Development of Eco-Friendly Polyester Matrix Composite Reinforced with Doum Palm Kernel Powder for Advanced Motorcycle Leg Shield Design

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical properties of polyester matrix composites reinforced with varying weight percentages of doum palm kernel powder (DPKP) aimed at motorcycle leg shield design. Four composite formulations with varying polyester-to-doum palm kernel powder ratios (90/10, 80/20, 70/30, and 60/40) were fabricated and subjected to mechanical and thermal testing to evaluate their suitability for structural applications. The mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile, compression, flexural, and impact tests, while the thermal performance was analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results indicated that the 90/10 composition exhibited the highest stiffness, strength, and energy dissipation capacity, making it the most suitable for applications requiring rigidity and impact resistance. In contrast, the 60/40 composition demonstrated increased flexibility and water absorption at the rate of 8.30% after four days, along with reduced mechanical strength (12.119 MPa) and thermal stability. DMA results further revealed that the 90/10 formulation retained its stiffness up to higher temperatures of 55.5°C indicating the onset of the material's transition from a glassy to a rubbery state. Overall, the work successfully demonstrated the potential of doum palm kernel powder as reinforcing filler in polyester composites for high-performance motorcycle leg shields due to its superior mechanical and thermal properties.