Design and Development of Coconut Fiber Sandwich Panel Ceilings

This study aims to evaluate how varying the amount and length of coconut fiber affects the mechanical properties of sandwich ceiling panels, specifically their tensile and flexural strength. The panels are made of alternating layers of coconut fiber and plywood, bonded with polyester resin. Laboratory experiments were conducted at Manado State Polytechnic, focusing on tensile strength testing (ASTM D 638-02) and flexural strength testing (ASTM D 790-02). The coconut fiber volume fractions used were 30%, 40%, and 50%, with fiber lengths of 10-20 mm and 30-40 mm. Results showed a positive correlation between fiber volume fraction and length with improved tensile and flexural strength. The highest tensile strength (19.97 MPa) was achieved with a 50% fiber volume fraction and 30-40 mm fiber length, while the highest flexural strength (25.7 MPa) was obtained with a 50% fiber volume fraction and 10-20 mm fiber length.