A study into the characteristics of gomuti ( Arenga pinnata ) fibre for usage as natural fibre composites

Gomuti is a natural fibre obtained from Arenga pinnata tree. In its native countries, the fibre has been used as roof, rope, insulation and water filter. This paper presents a study into the physical, mechanical and thermal characteristics of gomuti fibre to observe its viability as natural fibre composite material. The study includes observations of fibre morphology, diameter, density, single fibre tensile testing and observation of fibre thermal stability. It was found that diameter of the studied gomuti fibre was in a range of 81–313 µm, with an average of 168 µm. Density of gomuti was ∼1.40 g/cm³. The average strength of single gomuti fibre was 173.9 MPa and the average modulus of elasticity was 3847 MPa. Alkali treatment with sodium hydroxide was conducted to evaluate modifications in the fibre’s characteristics. The treated gomuti fibres show altered diameter range, density, single fibre tensile properties and different thermogravimetric plots. Based on the results, gomuti fibre can be considered viable to be developed into natural fibre composites.