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Evaluating the Reliability of Theoretical Predictions for Tensile Strength in Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites

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Abstract:

Natural fibers are increasingly recognized as sustainable alternatives to synthetic reinforcements in polymer composites due to their biodegradability, high availability, and low production cost. However, their mechanical performance is often inconsistent, making it crucial to evaluate predictive models that estimate tensile strength. This study investigates the reliability of theoretical predictions based on the Rule of Mixtures (ROM) in unidirectional composites reinforced with various natural fibers, including bamboo, coconut, pineapple, banana midrib, and sugar palm fibers. Fibers were subjected to alkali treatment prior to composite fabrication with a polyester matrix, and tensile tests were performed following ASTM D-638 standards. Theoretical predictions of optimum tensile strength were determined at minimum, Vmin and critical, Vcrit fiber volume fractions. The tensile strength based on theoretical prediction are then compared to the experimental results. The results show that bamboo fiber achieve optimum tensile strength of 51.92 MPa with relatively low fiber volume fractions. In contrast, the banana fiber achieves the lowest tensile strength of 39.10 MPa. Overall, the theoretical approach exhibited good agreement with experimental trends, particularly in predicting optimum fiber fractions, validating its utility as a preliminary design tool for natural fiber-reinforced composites.

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Periodical:

Materials Science Forum (Volume 1196)

Pages:

127-136

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-r25uFB

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Online since:

June 2026

Authors:

Khairul Anam*, Anugrah Herland Priambodo, Hastono Wijaya, Putu Hadi Setyarini

Keywords:

Natural Fiber Composites, Rule of Mixtures, Tensile Strength, Theoretical Prediction, Unidirectional Composites

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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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