Study of Polypropylene and Coconut Fiber Powder Composite as a Wood Replacing Material

Abstract

This research is a study on the production of wood substitute materials from polypropylene plastic and natural materials, namely coconut fiber powder. Including the coupled substance is Maleic anhydride graphted polypropylene mixed together with the ratio of polypropylene: co-additives: coconut fiber powder into 3 types which are 50: 5: 45, 60: 5: 35, 70: 5: 25 and using hot extrusion process. In order to get the plastic sheet as needed according to the ASTM standard physical and mechanical properties, it is found that the ratio 70: 5: 25 is the most suitable for both physical and mechanical properties consisting of 1) low hygroscopicity with 1.67 % 2) density of 0.87 grams / cubic centimeter 3) swelling by thickness of only 1.99 % 4) high strength according to modulus of fracture at 24.49 MPa and 5 ) Tensile strength 23.86 kgf/cm2, respectively. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative to wood as a substitute for decoration. But there are still disadvantages in terms of beauty and hardness that is not very high. In which the application must be considered to be suitable for the type of work used and if you want a better qualification, you will have to research and develop this for getting better material.