HOW TOUGH IS RATTAN? INSIGHTS FROM CHARPY IMPACT TESTING ON SINGLE FIBRES

Rattan, a widely used non-timber forest product in Malaysia, plays a crucial role in the furniture and craft industries due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits compared to synthetic fibres such as lignocellulosic fibre. Despite its potential, limited research has been conducted on the incorporation of rattan fibres into polymeric composites. This study investigates the impact resistance of epoxy matrix composites reinforced with rattan fibres, particularly in laminated hybrid configurations with aramid. Composites were fabricated using the vacuum bagging technique, and impact strength was assessed through Charpy impact tests per ASTM standards. Various laminate stacking sequences and thicknesses were evaluated. The results revealed that impact strength improved with increased lamination thickness, with the optimal configuration being a 7-layer laminate comprising four plain-woven rattan layers and three aramid layers. This configuration achieved an average energy absorption of 26.10 J and a tensile strength of 372.89 kJ/m². Morphological analysis confirmed effective bonding between the natural and synthetic fibres, supporting the viability of hybrid composites for low-impact applications. Overall, the findings highlight rattan’s potential as a sustainable reinforcement material in polymeric composites, offering an eco-friendly alternative for enhancing the performance and sustainability of furniture and related products.