Abstract
This paper presents the chemical and mechanical properties of Corypha utan leaf fiber (CULF) subjected to different chemical treatments for reinforced composite materials. Natural fibers are currently considered as an alternative constituent for composite reinforcement due to their friendly environment character. The CULF were chemically treated during a pre-fabrication process using NaOH, and 3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate was introduced at three different concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. All the chemical treatments on CULF were observed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. Furthermore, vacuum bagging method with unsaturated polyester was used to manufacture CULF as composite reinforcement. Tensile and bending tests were carried out to collect mechanical properties data of the produced CULF reinforced composites. The data obtained could support further study in the area and development of natural fiber-reinforced composite.