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Mechanical and Moisture Resistance Evaluation of Alkali-Treated Coconut Fiber/E-Glass Hybrid Epoxy Composite for Lightweight Engineering Applications Sukmara, Sony; Ariyanto; Hakim, Moh Azizi; Heriyana, Erik; Qudratullah, Fahmi
Integrated Mechanical Engineering Journal Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023): Integrated Mechanical Engineering Journal (IMEJOUR) Vol. 1 No. 1 2023
Publisher : Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, Universitas Global Jakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.56904/imejour.v1i1.203

Abstract

In mechanical engineering, the demand for lightweight and sustainable materials is gaining significant momentum, as the choice of material impacts the efficiency, energy usage, and environmental footprint of mechanical systems. Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have many advantages like low density and renewability but they are not widely used due to moisture sensitivity and poor fiber–matrix bonding. In this study, an alkali treatment process of coconut fibers and their hybridization with E-glass fibers for structural and semi‑structural components application using an epoxy composite is investigated. The work is tested for its tensile, flexural, impact, specific strength and moisture absorption properties. Coconut fibers were processed with sodium hydroxide to increase the surface roughness and remove hydrophilic impurities from the fibers and composite laminates were prepared by a hand lay-up technique in which the fibers were cured at room temperature. Experimental study shows that the tensile and flexural strength, impact resistance and specific strength of natural fiber composites of hybridization with E‑glass fiber are significantly increased when compared to natural fiber composites without hybridization, mainly due to the bridging effect of E‑glass fiber and reduced fiber pull out and load transfer. The hybrid composite also demonstrates reduced water absorption, further enhancing its potential for lightweight applications where durability and environmental considerations are paramount. In summary, this study contributes to the progress of sustainable composite development by comprehensively uniting the fiber treatment, hybrid reinforcement, mechanical evaluation, and moisture resistance in a single experimental system.
Energy, Exergy, and Drying Kinetics Assessment of a Solar-Assisted Heat Pump Dryer for Sustainable Agricultural Product Processing Qudratullah, Fahmi; Efendi, Irwan Saputra; Hakim, Moh Azizi; Heriyana, Erik; Sukmara, Sony
Integrated Mechanical Engineering Journal Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024): Integrated Mechanical Engineering Journal (IMEJOUR) Vol. 2 No. 1 2024
Publisher : Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, Universitas Global Jakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.56904/imejour.v2i1.204

Abstract

Drying is an important agricultural post-harvest operation which requires high energy input and produces inconsistent agricultural products quality by conventional methods. Alternatively, solar assisted heat pump drying can be provided which is more efficient by utilizing both renewable solar heat and heat pump dehumidification and heat recovery. In this study, an integrated drying kinetics, energy analysis and exergy evaluation framework are developed to evaluate the performance of solar-assisted heat pump dryer. The framework describes mathematically derived indicators to describe moisture reduction behavior, drying rate, energy consumption, coefficient of performance, specific moisture extraction rate, drying efficiency, and exergy efficiency. Illustrative results demonstrate that the system continuously reduces the moisture content while increasing the energy utilization in comparison to conventional hot-air drying, where the COP and the SMER are important transients measuring energy delivery for useful purposes and the ability to remove moisture, respectively. Exergy analysis also pinpoints the main exergy-irreversibility sources in the drying chamber and heat-transfer components. The study is overall an integrated mechanical-engineering approach that connects drying behavior, heat transfer, energy consumption and exergy losses for designing and optimizing sustainable and energy efficient dryers for agricultural and food processing applications.