Vibration-Damping Factor of Glass/Kenaf/Polyester Hybrid Composite

Abstract

The study of vibration-damping factor on unsaturated polyester resin reinforced glass and kenaf fiber has been performed. Two variations of glass and kenaf fibers were made based on fiber volume fraction (Vf) and ratio of glass to kenaf fiber at Vf of 25 %. The measurement of the samples was to obtain the value of the vibration-damping factor and the elastic modulus. The result shows that the vibration-damping factor decreases proportionally to the addition of fiber. Increased stiffness is evidenced by an increase in elastic modulus along with an increase in fiber content. According ratio of glass to kenaf fiber, the vibration-damping factor decreases proportionally with the increasing of glass fiber content. Increased kenaf fiber content causes an increase in vibration-damping factor, a decrease in elastic modulus, and lead to decreased in stiffness of the hybrid composite.