Abstract:
Nowadays, new technologies develop fender systems to ensure safety ships and
pier during berthing. The basic characteristics of the fender should depend from
elasticity of the materials. The fenders will more efficient if a huge energy can
absorb. In this study, the structural characteristics and mechanical properties of
coir composites was evaluated. The results obtained for flexural strength will
allow comparisons of the composites with other conventional materials in terms
of the technical performance. Coir is the natural material from the husk of coconut
and an alternative material other than natural rubber to be use in fender because
of its absorption of collision characteristics. The coconut coir is assessed as an
environmental friendly material owing to its biodegradability and renewable
characteristics. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of using
coir in fender other than natural rubber. The few specimens was tested by
mechanical test such as tensile test, bending test and impact test. Tensile test
was carried out to determine the strength of material, while bending test is to
obtain the maximum stress on the tension side of flexural and Impact test; it's to
obtain the impact energy that can be absorbed. The results indicate that
composite coir is 119.8 MPa for tensile stress, 38.73866 N for maximum flexure
and 1.184 J for energy absorption.
