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Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Teak Wood/Water Hyacinth Reinforced Polyester Composites for Eco-Friendly Motorcycle-Brake Pad Application

Ferry Budhi Susetyo , Rani Anggrainy , Ahmad Lubi , Ahmad Mashuri Sahid , Ahmad Fathurahman , Fitri Kurniawati , Nora'aini Ali , Jan Setiawan

Published
December 27, 2025

Vol. 8 No. 3 (2025)
Pages 640-652

DOI

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Abstract

Non-asbestos materials are developed to replace asbestos as brake pad due to the dangers to human health. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the development of hybrid reinforced polyester composites using natural fibers such as teak wood and water hyacinth for brake pad application. Natural fibers were prepared by drying, cutting, and filtering through a 30-mesh sieve. The quantity of polyester/catalyst resin was fixed at 30 g, while teak wood and water hyacinth fibers were varied (15, 10, and 5 g). Fillers and composites were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and composites were further analyzed through scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), hardness, and wear resistance testing. The results of FTIR spectra showed that a 5TW-15WH sample had the lowest lignin content, while surface morphology of composites was inhomogeneous with few voids and cracks. Based on EDS investigation, carbon (C) and oxygen (O) were the two most abundant elements, indicating lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose as the main components in composites. TGA measurement showed that 15TW-5WH sample had lower weight loss compared to others. Increasing water hyacinth caused a significant improvement in material performance, with 5 g teak wood-15 g water hyacinth in the composite, showing the highest hardness at 71.2 Shore D and lowest wear rate of 5.373 × 10-6 mm2/kg.

Keywords

IR Spectra; SEM Image; Thermal resistance; Hardness; Wear resistance

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Publication Information
Published December 27, 2025
Section Articles
Copyright Copyright (c) 2025 Ferry Budhi Susetyo, Rani Anggrainy, Ahmad Lubi, Ahmad Mashuri Sahid, Ahmad Fathurahman, Fitri Kurniawati, Nora'aini Ali, Jan Setiawan
Keywords
  • IR Spectra
  • SEM Image
  • Thermal resistance
  • Hardness
  • Wear resistance

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