Akbar Zulkarnain, Heri Wibowo, Willy Artha Wirawan
The increasing demand for sustainable composite materials is propelling the exploration of new natural fiber with high mechanical performance. However, low interfacial connection as well as a high content of amorphous components, including lignin and hemicellulose, remain significant challenges in the development of natural reinforcement fiber. Therefore, this study aimed to propose Calathea lutea fiber (CLF) as a new reinforcement candidate in polymer composite. The main objective of the analysis was to evaluate the effect of alkali treatment on the chemical, mechanical, morphological, crystallinity, and thermal properties of CLF. Treatment was conducted by immersing fiber in a 5 % sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution for several hours. The resulting fiber was characterized using tensile test, Fourrier transform infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and chemical analysis. The results showed that treatment for 2 h (N2H) led to a significant increase in tensile strength (182.34 ± 26.96 MPa), Young's modulus (12.70 ± 1.61 GPa), crystallinity index (49.16 %), and the main thermal degradation temperature. In addition, SEM analysis signified a cleaner and rougher fiber surface. Alkali-treated CLF had the potential to serve as an alternative reinforcement material for the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable natural composite. © 2025 The Authors.
Doctoral Student of Mechanical Engineering Department, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Karang Malang, Jl. Colombo No.1, Depok, Sleman, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia; Indonesian Railway Polytechnic, Tirta Raya street, Nambangan Lor, Manguharjo, Madiun, 63161, Indonesia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Karang Malang, Jl. Colombo No.1, Depok, Sleman, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, 60231, Indonesia
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