Mechanical Characterization of Composites Reinforced by Corn Husk Fiber (Zea mays) Waste and Coffee Husk Fiber (Coffea Arabica L)

The utilization of corn husk and coffee husk waste has not been maximized. This research was carried out by making composites using fibers from corn and coffee husks. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of the tensile strength and bending strength of the composite of corn husk fiber and coffee husk fiber at optimal fiber volume variations. This study was conducted with variations in the volume ratio of corn husk fiber and coffee husk used, namely: (10% : 90%), (20% : 80%), (30% : 70%), (40% : 60%) and (50% : 50%). The previously modified fibers with 5% NaOH treatment for corn husk fibers and 3% NaOH for coffee husk fibers. The method used in specimen printing is the Hand Lay Up method. The results for the tensile test at 0% fiber variation of 5.174 MPa, 10% : 90% variation of 7.539 MPa, 20% : 80% variation of 7.144 MPa, 30% : 70% variation of 7.901 MPa, 40% : 60% variation of 7.970 MPa and a variation of 50%: 50% of 8.321 MPa. The results for the maximum bending test were obtained at a variation of 50%: 50% of 7.720 MPa.