Analisis Perbandingan Kekuatan Bending, Tarik, dan Fraktografi pada Material Komposit Serat Eceng Gondok, Serat Bambu serta Epoxy sebagai Pengganti Dashboard Mobil

Abstract

The development of the automotive industry has increased the demand for materials with lightweight characteristics, good mechanical properties, and environmentally friendly features. Natural fiber-based composite materials have become one of the potential alternatives to replace synthetic materials due to their lightweight, sustainable, and biodegradable characteristics for vehicle interior components, including car dashboards. This study aims to analyze the mechanical characteristics of hybrid composite materials reinforced with water hyacinth fiber and bamboo fiber using an epoxy matrix through bending, tensile, and fractographic analysis to evaluate their potential application as an alternative dashboard material. The research was conducted using an experimental method by fabricating composite specimens with a composition of 15% water hyacinth fiber, 15% bamboo fiber, and 70% epoxy resin. The fibers were subjected to alkali treatment using NaOH solution before the molding process. Mechanical testing was performed based on ASTM D790 for bending tests and ASTM D638 for tensile tests, while fractographic analysis was conducted on the fracture surfaces after mechanical testing. The results showed that the highest bending strength was obtained at 4.18 kg/mm² from a specimen with a thickness of 5.42 mm, while the highest tensile strength reached 1.79 kg/mm² from a specimen with a thickness of 6.24 mm. Fractographic observations revealed several failure mechanisms, including fiber pull-out, matrix cracking, void formation, delamination, and fiber fracture, which were influenced by the quality of the fiber–matrix bonding and the composite fabrication process. Based on the results, the hybrid composite of water hyacinth fiber and bamboo fiber reinforced with epoxy matrix has potential for development as an alternative material for car dashboard components; however, further optimization of fiber composition and manufacturing processes is required to improve its mechanical performance.