Replacement of Metal Springs with Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Springs for Improved Vehicle Suspension

A significant advancement has been achieved in the manufacturing of helical springs using natural fibers, specifically Kenaf fiber, derived from the stem of the Kenaf plant. Kenaf fiber has been selected for its unique properties, including UV protection, heat insulation, and its environmentally friendly nature. Replacing traditional metal springs with Kenaf fiber offers several advantages, such as reduced weight, increased corrosion resistance, and the availability of raw materials in nature .To enhance the properties of Kenaf fiber, it is treated with a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at a concentration of up to 10%. Following this treatment, the fiber is immersed in a matrix and shaped into a spring using a lathe machine. The Kenaf-reinforced composite spring is then used as a replacement for the metal spring in bicycle seats.The mechanical properties of the Kenaf fiber-reinforced helical spring are subjected to rigorous testing to optimize parameters such as ultimate compression strength, stiffness, and elasticity. A common challenge with natural fiber-reinforced composites, however, is their relatively lower mechanical strength compared to synthetic materials. To address this limitation, one effective strategy is to increase fiber loading, thereby improving the interfacial properties and overall performance of the composite. In this study, hybrid polyester composites reinforced with jute and Kenaf fibers are fabricated through the hand layup process. Fiber loadings in the composite vary from 30%, 50%, to 70% by volume. Additionally, the fibers are treated with alkali solutions (NaOH) at concentrations of 3% and 5% before the composite formation process. Laboratory testing is conducted to evaluate the impact, flexural, and tensile properties of these hybrid jute/Kenaf reinforced polyester composites, providing valuable insights into their potential applications. This research highlights the promising use of natural fibers, like Kenaf, in composite materials for automotive and other mechanical applications, contributing to both performance enhancement and sustainability.