SANDWICH DESIGN MODEL FOR ALUMINUM AND KENAF-POLYESTER COMPOSITE

This paper presents the design and analysis of the sandwich model for casted metalnatural fiber composite. The objective of this research is to analyze the sandwich model of natural fiber composite to be introduced in metal matrix alloys for engineering application purposes. The sandwich model is the hybrid material combined with layers aluminum LM6 and kenaf composite laminated. Overall thickness for each design is 35mm. For the sandwich design, each layer of LM6 is 10mm thickness and each layer of kenaf-polyester composites is 15mm to make it 3 layers with 35mm thickness. The dimensions for both models are referring based on the requirement of ASTM C393, Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Sandwich Construction. Based on the simulation results, it is feasible to use the sandwich model of LM6 with kenaf-polyester composite. In addition, this simulation result strongly supports the potential for this hybrid laminate of LM6 and kenaf-polyester composite as a substitute for solid LM6, reducing the usage of LM6 substance and introducing natural fiber element into engineering application.