diperlukan untuk mengevaluasi kinerja berbagai jenis serat alam, seperti serat rami, kenaf, dan bambu, dalam kondisi lingkungan yang berbeda, termasuk paparan UV, siklus pembekuan-pencairan, dan serangan bahan kimia. Selain itu, penelitian harus difokuskan pada pengembangan metode fabrikasi yang lebih efisien dan ramah lingkungan, seperti penggunaan resin bio-based dan proses daur ulang untuk mengurangi dampak lingkungan dari produksi komposit serat alam, sehingga dapat mempercepat adopsi material berkelanjutan dalam industri otomotif dan berkontribusi pada pengurangan emisi karbon serta peningkatan efisiensi energi.

References

1. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES, WATER ABSORPTION, AND FAILURE ANALYSES OF KENAF FIBER REINFORCED EPOXY MATRIX... doi.org/10.31436/iiumej.v22i2.1747MECHANICAL PROPERTIES WATER ABSORPTION AND FAILURE ANALYSES OF KENAF FIBER REINFORCED EPOXY MATRIX doi 10 31436 iiumej v22i2 1747
2. Effect of Graphene Fillers on the Water Absorption and Mechanical Properties of NaOH‐Treated... onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/1748121Effect of Graphene Fillers on the Water Absorption and Mechanical Properties of NaOHyAAAaTreated onlinelibrary wiley doi 10 1155 2022 1748121
3. ACCENTS Journals. accents journals journal advanced technology engineering exploration issn print volume... accentsjournals.org/paperinfo.php?journalPaperId=1388ACCENTS Journals accents journals journal advanced technology engineering exploration issn print volume accentsjournals paperinfo php journalPaperId 1388
4. Experimental Testing on Mechanical Properties of Various Natural Fibers Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites.... doi.org/10.17485/ijst/2018/v11i25/122231Experimental Testing on Mechanical Properties of Various Natural Fibers Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites doi 10 17485 ijst 2018 v11i25 122231

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